GREAT BOOKS PROGRAM

Welcome to courses 3,000 years in the making…

Online

Join the Great Conversation…

Founded in 2000, the Great Books Program offers four years of online seminars (grades 9–12) focused on the Great Books of Western civilization. Classes meet once a week for two hours and discussions are led by two experienced moderators in small groups of 20 students or fewer.

The discussions follow the Socratic method, emphasizing thoughtful conversation and mutual inquiry. This classical approach helps students develop critical thinking, articulate ideas clearly, and grow in the liberal arts of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world—what the great authors have long described as the foundation of a well-examined life.

The curriculum moves chronologically: starting with Homer (Ancient Greece), then Ancient Rome in Year 2, the Middle Ages in Year 3, and finally Modern times in Year 4.. Though open to high schoolers 14 and up, students of all ages, including college students and adults, are welcome to join. Enrollment in the Angelicum Academy is not required.

Students may choose to earn dual high school and college credit, with up to 60 transferable credits available. Our college credit costs are 40%–85% lower than typical tuition rates. For students aiming to complete an AA or BA by 12th grade (or transition to a residential college) we offer clear, affordable pathways.

FOUR TRACK OPTIONS

The Great Books courses are interdisciplinary and cover material in literature, history, philosophy, political science, theology, biography, poetry, and more. All four tracks include the Great Books classes, which meet for two hours per week, and require writing assignments which vary in length by track.

High School Credit Track

Easier workload compared to the AA & BA tracks
Students from any high school or homeschool can join Ages 14 and up

Annual College Credit Track

12 College Credits

Age 14 and up

Associate Degree Track

75-78 College Credits
Ages 14 and up

BA Credit Track

90 College Credits
Ages 14 and up

FOUR YEARS

Great Books Class Schedule 2026-2027

Asynchronous courses may be taken at any time

TIMEMONDAYTUESDAYWEDNESDAYTHURSDAYFRIDAY
9am PST/12pm ESTMiddle AgesThis class is FULL: ModernsAncient GreeksAncient RomansAncient Greeks
12pm PST/3pm ESTAncient RomansAncient GreeksAncient RomansAncient Greeks
12pm PST/3pm ESTMiddle Ages
4pm PST/7pm ESTAncient GreeksAncient RomansMiddle AgesModerns

Mortimer Adler having a Socratic discussion group with the Great Books in the 1970’s.

Angelicum hosting a Socratic discussion group for our 2021 Great Books Summer Program.

Below is an email from one of our 2026 Great Books Program graduate…

I believe that I can truly say that Great Books has been the best thing I have done in my homeschooling journey, and one of the most beneficial things I have done in my life. I will be ever indebted to you and all the other moderators for your labor of love. Excluding the essays (😉), Great Books has brought me much pleasure and happiness in these past few years. It has been of great benefit to every aspect of my life. When I was smaller, I did not like the idea of the Great Books Programme because I saw how much labor my older brother had to put into it. From my first class, however, I have realised it is completely worth it. It feels like only a month ago when you were telling us that the happy man is he “who loves the good.” The Great Books Programme has made me happier, because it has helped me begin to recognise the good and love it more (an ongoing journey.) I only wish it could go on indefinitely. I will miss you, all of the other moderators, and my fellow students greatly. Thank you very much. Pax et Bonum! Laurence Button from Australia

Degree Track Agreements

OUR PARTNERS

We’re proud to partner with Catholic International University (CIU) to offer accredited college degrees through our Great Books Program and Theology Online Courses. Students can earn up to 60 transferable credits and complete their AA or BA degrees while still in high school—or continue their studies on campus at CIU or other colleges.

COLLEGE CREDIT RECOMMENDATION

The Angelicum Academy Great Books Program and Theology Online courses have been reviewed and recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE) for up to 60 college credits—48 from the Great Books Program and 12 from Theology Online. All 60 credits are transferable to CIU and UST where they can be applied toward AA and/or BA degrees. Other colleges and universities accept some or all of these credits.

Student Experience

Class Structure

Students in all tracks of the Great Books Program undertake a rigorous course of study comprising 120 in-depth readings and Socratic discussions over four years. Their engagement is further enriched through the completion of weekly study guides and quarterly argumentative essays, fostering critical thinking, clarity of expression, and intellectual discipline.

Great Bookies Community

YouTube video by one of our Great Books students.

YouTube video by one of our Great Books students.

The Great Books Summer Program

Discussions and Fellowship in Colorado
Summer 2026

Our much-loved Summer Program is returning in Summer 2026! We’re excited to welcome students back for a season of lively discussion, deep reading, and meaningful connection. Stay tuned for details on this cherished tradition.

Photos from GBSP 2021

Join the Great Conversation Your Way

Choose your track Choose your mode: live or asynchronous Choose your tuition plan

Angelicum Academy’s CEEB (College Entrance Exam Code) is: 011229. A CEEB code is a unique identifier assigned to high schools, colleges, and universities by the College Board.™ K-12 Code Search (please enter Angelicum Academy) What is the CEEB and why is it important? Everything You Need to Know About CEEB Codes for High Schools