Virtues

North Idaho Classical Academy was founded to develop students in both mind and character. The School’s virtues are the guiding principles used to cultivate and nurture character: courage, courtesy, honesty, perseverance, self-government, and service. Students are expected to conduct themselves honorably in word and deed, to strive to live by the virtues, and to encourage others to do so as well.

Courage: Be Brave

Courage is the state of mind that enables one to face danger or fear with confidence. Aristotle tells us that a courageous person will fear things but will endure them for the sake of the noble. In the face of danger or challenge, courage is a firm conviction—with appropriate levels of fear and confidence—that compels one to accomplish and pursue that which is noble and worthy.

Courtesy: Be Kind and Respectful

Courtesy is both demonstrating good manners and displaying a willingness or generosity to show kindness and respect toward others. Courtesy contributes to a culture of civility on campus. George Washington famously kept a copy of 110 “Rules of Civility in Conversations Amongst Men.” Many of the rules served as practical guidelines for courteous living. Washington emphasized that our actions ought to portray a sign of respect for others around us, regardless of their standing, rank, or position.

Honesty: Always Tell the Truth

Honesty is derived from the Latin formulation integritas. Integritas literally means “intact”—or the state of being whole and undivided—in other words, the truth and nothing but the whole truth. Aristotle wrote that an ethical person should not only be honest, but should be a lover of truth. Such a person would be truthful in situations in which being honest would make no immediate difference. In other words, as C.S. Lewis once said, “Integrity is doing the right thing, even if nobody is watching.”

Perseverance: Never Give Up

Perseverance means to steadfastly pursue a course of action or a purpose, often in the face of obstacles or discouragement. As the well-known poem reminds us, if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again…if you will persevere, you will conquer, never fear…try, try again! In 1771, Samuel Adams exhorted his fellow patriots: “Instead of sitting down satisfied with the efforts we have already made…the necessity of the times, more than ever, calls for our utmost circumspection, deliberation, fortitude, and perseverance.”

Self-government: Practice Self-Control

Self-government is the ability to “rule over oneself.” As Socrates states in the Platonic dialogues, a man should be temperate and a master of himself, and ruler of his own pleasures and passions. Aristotle described a self-restrained person as someone who, on account of reason, does not follow their base desires. It takes education and practice to develop the characteristics of self-government—self-control, moderation, prudence, and restraint. Effective self-governance promotes a civil and orderly culture and leads to an increase in liberty for both individuals and societies alike.

Service: Help Others

Service is an active disposition toward assisting in the needs of, or promoting the welfare of others. It is a willingness to stand with others in their need and to provide help to the point of self-sacrifice. One of the most enduring examples of service is that of the good Samaritan, who not only rendered first aid to a wounded stranger, but also paid for his restorative care. The good Samaritan represents a model of selfless and sacrificial generosity to a person in need.