Type Private Headmaster Melody Congdon Enrollment 313 Mascot Lion Number of students 313 Colors Grey, Navy Blue | Established 1980 Grades K-12 Phone +1 785-232-3878 Founded 1980 Faculty 27 | |
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Motto Dominus Illuminatio Mea(The Lord is my light) Similar Hayden Catholic High Sch, Topeka High School, Topeka Collegiate School, Heritage Christian School, Topeka West High School Profiles | ||
Cair Paravel Latin School (often referred to as CPLS or just Cair Paravel) is a coeducational, non-profit, interdenominational Christian private school located in Topeka, Kansas. The school was founded in 1980. With over 300 students, Cair Paravel is the largest school in Kansas offering a Classical Christian education. Cair Paravel is a member of the Association of Classical Christian Schools.
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History
In 1980, a small group of families founded Cair Paravel School. They did not represent a certain church, sect, organization or political persuasion. However, they were friends who shared a common vision for educating their children.
Several of the founders were greatly influenced by their participation in the Integrated Humanities Program at the University of Kansas. They desired to provide an education for their children that would culminate in a similar learning experience. In addition to the University of Kansas professors, the greatest influence on the founders was the twentieth century Christian philosopher and author, C.S. Lewis. It was from his Chronicles of Narnia and the castle of Cair Paravel that the school's name was adopted.
In 1985, Cair Paravel purchased the former Clay Elementary School building. Constructed in 1926 in the Tudor style, it was designed by architects Thomas Wilson Williamson and Ted Greist, who later designed the Perpendicular Gothic-styled Topeka High School.
In 1987, Cair Paravel merged with Topeka Latin School to become Cair Paravel Latin School. The "Latin" part of the name represents the language that formed Western Civilization and emphasizes the classical nature of the school.
In 1991, a gymnasium and science lab was added to the original building. In 1995, a cafeteria and two additional classrooms were added.
Academics
Cair Paravel is both Christ-Centered and Classical. The school teaches all subjects as parts of an integrated whole with Biblical scriptures at the center. The curriculum of Cair Paravel is based on the Trivium and emphasizes grammar, logic, and rhetoric. Grammar means the fundamental terms, rules and principles of each subject. Logic means the ordered relationship of particulars in each subject. Rhetoric means the clear and eloquent expression of the truths and principles of each subject.
Fine arts
Cair Paravel maintains fine art curricula including orchestra, drama, art, and choir.
Athletics
Cair Paravel offers the following athletic programs for the middle and upper school: