Idaeon is one classical salon-style class that provides 2.5 high school credits.

Pronounced “ee-DAY-un,” the name comes from a portmanteau of the two Latin words "idea" and "aeon." Together, this class title describes what it is we ultimately do: better understand the great ideas that span time.

Why Humanities?

The humanities are the study of what it means to be human. In a true liberal arts education, the humanities liberate a person in order to exercise their fullest potential—to be who they were created to be. A true study of the humanities also helps rightly order our thinking and understand the true telos of both human persons and the created world.

Why Classical?

The long tradition of classical education has emphasized the seeking after of truth, goodness, and beauty and learning from those who’ve gone before us. It’s a path tried and proven for millennia, and there’s no reason not to give credence to, as G.K. Chesterton put it, the “democracy of the dead.” It’s through this timeless wisdom that forms an ennobled person who benefits the culture.

Why Salon?

From the 17th to early 20th centuries in Europe, salons were an important place for exchanging ideas. Officially "a gathering of people held by an inspiring host," members aimed to increase their knowledge and participate in convivial conversation. Led socratically by a seasoned adult, salons today provide the just-right scholĂŠ environment for mature adolescents who love to learn.

in 2026-27:

Tuesdays in-person at ScholĂŠ Hall

Section #1: 10:00-11:30 a.m. | Section #2: 12:15-1:45 p.m.

both classes are identical and are for all high schoolers

Let’s Learn Together

In Idaeon, your high school students will study the history of Western civilization through great works and ideas. After reading deeply (mostly from direct sources), they will respond to these ideas through composition, discussion, debates, and presentations.

By participating in the salon, your student will practice the skills of timeless liberal arts such as Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric while earning credit through an integrated humanities class. As such, the class will provide exercise and experience in self-management and study skills.

p.s. Students should note that in the spirit of true scholĂŠ, snacks, both the bringing and consuming of, are involved.

For 9th-12th graders

2.5 possible credits earned through Idaeon:

  • Literature & Composition (1 English credit)

  • History or Civics (1 Social Studies credit)

  • Logic or Rhetoric (1/2 Philosophy or Elective credit) OR

  • Artist & Composer Study (1/2 Fine Arts or Elective credit)

    Note: It is up to you, the homeschooling parent, to determine which credits you’ll grant on your student’s transcript. For Cycle B, I recommend Middle or World Literature, Middle or World History, and either Art History or Philosophy as an elective.

Idaeon’s 3-Year Cycle

As an integrated humanities program, Idaeon uses a chronological timeline as the “spine” to lead us through great books and ideas:

  • A: The Ancient Worlds (5000 B.C.-500 A.D.)

  • B: The Medieval-Early Modern Worlds (500-1750 A.D.)

  • C: The Modern World & American (1750 A.D.-present)

- your student may join in at any cycle -

2026-27: Cycle B

The spread of the Holy Roman Empire and the “Dark” Ages (spoiler: they weren’t dark at all), the Vikings and the Great Schism, the European colonization of the Americas and the Scientific Revolution, the beginning of the Enlightenment—and plenty more in-between it all… It’s hard to overstate just how much happened during these centuries that is still so misunderstood. Let’s discover it together, shall we?*

Through authors and thinkers, we’ll explore the biggest events, ideas, and movements that shaped the Western world between the fall of the Roman Empire and the dawn of the French Revolution. Be prepared to read widely and well, write precisely, and discuss all these things in a room of encouraging peers. With snacks, of course.

You’ll work hard, but you’ll be rewarded for your efforts.

*Don’t tell Cycles A and C, but this is Mrs. O’s favorite time period.

- Specific supplies and book lists will be available in the summer -

Meet the Teacher

Hi! I'm Tsh Oxenreider, but most students call me Mrs. O. I’ve homeschooled my three kids for years (one of whom is now in college and another has already finished it), and when I’m not chasing our backyard chickens back into their coop, I’m usually leading a pilgrimage or penning my next book. One of my favorite places to be, however, is in my thrift store green chair with a cup of coffee and a good book.

Please note: I teach as a Christian adhering to the historic, universal faith and affirming the Nicene Creed as a faithful summary, and uphold Jesus’ command for Christian unity as he explicitly prayed (John 17:20-23). It should be expected that the teaching in all my classes will reflect a Christian worldview, but the only requirements of my students are a good attitude, a willingness to learn, a motivated work ethic, and respect toward others.

FAQ

  • Students come having done all their work in advance, prepared for a discussion-led class with their peers. Generally speaking, we spend half the class time unpacking and discussing the homework from the week, usually including a Socratic discussion on the current class reading (and often some sort of student presentation). The other half typically includes new content in preparation for the next week's work at home.

  • On average, students will read roughly 50-100 pages, write several paragraphs, and prepare some sort of work for in-class participation every week. In addition, they will keep a Commonplace Book full of quotes and a Book of Centuries timeline. In class, students will actively participate in a Socratic-style book and/or great events discussion, as well as participate in peer editing.

    Remember: this one class is two-and-a-half classes' worth of credit, so we're doing lots of learning with nearly half the work! Yes, students work hard in this class. But the effort is worth it.

  • The supplies and book lists will be released mid-summer.

  • It is up to you, the homeschooling parent, to determine which credits you’ll grant on your student’s transcript. For the 2026-27 school year, I recommend Middle or World Literature, Middle or World History, and either Art History or Philosophy as an elective.

  • Signing up for a class with me is a commitment. I offer a penalty-free cancellation for three weeks so students and parents can get a feel for the course. After this, if you decide to transfer, move, or drop the class, you must pay half of the full year’s remaining tuition. Without this policy, I cannot keep smaller classes profitable or beneficial. Thank you for understanding!

  • Roughly 20.1 miles per hour.

  • I’d assume so! Head here for my class rules FAQs, and accommodations policies. (A full handbook will be sent the summer before class begins.)

“Tradition means giving a vote to most obscure of all classes: our ancestors. It is the democracy of the dead.”

- G.K. Chesterton