Raise Up Your Child In the Way He Should Go (Prov 22:6)
Conducted by Notre Dame’s Sociology Department, the Good Soil Report is the most comprehensive study ever conducted on the long-term outcomes of classical Christian education (CCE). Drawing from thousands of graduates across the country, the research examines how classical Christian schools shape students spiritually, intellectually, vocationally, and civically well into adulthood. While every graduate's story is unique and no educational model can guarantee specific outcomes, the findings consistently demonstrate that graduates of classical Christian schools are flourishing across a wide range of meaningful life measures.
As a member and accreditation candidate of the Association of Classical Christian Schools (ACCS), New City Classical Academy is committed to cultivating this same "good soil" in which students can grow to love what is true, good, and beautiful—for the glory of God and the good of the Quad Cities.
#1: Life Outlook
Classical Christian graduates demonstrate greater hope, gratitude, purpose, and overall life satisfaction.
#2: Christian Commitment
Graduates exhibit deep biblical conviction and confidence in historic Christian belief.
#3: Christian Lifestyle
Faith is lived out through church involvement, spiritual disciplines, and Christ-centered family life.
#4: College & Career Success
Classical graduates are well prepared for higher education, meaningful vocations, and lifelong learning.
#5: Independent Thinking
Students learn to think carefully, biblically, and independently rather than merely conforming to prevailing cultural assumptions.
#6: Conservative & Traditional
Graduates tend to embrace enduring biblical values, strong families, and the wisdom of the Western tradition.
#7: Influencers
Classical Christian graduates are equipped to lead, serve, and positively shape their churches, communities, and culture.
Summary
What is the telos—the objective or goal—of education? Is it to focus on vocation—preparing future graduates to get good jobs and become good consumers? Or is it virtue formation—preparing students who have cultivated diligence, courage, and the other virtues we expect from our students?
Some may hear “virtue formation” and wrongly assume that this produces students who are moral but unemployable. This Good Soil data debunks that myth, aligning with C.S. Lewis’ quote, “Aim at Heaven and you will get Earth 'thrown in': aim at Earth and you will get neither”.
At NCCA, we’re committed to graduating students who are equipped to shape the culture through wise and victorious Christian living. This requires a rootedness to the great traditions and wisdom which have come before them, as well as a preparedness for the life which lies ahead of them.
