HLN students take Classical Composition every year until they have completed Thesis & Law.

Going back to the method of writing instruction used for over 2,000 years, Memoria Press’ Classical Composition teaches the student 14 composition skills, called the “Progymnasmata,” or “progym.” These skills are the set of elementary rhetorical exercises that form the basis of persuasive writing. They were employed by Quintilian and Cicero to teach writing and produced writers such as Milton, Shakespeare, and Benjamin Franklin. These classes move at an age-appropriate pace, and they provide your student with the tools to communicate with clarity and force. Never heard of the progymnasmata? Take a moment to explore this article, Introduction to the Progymnasmata or watch the short video descriptions at the bottom of this page.

Levels of Classical Composition:

• Fable
• Narrative
• Chreia & Maxim
• Refutation & Confirmation
• Common Topic
• Encomium, Invective, & Comparison
• Characterization, Description, Thesis & Law

5th-8th graders new to Memoria Press may benefit from an accelerated sequence through one or more levels. Speak to the Directors if this applies to your family. This can be accomplished over the summer in preparation for enrollment.

9th-12th grade students new to Memoria Press are required to begin with the High School Composition I course offered through the Memoria Academy. After High School Composition I, HLN students may continue on the accelerated sequence with Memoria Academy or join the Refutation/Confirmation class with younger students at HLN. Confirmation of enrollment with Memoria Academy must be provided to HLN no later than May 1st prior to fall classes, but should be provided as soon as the student is registered.

Honors English 9 (or 10/11/12) Literature/Composition is the title you should use when combining an HLN Literature course with a Classical Composition course for one English credit on your student’s high school transcript.

Click here to watch video synopses of each level on Memoria Press’ YouTube channel.