Cair Paravel-Latin School

Cair Paravel Latin School
Address
635 Southwest Clay Street
Topeka, Kansas, 66606
United States
Coordinates 39°03′17″N 95°41′19″W / 39.05472°N 95.68861°WCoordinates: 39°03′17″N 95°41′19″W / 39.05472°N 95.68861°W
Information
Type Private
Motto Dominus Illuminatio Mea
(The Lord is my light)
Established 1980
Headmaster Melody Congdon
Faculty 27
Grades K-12
Enrollment 313
Campus size 3.5 acres (14,000 m2)
Campus type Urban
Color(s)          Navy and gray
Mascot Rampant Red Lion
Website www.cpls.org

Cair Paravel Latin School (often referred to as CPLS or just Cair Paravel) is a coeducational, non-profit, interdenominational Christian private school located in Topeka, Kansas. The school was founded in 1980. With over 300 students, Cair Paravel is the largest school in Kansas offering a Classical Christian education. Cair Paravel is a member of the Association of Classical Christian Schools.

History

CPLS sign and bell from the original Clay Elementary School

In 1980, a small group of families founded Cair Paravel School. They did not represent a certain church, sect, organization or political persuasion. However, they were friends who shared a common vision for educating their children.

Several of the founders were greatly influenced by their participation in the Integrated Humanities Program at the University of Kansas. They desired to provide an education for their children that would culminate in a similar learning experience. In addition to the University of Kansas professors, the greatest influence on the founders was the twentieth century Christian philosopher and author, C.S. Lewis. It was from his Chronicles of Narnia and the castle of Cair Paravel that the school’s name was adopted.

In 1985, Cair Paravel purchased the former Clay Elementary School building. Constructed in 1926 in the Tudor style, it was designed by architects Thomas Wilson Williamson and Ted Greist, who later designed the Perpendicular Gothic-styled Topeka High School.

In 1987, Cair Paravel merged with Topeka Latin School to become Cair Paravel Latin School. The “Latin” part of the name represents the language that formed Western Civilization and emphasizes the classical nature of the school.

In 1991, a gymnasium and science lab was added to the original building. In 1995, a cafeteria and two additional classrooms were added.

Academics

Cair Paravel is both Christ-Centered and Classical. The school teaches all subjects as parts of an integrated whole with Biblical scriptures at the center. The curriculum of Cair Paravel is based on the Trivium and emphasizes grammar, logic, and rhetoric. Grammar means the fundamental terms, rules and principles of each subject. Logic means the ordered relationship of particulars in each subject. Rhetoric means the clear and eloquent expression of the truths and principles of each subject.

Fine arts

Cair Paravel maintains fine art curricula including orchestra, drama, art, and choir.

Athletics

[1] Cair Paravel offers the following athletic programs for the middle and upper school:

References

  1. ↑ CPLS Athletics

Further reading

External links