MAY MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Christ the Divine Teacher School
MAY MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Christ the Divine Teacher School
Christ the Divine Teacher School (CDT) provides its students with a Classical Education from preschool through eighth grade. The school is a part of the Diocese of Greensburg, and a Catholic school has operated continuously on its campus since 1865.
Today, CDT educates students from nineteen different parishes representing several local communities, including: Latrobe, Ligonier, Derry, Greensburg, Mount Pleasant, Hempfield, and Pleasant Unity.
The school’s program is different from other similar schools because of its Classical Education model. At CDT, we believe that it is not enough just to teach “stuff.” There must be a conduit to provide meaning and framework if children are expected to think critically. Classical education is that framework.
“The classical learning model has been around for a millennium and yet is both timeless and effective for the modern student. This model recognizes that quality education focuses not simply on the mastery of various skills or standards but also on the development of an individual human being,” Mr. Frye said. “Our curriculum is integrated and focused on providing the guidance to not only learn things, but to master the tools of how to learn. We want our students to think critically, write well and speak meaningfully.
It is difficult today to accurately predict the necessary content, the “stuff,” that will be most useful to students in the future. Developments in science and technology are changing our world quickly. In this landscape, problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills (the hallmarks of Classical Education) become essential.
The classical model meets students at their level of development. Our grammar school students, Grades PK-5, love to acquire knowledge. They are curious and inquisitive. Our program uses those gifts to provide a solid base of learning for later critical study.
In our Logic School, Grades 6-8, students enter the teen years, and the big question shifts from “What is something?” to “Why is it that way?”. Again, here we work to meet students at their level and encourage debate and questioning through regular Socratic discussion, and the study of logic.
Families are invited to visit our school and learn more about our program and its benefits. Tuition assistance is available to those who qualify. More information about our educational program can be found on our website www.cdtschool.org. The best way to learn about us is to schedule a tour with our principal and then have your child spend a “shadow” day at school.
This July, CDT will bid farewell to Mr. Kevin Frye who has been the Head of the School for the last 12 years. He is transitioning to Greensburg Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School where he will assume the role of principal. CDT will welcome long-time teacher, Mrs. Teresa Tallarico, as the new principal. She has devoted 32 years to teaching in the Diocese of Greensburg, with twenty-seven of those years at CDT.
Each Christmas, CDT musicians and vocalists participate in the Holly Jolly under the direction of Mrs. Lisa Thackrah. We have also been regular participants in the 4th of July parade. Our students contribute to both annual food and clothing drives that benefit community organizations such as the End Hunger Café and the Union Mission. Last year students took part in the Latrobe Art Center’s Week of Kindness and “Fred Roger-ed” business in the downtown area.
CDT has been a member of the Chamber since 2005. We appreciate being part of the chamber for the assistance it provides in communicating the news about CDT and for offering opportunities to connect with local businesses with mutual interests.
