Parents who are drawn to classical education are often thoughtful, curious, and discerning. They want more than test scores or buzzwords—they want substance. That makes your curriculum page one of the most important (and most overlooked) parts of your website.

Unfortunately, most classical school curriculum pages read like a PDF converted into a wall of text: dry course lists, bloated explanations, or clunky tables. It’s not that the content is wrong—it’s that the format doesn’t match the very thing it’s trying to communicate: a rich, thoughtful approach to human formation.

So how do you create a curriculum page that both informs and inspires? One that reflects the intellectual depth of your school while remaining clear, accessible, and inviting?

Here’s how to structure, write, and design a curriculum page worthy of the education you offer.

Start with the Why—Not the What

Your curriculum page shouldn’t begin with a grid. It should begin with a worldview.

Lead with a short paragraph or two explaining the purpose of your curriculum. This isn’t the place for jargon or deep philosophy—that can live elsewhere. Instead, answer the question: “Why this curriculum, in this order, for these students?”

For example:

“Our curriculum is not a collection of subjects—it’s a carefully ordered journey toward wisdom and virtue. Rooted in the classical tradition and responsive to the developmental needs of children, our program is designed to shape the affections as well as the intellect.”

This language sets the tone. It tells families, “We don’t just teach; we form.”

Break It Down by Stage, Not by Subject

Many schools list their curriculum by subject (Math, Science, History, etc.). That’s fine—but it’s not how most families think. Instead, organize your content around developmental stages or school divisions:

• Lower School (K–5)
• Middle School (6–8)
• Upper School (9–12)

For each stage, provide a high-level narrative—what students learn, how they’re stretched, what skills are emphasized. Then go into subject-level breakdowns as needed.

This stage-first approach mirrors the Trivium (Grammar, Logic, Rhetoric) and makes your curriculum feel like a formation process—not just a list of classes.

Use Language That Reflects Your Depth (But Doesn’t Alienate)

Your curriculum page is one of the few places on your site where academic language is expected—and even welcomed. But don’t overdo it. Avoid writing that feels like it’s for accreditation boards. Instead, aim for clarity with richness.

For instance, instead of “Grade 4 – Bible,” you might say:

“Fourth-grade students trace redemptive themes through the lives of the patriarchs, discovering how Scripture forms both character and conscience.”

That’s substance with soul. It doesn’t just inform—it resonates.

Use Visual Anchors to Avoid the Scroll Wall

Long pages are fine—if they’re broken up well. Use:

• Headings for each division or grade cluster
• Short paragraph blocks (2–4 sentences)
• Optional downloadable PDFs or course maps—but never as the only option
• Icons or illustrations to cue transitions or grade level jumps

This kind of modular formatting helps the page feel breathable—not intimidating.

Include an Overview Graphic (Optional, but Excellent)

If you have a visual curriculum map—like a timeline, pyramid, or Trivium graphic—include it here. Just make sure:

• It’s not the only way to access information
• It looks professionally designed and matches your brand
• It loads quickly on mobile

Well-designed graphics communicate cohesion. They say: “We’ve thought this through.”

Add a Parent Quote or Testimonial

You don’t need a wall of testimonials—just one or two short quotes about how the curriculum has impacted a family or student.

Example:

“Our daughter began speaking confidently about Plato at dinner. Not memorizing facts—thinking. That’s when we knew something profound was happening.”

Give Families a Natural Next Step

• “Explore Our Approach to Reading & Literature”
• “See How Curriculum Shapes Campus Life”
• “Request a Tour to See It in Action”

waitlist landing page and invite families to stay connected until enrollment reopens.

What to Avoid

• Uploading only a PDF. Many families won’t download it—especially on mobile.
• Overusing technical jargon. Academic parents still want clarity and grace in tone.
• Cluttering the page with admin details. Save course credits and scheduling for a counselor page or parent portal.
• Omitting beauty. Your content reflects truth. But your visuals should reflect beauty. Use them.

When Curriculum Signals Culture

guide to open house signup pages—because those second-step actions matter just as much as the initial impression.

Let Your Curriculum Speak for You

Most families can’t visit 5 schools. They scan websites. They trust what they see. And often, the curriculum page is where they decide whether your school is the right fit—or not.

So make it readable. Make it human. Make it worthy of the education you’re offering.

Because if the goal is to cultivate wisdom and virtue, then the way you present your curriculum should do the same.