Cultivating knowledge and wisdom
to transform a generation
Community
Nyansa Classical Community provides classical, Christian curricula and programming designed to connect with and draw students from diverse backgrounds into the beauty of classical literature and the Great Conversation.
Our curricula and programming:
- Cultivate the poetic and moral imaginations
- Deepen delight and enjoyment of classical literature, language, and art
- Tell classic stories using culturally and ethnically diverse images that resonate with young people from a variety of backgrounds
- Encourage students to cultivate truth, goodness, and beauty
Nyansa is a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit registered in Louisiana. Our curricula and
programming work well for after-school programs, homeschoolers, vacation Bible schools, summer camps, and parents seeking supplemental material to deepen their children’s education. These materials are available at no cost to those who cannot afford them. We develop new lessons and modules through paid licensing, donations, and grants.
Curriculum
Much of Nyansa’s curriculum is based on stories and lessons from the Bible and Greco-Roman classics. These texts are foundational to our society and culture, but young people have had less and less exposure to them as philosophies of education have changed over time. We believe that it is essential to our life together that young people learn from and appreciate these foundational texts while also exploring stories from other diverse cultural traditions. Equally significant are the many ways this literature contributes to building children’s moral imagination and to cultivating their desire to seek wisdom, truth, beauty, and goodness.
Biblical
Nyansa Classical Community is faith-based and Christian, and our curricula reflect this foundation. We believe, however, that all young people, whatever their faith background, gain a great deal from learning about biblical literature and language because they are a core part of the culture, history and discourse of the United States and many other countries. Whether speakers are conversant in the Bible or merely allude to the idea of the “good Samaritan” or “loving one’s neighbor,” they are invoking the Bible as a moral authority. In addition, many of our great writers from Shakespeare to Emily Dickinson, to William Faulkner, and Toni Morrison invoke biblical references that one is required to know in order to fully appreciate their works. For these reasons, it is important that children from many faith traditions learn to recognize Biblical stories and allusions and consider how they inform our public
life today.
Classical
Greco-Roman antiquity is ubiquitous in American society: the US Constitution is
modeled on Polybius’ description of the Roman government; we speak of people being cynics, stoics, and academics—all Greek concepts; and our buildings evoke classical styles — from the monuments of Washington, DC, to the “Greek revival” architecture that adorns New Orleans. At the same time, the classics have historically been a mark of an elite education, conveying that a person’s learning is more than technical. Nyansa provides an accessible introduction to classic works of antiquity to students from a variety of social and economic backgrounds. Learning this history and literature helps young people to understand how their world has taken its current shape and allows them to more deeply understand the concepts and practices of citizenship, democracy, justice, and the common good.
See how this program works in action through our “Day in the Life” or by contacting us for more information.
To actually go above and beyond the standard, I think that’s awesome. Because my daughter is going to be an amazing person, and to have her be more than they expect her to be, I’m excited!
Quintesha Lee, Nyansa Parent
In the news
Institutional Supporters
Loyola University
New Orleans
Loyola University provides service learners and volunteers who have given countless hours to helping our community succeed.
Tulane
University
Tulane University’s Department of Classical Studies has helped us develop our Latin curriculum, an initiative led by service learners under the guidance of Professor Mallory Monaco Caterine.
Society for
Classical Studies
The Society for Classical Studies’ Classics Everywhere initiative has provided generous support in 2019 and 2020.
Valero Energy
Foundation
The Valero Energy Foundation made Nyansa a beneficiary of its annual Benefit for Children in 2017 and 2019.
Donors enable Nyansa to develop new curriculum materials and provide them to underprivileged families and organizations at no cost. We are registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in the State of Louisiana. All gifts are tax deductible.
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To receive a sample lesson plan, learn more about our full curriculum, and for other questions please fill out the contact form below:
Nyansa Classical Community 