Case study
Classical Education Tutor in Rural France
Loire Valley, France, with occasional travel to Paris.
Location
Homeschooling
Category
Background
A family relocating temporarily to restore a historic property sought a classically trained educator for their three children aged 10, 8, and 6. Previously attending British preparatory schools, the children needed educational continuity while developing French language skills and exploring their new cultural environment.
Role of the Tutor
The tutor implemented a rigorous classical education program emphasising literature, history, Latin, and mathematics while incorporating French language acquisition and cultural exploration. They organised weekly educational excursions to historical sites, coordinated with local language partners, and prepared the oldest child for eventual Common Entrance examinations.
Desired Tutor Profile
A classically trained educator with experience in British preparatory curriculum and appreciation for French culture and language. The ideal candidate possessed both academic rigor and creativity in utilising the unique learning environment.
Duration of the Role
Two academic years.
Outcome
After two years of classical education in their Loire Valley setting, the three children (ages 10, 8, and 6) achieved impressive academic and cultural integration results.
Academically, all three children not only maintained British preparatory standards but excelled beyond expectations in several areas. The eldest child developed exceptional proficiency in Latin and classical literature, reading texts typically introduced at secondary level, while simultaneously achieving fluency in French that enabled successful integration with local peers.
The weekly educational excursions to historical sites resulted in sophisticated understanding of European history, with the children creating a family guidebook to Loire Valley châteaux that combined historical research with original artwork and architectural observations.
The classical education approach particularly benefited the middle child, whose mathematical reasoning and logical thinking flourished through systematic instruction, advancing significantly beyond age expectations. The eldest child passed the Common Entrance examination with scores placing him in the top 5% nationally, securing admission to a prestigious British secondary school for their eventual return. The family reported that the immersive cultural component of the educational program transformed what could have been merely a temporary relocation into a profound developmental experience that gave their children both academic advantages and broader cultural perspectives.