Frequently Asked Questions

A group of Christian educators, parents, and pastors, committed to classical Christian higher education, founded New Aberdeen College. They belong to several different Reformed denominations, but they are deeply united in their vision to establish a faithful classical Christian college.

The College is ideally located in Charlotte, NC, the heart of the classical Christian school movement in America. The I-85 corridor has the largest concentration of classical Christian schools in the country. Classical Conversations, Inc., is also based in North Carolina. Until now, however, the Carolinas have had no classically oriented, evangelical college. We are changing that. The Greater Charlotte region’s strong economy, vibrant Christian schools and learning communities, and faithful, conservative churches make it an excellent location for New Aberdeen College and for its students to thrive.

The College is governed by a Board of Trustees committed to the Reformed faith and to Classical Christian Education. New Aberdeen College is not affiliated with any other institutions, nor is it sponsored by any individual denomination.

The Trustees are active members in good standing of their churches. The Board represents multiple Reformed denominations. Its members, and the churches at which they are members, include:

• Matthew Browning
  Redeemer Presbyterian Church (OPC); Charlotte, North Carolina
• Carter Ehnis, M.A.
  University Reformed Church (PCA); East Lansing, Michigan
• The Rev’d Peter Johnston, M.Div., Ph.D.
  Trinity Anglican Church (ACNA); Lafayette, Louisiana
• Ryan Smith, M.A., M.M., D.M.A.
  Resurrection Presbyterian Church (OPC); Matthews, North Carolina
• Dr. Sonny White
  Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church (ARP); Greensboro, North Carolina

The College plans to offer a Bachelor of Arts and an Associate’s degree. The B.A. is a four-year program with optional specializations in literature, classical languages, history, mathematics, philosophy, theology, or other fields. The A.A., a two-year program, provides students with a foundation in core subjects and the Christian worldview, while preparing them to transfer to other schools or succeed in vocations beyond the academy.

Classical learning includes both course content and how those courses are taught. The Socratic method, or guided questioning and student interaction, is key to our approach. This ancient teaching method can apply to any discipline. Merely listening to lectures, taking notes, reading books, and sitting for exams is not good pedagogy. We teach our students how to summarize, explain, evaluate, criticize, synthesize, improve, defend, and apply the ideas and skills they encounter. We believe competence is far more important than grades or credentials. That’s why the College’s courses devote at least one third of their instructional time to recitations or discussions, engaging students with the Socratic method and stimulating deeper student thought and expression.

A quality education needs face-to-face student-teacher interaction. After all, as Jesus said, students, when mature, will be like their teachers. Learning is never just a “data download.” At the same time, quality student-teacher interaction can happen either in-person or online. We offer in-residence learning and may supplement some of our courses and electives with online sessions when face-to-face is not feasible. Some of our finest faculty members may only be available to teach online from remote locations.

E radicibus altis boni fructus means, “From deep roots [come] good fruits.” The motto is consonant with the College’s mission of forming mature disciples by means of the classical tradition and the Reformed faith. The motto reflects the ancient wisdom refined and sharpened over millennia by the Hebrews, Greeks, Romans, and early Church. Western civilization’s deep Christian roots have produced good fruit over generations of men and women who have immersed themselves in the classical Christian tradition.

New Aberdeen students secure their own housing, but we assist them and their families so every student can find a supportive community with fellow students and good accountability. The College’s goal to form mature disciples in and out of the classroom is advanced by independent students living in the wider community. With working neighbors, the students must show personal responsibility, manage their own budgets wisely, demonstrate biblical love of their neighbors, and act with godly integrity before the watching world. By preparing their own meals, paying their own bills, and cleaning up after themselves, they become better equipped to assume their places in and contribute to the wider community before they graduate. Independent living also allows them to find space and to eat on a budget that they can afford, rather than the fees set by the college-as-landlord.

No. The College will not participate in state or federal student financial aid. Being dependent on other peoples’ money (through forcible state and federal taxation) is not a path to independence or faithfulness. Refusing to take the “government’s money” frees us from government entanglements and insulates us from secular political agendas that now threaten the integrity of many Christian colleges. Fiscal responsibility rests clearly on the College and its constituents—where it biblically belongs. At the same time, we invite the generosity of God’s people to assist the College in keeping tuition affordable for all qualified students.

We invite applications for the College’s inaugural 2025-26 academic year. Interested students and families may contact us at newaberdeencollege@gmail.com for more information on how to become a member of the founding class of New Aberdeen College!

The College welcomes the financial generosity of individuals, churches, and corporations that support the College’s mission. Tax-deductible donations may designated toward monthly operational costs, long-term infrastructure needs, or to scholarship funds that will directly benefit students by keeping their costs low.  We welcome one-time or recurring gifts (tax deductible) online or with checks mailed to our mailing address, 4007 Coleman Drive; Charlotte, NC 28215. We accept Donor Advised Funds from most banks, and securities may be transferred directly to our account.