What Classical Schools Get Wrong About Learning Differences

Classical education has a lot to offer: a time-tested structure, rich literature, moral formation, and deep critical thinking. Parents choose classical schools because they want more than just a “modern” education—they want wisdom, beauty, and truth.

But what happens when a student in a classical school can’t keep up with the reading? Or melts down over Latin? Or stares at the same math problem for 20 minutes and can’t get started?

Here’s the uncomfortable truth:
Many classical schools are not equipped to support students with learning differences.

And when support is lacking, students suffer—and so does the very mission of classical education.

Let’s explore a few common misconceptions.

1. Myth: Struggling students just need to try harder.

Classical schools often emphasize perseverance and discipline—virtues worth building. But when a student has a learning difference like dyslexia, ADHD, or dyscalculia, working harder isn't enough.

They don’t need to be pushed harder—they need to be taught differently.
Without the right tools, "try harder" becomes "try and fail repeatedly." And no amount of character-building will protect a child’s confidence from that cycle.

2. Myth: Classical content is too rigorous to adapt.

Some schools worry that scaffolding or modifying instruction will "water down" the curriculum. But accessibility is not the same as lowering expectations.

In fact, when you teach a struggling reader how to access rich texts—even Latin—you aren’t compromising the classical model. You’re preserving it.
A great book is still a great book. A student with the right support can engage with it deeply.

3. Myth: We don’t have the resources, so we can’t help.

This is common—and understandable. Many classical schools are small, private, and operate on tight budgets. They don’t have interventionists or special ed departments.

But there are solutions. Partnering with trained learning specialists—especially ones who understand classical pedagogy—can make all the difference.
Outsourcing doesn't mean compromising your mission. It means protecting your students.

4. Myth: Labels don’t matter here.

There’s a noble desire in classical education to avoid over-pathologizing kids. But ignoring a diagnosis like dyslexia doesn’t make it go away—it just leaves the student unsupported.

We can believe in every child’s dignity while still honoring their unique needs.
Supporting a student with a learning difference doesn’t put them in a box—it opens the door to meaningful growth.

What Classical Schools Can Get Right

When classical schools embrace learning support, students thrive:

• A student with dyslexia learns to decode Homer—and loves it.

• A child with ADHD learns to structure their thoughts and write a strong persuasive essay.

• A bright but struggling reader finally feels smart and seen.

At Higdon Learning Solutions, we specialize in helping classical school students with learning differences get the support they need—without leaving the educational environment their parents chose with care.

We work with schools, families, and students to provide tutoring and intervention that’s not only effective—but respectful of your mission and values.

Let’s Bridge the Gap

If you're a parent whose child is falling through the cracks in a classical school—or an educator who wants to serve your students better—we're here to help.

📌 Reach out today to learn how we can support your learner with compassion, clarity, and curriculum-aligned tools.