09/24/2026
At Northfield, our ultimate aim is toward Beauty, Goodness, and Truth. Our motto is “Nascantur in Admiratione,” - Let them be born in wonder. Together, we arrive at this state of wonder when we recognize our common humanity, see the uniqueness of every person, and join together in practiced observation, deep contemplation, and authentic conversation. We work to create and protect a space for joy-filled exploration, where we listen in order to understand rather than to condemn, wrestle honestly with difficult ideas, and, above all, respect and encourage one another.
Indeed, this is the first of our Seven Simple Rules: “respect and encourage one another in word and deed.” This Rule and its six companions form the basis of our community life, binding us together and putting the common good at the center of our mutual effort.
Northfield is a place where we can entertain opposites and find places of unity amidst the seeming separation of division. The classical cosmos and the quantum field are equally welcome here, and our low-tech approach to daily classroom life also makes room for the occasional student-created film festival.
Northfield’s method is rooted in the classical liberal arts tradition, drawing from the Trivium and Quadrivium as a form and reference for what we study and how we cultivate the ability to learn, process, and present ideas. Through the Great Books and the great ideas, we join the great conversation that spans all time and all cultures, directing us all towards the path of human flourishing.
As our students graduate and move beyond our walls, we trust that each one will move a step further down that same path, holding their lights aloft that we might all see a little further up and further in.
“We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.”
—T.S. Eliot, Little Gidding
Our work is deeply informed by Christianity and includes the study of Christian thought. We believe that the Christian tradition offers profound wisdom in the search for Truth, Beauty, Goodness, and human flourishing, and the majority of our teachers believe these are ultimately revealed in Jesus Christ.
All who are genuinely seeking Truth are welcome to join us at the table. No declaration of faith is required. You do not need to consider yourself Christian to join us; Socrates was not. But it is important to understand and embrace the mission and methods we practice together, including our willingness to seriously engage Christian thought alongside the many other voices that have shaped the human conversation.
