A classical approach emphasizes the goal of giving children the educational tools to both learn and think for themselves. The classical emphasis is grounded on the three-fold approach to the tools of learning called the Trivium. The Trivium consists of the three foundational academic categories, or phases, that are consistent with the specific stages of development of the child: grammar, logic, and rhetoric. The grammar phase (K-5) emphasizes knowledge mastery and memorization. The logic phase (6-8) emphasizes principle comprehension and reasoning. The rhetoric phase (9-12) emphasizes expression and application. In addition to laying out the stages of learning, the Trivium also provides a way to break down a subject of study for full comprehension. Every subject has aspects of grammar, logic, and rhetoric in that one must first grasp the facts, then learn the reasons, motivations, and logic around the facts and finally, evaluate and make applications. The Trivium, while providing a way to approach each subject is also a set of subjects. Traditionally, the Trivium has included Latin as part of the grammar phase, logic or the principles of reasoning as part of the logic phase, and rhetoric, the art of speaking/writing clearly and cogently, as part of the rhetoric phase.

At Summit we cultivate life-long learners who are wise, knowledgeable, and eloquent. Life-Long Learners: God has put in the heart of every child a joy and passion to learn. This is not something that a school can create. Rather, we cultivate the seed that God has already planted. Learning should be a life-long process, and Summit wants to provide students with the tools necessary to accomplish that. Wise: At Summit we want our students to be wise knowers. The foundation of wisdom is knowing the living God as He is revealed in the Scriptures. The Apostle Paul said that Jesus Christ has become to us “wisdom from God” (cf. 1 Cor. 1:30), and Solomon said, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). Knowledgeable: We want our students to be fascinated with all there is to know in the cosmos. St. Augustine said, study the Scriptures—and then study everything else. From a certain point of view, we want our students to leave no stone unturned as they explore all that God has made, and all that man has done with that creation, both good and bad. Eloquent: Finally, we want our students to be eloquent. This doesn’t just have to do with good communication skills. In our communication with others we are not only told to “speak the truth,” but to do so “in love.” Eloquence is a manner of being; a grace. Eloquence doesn’t speak down at people. Rather, it frames a dialogue in truth while esteeming the other as a bearer of God’s image.

Summit currently offers Pre-K through 10th grade. It is an affordable alternative to public schooling, traditionally has smaller class sizes, uses effective curriculum that prepares the next generation for the world around us, and is built around a foundation of love, joy, and compassion - shown to us by Jesus Christ.

Our school is situated in the Snoqualmie Valley area, we have families in North Bend, Snoqualmie, Fall City, Carnation, Sammamish, and Issaquah.