Mission & Academics Blog
Classical Education Meets Creative Expression: Enriching Our Students' Journey
It is a new year, our first week back at school, and already there is so much going on here on campus. What excites me the most is how well our busyness connects with who we are as a school, always aligned with our Mission. At the heart of our classical education lies a deep commitment to nurturing both the intellect and character of our students. This commitment comes to life through well-chosen opportunities that challenge our young scholars with a view toward human flourishing. Let me share two upcoming campus activities that the Center for Mission & Academics is delighted to support.
This spring, our school will participate in the National Shakespeare Competition. Shakespeare's works represent the highest literary achievement, offering our students not just linguistic mastery but insights into human nature, moral choice, and the complexities of leadership. When our students memorize and perform Shakespeare’s writing, they aren't simply reciting words—they're engaging with universal themes that have challenged and inspired audiences for centuries. Through preparation, students analyze character motivation and literary devices, which strengthens their critical thinking skills. Through performance, they develop poise, confidence, and empathy. True flourishing! The competition's emphasis on both scholarly understanding and artistic interpretation perfectly aligns with our classical program, where knowledge and virtue intertwine.
We are also thrilled to welcome artist Anwar Floyd-Pruitt to our campus this month as part of our artist Series. Mr. Floyd-Pruitt, a distinguished artist, curator, and puppeteer from Milwaukee, will join our Middle and Upper School students in their art classrooms to his creative expertise in puppetry design. This unique opportunity bridges classical storytelling traditions with contemporary artistic expression. Puppetry, an art form that traces its roots to ancient civilizations, offers our students a new medium to explore story, symbolism, and performance. With Mr. Floyd-Pruitt's guidance, this experience crafting and bringing characters to life reinforces our curriculum's emphasis on clear communication, creative problem-solving, and collaborative work.
These two opportunities—one celebrating Western literary tradition, the other exploring storytelling through a dynamic visual medium—exemplify our commitment to providing a rich, well-rounded classical education. Through engagement with Shakespeare's timeless works and contemporary artistic practices, our students develop not only their academic capabilities but also the moral imagination and creative confidence that will serve them throughout their lives.
Both initiatives challenge our students to think deeply, create boldly, and express themselves with clarity and purpose—hallmarks of classical education. Ancient wisdom meets contemporary expression, and each student is empowered to discover their unique voice while engaging with the great conversations that have shaped our culture.
2025 at Brookfield Academy is off to a great start - and there is so much more waiting for our scholars in the year ahead.
