Illumination from Hildegard’s Scivias, c. 1151.
In anticipation of St. Hildegard of Bingen’s feast day on September 17, ICLE is pleased to share this reflection from our partner, Classical School Solutions.
One of the most radiant examples of a saint who cherished beauty is St. Hildegard of Bingen, a 12th-century mystic, composer, and polymath. St. Hildegard viewed beauty as a divine reflection, channeling her extraordinary talents into music, art, and writings that glorified God. She famously declared, “All of creation is a symphony of the Holy Spirit, which is joy and jubilation.”
Her life exemplifies how beauty can inspire and elevate the human spirit, drawing us closer to the divine.
St. Hildegard’s legacy teaches us that beauty is not merely an embellishment to education—it is fundamental. It sparks wonder, ignites imagination, and fosters a profound love for Christ’s Truth and Goodness. In a world often dominated by pragmatism, her vision reminds us to nurture the soul through aesthetic experiences that resonate deeply with students.
At Classical School Solutions, we embrace this vision through our Readers in Rhyme Literacy program, a comprehensive Orton-Gillingham based literacy curriculum designed to enchant and educate. The program’s rhythmic, poetic texts delight the ear, while vibrant, carefully curated illustrations captivate the eye. Together, they create an immersive learning experience that inspires wonder, joy, and a lifelong appreciation for beauty.
Readers in Rhyme Literacy seamlessly integrates explicit phonics instruction, handwriting practice, grammar lessons, poetry, dictation, and copywork, all woven into the rhythms and patterns of well-crafted rhyming prose. Each book features stunning illustrations that invite students to engage in picture study, honing their observational skills, aesthetic sensitivity, and ability to articulate visual beauty. This holistic approach not only builds foundational literacy skills but also cultivates a deep appreciation for the arts and the divine order reflected in Creation.
Classical School Solutions is dedicated to empowering educators with exceptional materials, providing the tools, resources, and support needed to foster a love of learning. By grounding our curriculum in beauty, truth, and goodness, we aim to inspire students to see the world as St. Hildegard did—as a harmonious symphony of divine joy.
This piece originally appeared in the September 2025 eNewsletter, Beyond the Test to feature Classical School Solutions as a Partner in the Renewal of Catholic liberal education.