Culture & Traditions

Rooted In Traditions New and Old

Historically, to be "educated" meant to be immersed into a set of intellectual and cultural traditions. At Augustine School, we believe that education should be grounded in meaningful traditions that teach students to see themselves as a part of a specific culture worth preserving.

At Augustine School, we love tradition; the Western intellectual tradition is integrated in all aspects of our curriculum. But we've also developed several school traditions over the years (and are still developing new ones) that shape our school community and culture each year. Read more below and catch a glimpse of some of the highlights of school traditions that happen each year at Augustine School.

"Tradition means giving votes to the most obscure of all classes, our ancestors. It is the democracy of the dead. Tradition refuses to submit to the small and arrogant oligarchy of those who merely happen to be walking about." - G.K. Chesterton

Experience Augustine

We believe the best way to understand Augustine School is to tour our campus, meet our faculty and staff, and experience our school culture firsthand. Schedule your visit today and read more about our annual traditions below.

Annual Traditions:

Back to School Night (August) Held the night before school starts, families and friends reunite for the upcoming school year. Parents and students are encouraged to visit their new classrooms, meet their teachers, and drop off their supplies. Exciting announcements are made, popsicles are shared, and the school year is kicked off with high spirits.
Convocation (August) At this evening service led by our founders and administration, Augustine School again presents itself to God for His work at our school in the upcoming year. It is strongly encouraged that every family is represented at this event.
Monday Chapels (Weekly) Attending Chapel on Monday mornings sets the tone for the upcoming week as our Dean of Academic Affairs leads the students in orienting their heart and mind toward God before they begin their studies for the week.
Race Day (Fall) Each Fall, our school campus is transformed into an obstacle course as Race Day approaches. This fundraiser and event for individuals, families, and extreme racers is open to the public and brings in hundreds of racers each year.
Grandparents Day (Fall) At Augustine School, we dedicate the first recitation of the year to our students’ grandparents – or in many cases, grand-"friends". On this day students honor the legacy laid by generations past though singing, reciting of scripture and poetry, and special classroom visits.
Reformation Day (October 31) Reformation Day marks the anniversary of Martin Luther’s protest against church corruption and false teaching that began the Protestant Reformation. Each year, “Martin Luther” makes a personal appearance to our students to explain what took place on the first Reformation Day and why.
Carols and Cider (December) Each December, Augustine School celebrates the Christmas season by opening the campus to friends and family as we sing carols, read scripture, and sip steamy beverages.
Christmas Recitation (December) In mid December, Christmas Break begins after a special off-campus Christmas Recitation where students recite and sing seasonal pieces and songs.
Fine Arts Night (Spring) Fine Arts Night features a choral concert from the entire school body followed by an art gallery of their paintings, drawings, and sculptures. It is one of the most anticipated nights of the school year as we see the unique talents of Augustine students on full display.
Field Day (May) At the end of the school year, the entire student body comes together for a day of physical fun and challenges where students enjoy friendly competition on our school athletic fields.
Year-End Recitation (May) Augustine School students participate in quarterly Recitations, which hone their public speaking and memorization skills. Our final Year-End Recitation is particularly special as students dress in costumes reminiscent of the history cycle their class studied that year. This event is typically held off-campus as families enjoy refreshments and fellowship before school lets out for summer break..

Field Trips (Throughout Year) Augustine School values on-site learning and interaction with experts. For that reason our students take multiple field trips throughout the year in the Jackson area and beyond. Multiple classes from different grades often come together for these trips to build inter-grade friendships and community.
School Garden (Annual) Our school garden provides ample opportunity for recreation as well as learning. As students participate in the planning, planting, care and harvest of vegetables, fruits, flowers and herbs, they learn to observe, reflect, and interact with the natural world. Students care for the garden over the summer months through Gardening Club continue their work throughout the year as part of their class schedule.
Science Fair (Spring) Every spring semester, our Lower School and Middle School students present a project as part of our annual Science Fair. This fair is an opportunity for students to demonstrate proficiency in three areas (body of knowledge, set of skills, and posture of worship toward their Creator). Students choose their subject of study, present to several judges, and answer questions from guests.
Knighting Ceremony (Fall) Every year, as part of their Medieval history cycle, Augustine First Grade students memorize and recite their knights’ oath (“I promise to use all that I learn in the service of Jesus Christ, King of Kings and Lord of lords.”). They are then knighted by King Drown and present their research of an actual historical knight.
Narnia Narratives (Fall) Each year our Fourth Grade students read through C. S. Lewis' classic work "The Chronicles of Narnia." After finishing "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe" they each choose a character and write first-person narratives from that characters viewpoint. After refining their writing, they present a dramatic reading in costume in front of their parents and peers.
National Spelling Bee Competition (Fall) Each Fall, our Lower School students and Middle School students participate in the National Spelling Bee. Students prepare for several weeks and compete at the classroom level, then then at the school level, and finally proceed to the regional and state levels. Augustine has had the privilege of sending a representative to the national competition in Washington, D.C. for multiple years.

Upper School Retreat (Fall) In an effort to promote friendship between students, the Upper School takes a break from their studies in the fall for a day of outdoor team building activities on our campus.
Edwards Colloquium (Fall & Spring) The Edwards Colloquium is an opportunity for high school students to meet twice per year in homes for dinner and conversation about a seminal writing that has implications for everyday practical Christian living.
Upper School Play (Fall) Each year Augustine Upper School students audition and perform a play based on one of Shakespeare's works. It's wonderful to see them engage in the language of this infamous playwright while putting their own creative spin on his classic works.
House System (Throughout Year) The House System is designed to promote healthy relationships across Middle and High School grades, providing leadership opportunities for older students and trustworthy mentors for younger students. The four houses compete throughout the year in four different areas (deportment, academics, athletics, and creative arts) as they embody worthy pursuits that benefit the individual, the house, our school, and the city of Jackson.
Special Activities Week (February) A bright spot in the winter months is Special Activities Week. Augustine Upper School students have the opportunity to choose from several week-long courses offered by their teachers and other community members. These courses can cover topics and activities such as history, strategic games, crafts, special skills, and more.
St. Louis Trip (Spring) Each year our Augustine Eighth Grade students and their parents spend a weekend exploring the city of St. Louis and its many landmarks.
European Trip (Biannual) A classical education culminates in visiting the places our students have spent their primary years reading and learning about. Every other year, Augustine High School students embark on a European tour with their teachers and chaperones that marks their educational experience in an unforgettable way.
Senior Symposium (Spring) Augustine School seniors write an extensive research paper based on their chosen topic of study. At the culmination of their research, they give a formal presentation of their paper to the Augustine School student body as well as family and friends. After presenting their thesis, they address questions from the audience and receive feedback on their work.
Film & Culture Series (Throughout Year) Similar to Edwards Colloquium but focused on the cultural and human issues that are revealed through film. Students enjoy a meal together before watching one of a series of noteworthy films. Afterwards, they are guided through thought-provoking conversations to grow in their engagement of culture.
Day of Service (Spring) Just before Spring Break, Upper School students come together for an annual day of service and celebration. We celebrate Christ's work on our behalf by serving others in the morning and having time for extended fellowship in the afternoon.