SOCRATIC DISCUSSIONS CLASSES

 

Our live, online Socratic classes are the perfect preparation to get the most out of our high school Great Books Program. Our weekly, live Socratic classes train the students in the classical trivium for grades 3-8.

DIALECTICS: A method of argument for resolving disagreement that has been central to European and Indian philosophy since antiquity. The word dialectic originated in ancient Greece and was made popular by Plato and the Socratic dialogues. The dialectical method is conversation between two or more people holding different points of view about a subject, who wish to establish the truth of the matter guided by reasoned (logical) arguments and critical thinking.

RHETORIC: The art or skill of speaking formally, politely, effectively and confidently, especially as a way to persuade or influence people towards the truth.

GRAMMAR: The set of structural rules that govern the composition of phrases, clauses and words.

Students are welcome to join our classes any time of the year.

“Education begins at the level of the learner.” ARISTOTLE

TUITION

September – May Online Classes
Yearly Tuition Per Course
$565.25 payment in full
(price reflects 5% discount for payment in full)
$59.50 for 10 monthly payments

20% discount for any additional siblings

CLASS TIMES

Classes meet each Monday
3-4th Grade: 30 minutes
5-6th Grade: 40 minutes
7-8th Grade: 50 minutes
See below for detailed schedule.

CLASS READINGS

Please see the PDF below for Socratic Discussion class reading lists.

SOCRATIC CLASS TIMESPACIFICMOUNTAINCENTRAL EASTERN
3rd Grade Class (Monday)8:00 AM9:00 AM10:00 AM11:00 AM
4th Grade Class (Monday)1:00 PM2:00 PM3:00 PM4:00 PM
5th Grade Class (Monday)9:00 AM10:00 AM11:00 AM12:00 PM
6th Grade Class (Monday)10:00 AM11:00 AM12:00 PM1:00 PM
7th Grade Class (Monday)11:00 AM12:00 PM1:00 PM2:00 PM
8th Grade Class (Monday)12:00 PM1:00 PM2:00 PM3:00 PM

Meet your Socratic Discussions Moderators

Nicole Mitchell
Tutor
Hello, my name is Nicole Alessandra Mitchell and I am so happy to be joining Angelicum Academy! I graduated from Thomas More College of Liberal Arts in Merrimack, New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Arts in Literature in 2012. After Thomas More College I obtained a certificate in Youth Ministry from the University of Notre Dame Satellite program. Next, I proceeded to obtain my Montessori certification for Early Childhood Education. I have taught in Montessori schools as a lead guide since 2014. I am happily married to my husband Cade and we have two boys! I believe it is important for our children to be raised with a classical and Catholic education. I look forward to working with you and your children.
Bio Information
Franco Bertucci
Moderator
Franco Bertucci is a father of four, a teacher, and a farmer. Between 2005 and 2014 he wrote songs and traveled with his goofy band as a professional musician, performing several hundred shows in nine states. He now mostly stays home to work on a small family farm raising and selling vegetable produce and fruit. During the school year Franco teaches music, chess, and Shakespeare to local homeschoolers for Olympic Peninsula Home Connection in Washington State. He has co-directed seven Shakespeare productions and is working on a book of guitar trios to be published by Mel Bay. He has moderated for the Socratic Discussions Program for about ten years and is looking forward to more.
Bio Information
Matthew Zimmerman
Great Books Moderator
Matthew Zimmerman earned a Bachelor’s degree summa cum laude in Philosophy and History from Holy Apostles College & Seminary, graduating as Salutatorian of his class. In 2022, he completed his Master’s degree summa cum laude in Philosophy with a concentration in Ethics, also at Holy Apostles. Matthew loves to study the Great Books and to explore them alongside the students in the classroom. Among his many favorite works to discuss and share with the students are Homer’s Odyssey, Boethius’ Consolation of Philosophy, and the Summa Theologiae of St. Thomas Aquinas, as well as Gulliver’s Travels and The Brothers Karamazov. He is very grateful to be a part of such a fascinating adventure into the True, the Good, and the Beautiful. In addition to being in the classroom, Matthew enjoys visiting with friends and family, spending time outside in nature, plane spotting, driving on dirt roads, praying the Rosary, and embarking on still further adventures through reading. He lives in Vermont.
Bio Information
Marissa Standage
Great Books Moderator
Marissa is a lover of philosophy. She has been teaching since her senior year of high school, and she loves being in the classroom with students. Having completed her bachelor's in philosophy and theology, she graduated with her master's in philosophy with a concentration in ethics. In addition to great conversations with friends and family, she loves reading, writing, cooking Italian dinners, knitting (especially socks and lace), and baking with her sourdough starter.
Bio Information
Questions from our 4th Grade Socratic class after reading excerpts from Robinson Crusoe.

1. What do you think of Robinson Crusoe’s condition? Do you think he is lucky or very unlucky?

2. Do you think we should always be grateful for our condition, no matter how bad it is—like the sailors who drowned before reaching shore? How could their condition be worse? Explain.

3. What do you think is the worst “evil” on this list? The isolation? The fact that there is almost no hope of recovery?

4. Do you think the knowledge that there are people out there who have it worse than us should make us feel better or worse? Why?

5. Can a person always find something good about his or her situation? Or could absolutely everything be bad?

JOIN US

Angelicum accepts students year-round into our Socratic classes. Tuition is pro-rated.

“I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only make them think.” ― Socrates

“My son is involved in the Socratic Discussion. The group he is involved in is the 3rd grade group. It has helped him to be more confident and secure in expressing his thoughts about things. He would always look to us after making a comment on something and say “Am I right?” Now he makes a statement about something and has more confidence in his answers and ability to think for himself. This new ability for him has lead us into some very interesting conversations, whereas before he would just listen and not express any thoughts on the subject. I would recommend it for anyone, child as well as adult. . . ”

Parent of 3rd Grade Socratic Student

What is the role of a moderator in our live, online classes?

The moderator acts as a co-inquirer with the students—curious, reflective, and engaged in exploring meaning and improving judgment. While not imposing views or validating every opinion, the moderator guides discussion by modeling philosophical inquiry: asking open-ended questions, presenting alternate views, and practicing self-correction. This approach helps students internalize the habits of thoughtful dialogue and develop their own well-reasoned answers.

The goal isn’t to reach final answers or consensus, but to make meaningful progress in understanding the questions and in building skills of reflection, reasoning, and respectful dialogue.

Have we begun to deal with this question?
What do we understand now about the question/concept that we didn’t understand before?
Are we giving each other reasons for our views?
Are we listening to each other?
Are we able to stick to the point?
Are we able to build on each other’s ideas?
Who is doing the talking?
Do we correct each other with sensitivity?
Are we becoming more tentative about what we claim to know?
Do we trust each other?

The most enthusiastic proponents of Philosophy for Children are the children, who find philosophy not only thought-provoking but fun. Parents and teachers likewise enjoy doing philosophy with their children. They appreciate this ancient discipline as a way to help their children and themselves to sharpen their thinking, encounter new ideas, decide what they believe, and get to know others through shared inquiry.