Ethos Classical Charter School stresses a liberal arts approach

Emily Castillo Leon had a plan: join Teach for America for two years then quit the classroom and pursue a career in public relations.

Now 12 years later, Leon is not just in one classroom but leading an entire school.

“I found nothing more rewarding than being in education,” she said. “I went from Teach for America into instructional coaching and joining a founding team of a high school.”

But it was elementary edu- cation that fueled her passion.

“I realized that elementary school wasn’t setting kids up for success,” she said. “I thought a great school with great teachers could fill those gaps.”

Last fall, Leon turned an aspiration into a reality when she launched the Ethos Classical Charter School in Atlanta. Based in a former church building, the school was described as “a little liberal arts elementary.”

“Our mission is to provide extraordinary education for every student through a clas- sical curriculum,” said Leon. “We offer concrete skills and knowledge in an environ- ment that celebrates childand self-understanding.”

That emphasis resonated with Delia Carter, whose daughter, Cicely, was part of the inaugural third grade and is preparing to enter fourth in a few weeks.

“I fell in love with the vision,” said Carter. “We came from a Montessori background and didn’t think we could get that in a charter school. But Ethos has a huge focus on academics and a well-rounded program that takes in the whole student.” hood, creativity and growth.” Having a pandemic strike

The program meets those in the school’s first spring goals by stressing the liberal hasn’t impacted its future, arts. Four hours a day are said Leon. Student enrolldevoted to reading instruc- ment is up to 234 for fall, and tion alone, and literature a grade will be added each plays a significant role in year to round out a kinderthe life of the school. garten through fifth school.

“It’s intertwined through But the 2020-21 year will be our culture, weaving a clas- a bit different, she adds. sical thread throughout,” “We recognize all the comsaid Leon. “Even our classplexities that go into famirooms are named after writ- lies’ needs now,” she said. ers, poets, artists and musi- “So we’re offering a famcians.” ily choice model to choose

Taking a classical approach in-person school as normal raised questions, Leon said. or a virtual experience. One

“People asked what asset of being a founding the rationale was, and we team during a pandemic explained it provides the is that we are super agile. foundation of a child’s mind We’re building the ship as – something that has to hapit’s sailing.” pen before they jump into

STEM,” she said. “How they learn to think must be done through books, conversation

CONTRIBUTED Students at Ethos Classical Charter School, which is located in a former church building, follow a curriculum focused on literature and the arts.