About Torrey Academy
Classically informed humanities courses
Torrey Academy draws on the great minds of the Western tradition from Plato to C.S. Lewis for class curriculum and teaching methods. Modeled after Biola University's Torrey Honors Institute, Torrey Academy inspires and aids students to know truth, develop Godly sentiments and habits, and appreciate beauty. Students read Great Books and participate in tutor-led discussions, helping them to wrestle with and think critically about the ideas that have shaped the Christian worldview for over two-thousand years.
Holistic
Torrey Academy courses help students flourish as individuals created in the image of God with multiple areas of potential in mind, body, and spirit. Such a whole-person outlook means that we seek to stretch students not only in mind, forming justified true beliefs and acquiring skills, but also in character, aiding and inspiring them to develop Godly sentiments and habits, to behave ethically, and to appreciate beauty. We do not teach to standardized tests; we teach to the glory of God by touching and transforming individual lives.
Classically Informed
Torrey Academy courses draw on the great minds of the Christian tradition for class curriculum and teaching methods.
The curriculum is interdisciplinary and based on primary texts rather than textbooks. Because Torrey Academy courses seek to equip students to articulate and defend the Christian worldview, we believe it is necessary for students to wrestle with the texts and ideas that have shaped and challenged that worldview over the last two thousand years. The curriculum spans literature, history, theology, philosophy, Bible, government, and art to reflect the unity of creation and knowledge.
Torrey Academy course methods and assignments emphasize the essential skills of reading, thinking, writing, and speaking. We develop reasoning and rhetorical skills in small group discussions led by degreed scholars, called tutors.
Accessible
Although the classes are challenging, they are designed to be accessible to all Christian students of all academic abilities starting in ninth grade. No "honors student" status is required to enroll; the only prerequisites are the ability to read and write at a basic high school level, and, most importantly, the willingness to work diligently.
Options
Six different Torrey Academy courses can be taken remotely through web-based audio-conferencing or on-location throughout Southern California. Courses have grade-level requirements, but families can choose to start the sequence earlier or later depending on the student's readiness.
Benefits
- Students learn to think critically
- Students learn to write argumentative essays
- Students begin to develop Godly sentiments and habits
- Students receive 30-35 credits for each core class (The Inklings, Foundations of American Thought, and Faith of our Fathers)
- Families receive documentation of course work completed and a final grade
Guest Lecturers
Our faculty lecturers are chosen for three reasons: scholarly excellence, passion for Jesus Christ, and dynamic commitment in word and deed to Biblical Christianity. Each faculty member has extensive teaching experience and will challenge students intellectually and spiritually.
