An Intentional Focus on Virtue

Knowing and doing good are connected, essential aspects of human flourishing. 
Expressed in the Latin term summum bonum (the highest good), it reflects an
orientation towards seeking the things which are best for human existence. Our responsibility at HOCA is to first exemplify behaviors and priorities that exhibit the best of human behavior and next to help our students recognize those good actions and mindsets, and finally to exemplify them as they conduct themselves.
Virtue systems have been developed in every society, and if they are true, they
should resemble each other, although they may be colored by particular cultural priorities. Some ancient cultures prioritized loyalty and courage, while others promoted wisdom and humility. Some common systems recognized in Western civilization are:

• Aristotelian virtues
• Theological virtues
• Cardinal virtues
• Founding virtues
• Civic virtues

The environment and curriculum at classical schools are designed to promote and build strength of character in students by promoting good habits, teaching precepts, and providing examples of virtue.  We emphasize the following virtues: courage, self-governance, civility, service, perseverance, honesty, and gratitude. While no list can be fully comprehensive of all the virtues we wish to impart to students, we see all these virtues being grounded in wisdom, justice, and humility.

We define our core virtues as follows:

• Courage: Making good decisions, even if it is difficult or frightening
  • Synonyms and associated virtues: fortitude, tenacity
• Self governance: Having control of your own words and actions
  • Synonyms and associated virtues: responsibility, self control,
    participation 
• Civility: Treating others with respect, dignity, and honor
  • Synonyms and associated virtues: respect, gratitude, kindness,
    empathy
• Service: Helping others without expecting a reward
  • Synonyms and associated virtues: compassion, generosity, love
• Perseverance: Not giving up or giving in to discouragement
  • Synonyms and associated virtues: grit, determination
• Honesty: Saying and doing what is right, even when no one is looking
  • Synonyms and associated virtues: integrity, truthfulness, sincerity
• Gratitude: Being thankful and showing that appreciation towards others
  • Synonyms and associated virtues: gratefulness, recognition, honor.