William D. Sanders to Unknown

THE ATHENEUM. A DAY SCHOOL FOR YOUGN LADIES. JACKSONVILLE, * * ILLINOIS.

This Institution was first organized in September 1864. It originated in the conviction that the accepted method of female education is radically defective, and that an incomparably better system is possible and practicable. A year's actual trial has demonstrated the truth of this opinion. Attention is invited to the peculiarities of the New System.

I. A NEW SYSTEM OF CLASSIFICATION. The vice of the accepted system of education is superficialness: especially in the common elementary branches of study. Girls who can neither read, write nor spell, receive Diplomas and are sent forth endorsed as "Graduates:" and the fault is not so much the fault of the girls as it is the fault of the fashionable system under which they have been trained. The New System of Classification in the Atheneum ensures a degree of thoroughness which is hardly possible under the common system. The arbitrary Time classification is vicious in many respects. It is unjust to the quick and to the slow. It holds back the quick, compelling them to spend four years in doing what they could have done in three: it drags forward the slow so rapidly as to compel them to be superficial: and it systematically educates the majority of its pupils to a habit of contentment with imperfection. All that is actually acquired is no compensation for this great harm. Under the New System the quick may go ever so rapidly if only they will go thoroughly; and the slow may go ever so slowly if only they will go thoroughly. The New System credits the pupil with what is actually attained--regardless of the time used in doing it. What is sought is an actual education, and not a sham; an absolute mastery of every topic, and not a mere "going over it" within a given time.

II. SUPERIOR INSTRUCTION.

The Atheneum derives its name from the peculiarities of its arrangements for instruction. The Atheneum at Athens was a building sacred to Minerva--"the goddess of wisdom and skill, i. e. of all the liberal arts and sciences." Here the poets, philosophers, and literary men in general were accustomed to assemble for the discussion of questions of literature and art, and for the instruction of the young. So in this enterprise it is proposed to put in requisition, so far as is practicable, whatever of special talent or skill or culture there is among us, to provide for our girls the highest order of skilled instruction. Last year some twelve different instructors were employed in teaching less than seventy-five pupils. We thus secure experts in each department. The same method is to be continued. The President and Professors in Illinois College--men of from ten to thirty years experience as practical educators--have consented to give instruction in the Atheneum, each in his own department. This arrangement secures an order of teaching skill which is not combined in any other school for girls of which we have any knowledge.

PRESIDENT J. M. STURTEVANT, D. D.,

will aid in giving instruction in what are ordinarily called Senior studies.

PROFESSOR SAMUEL ADAMS, M. D.,

with such assistants as may be necessary, will teach Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, Geology, Natural History, and the kindred sciences. Pupils in these branches can have access to the Doctor's various courses of Experimental Lectures, given annually to the students in Illinois College. These Lectures are illustrated by extensive and costly apparatus: and the cost of Tickets to each course will put them within the reach of all. ----

PROF. RUFUS C. CRAMPTON, A.M.,

with such assistants as he may approve, will teach Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Conic Sections, and Astronomy.

PROF. RUFUS NUTTING, A. M.,

will direct the studies of those who pursue the Ancient Languages.

Reading, Elocution, Rhetoric, and English Literature, will be taught by the College Professor in this department. Instruction in the Modern Languages will be given by experts in each. Skilled Artists will also be employed in penmanship, Music, Drawing, and Painting. Those who occupy desks in the School Room will be under the immediate supervision of an accomplished Lady Principal.

III. IT IS NOT A BOARDING SCHOOL.

The originators of this enterprise regard Boarding School Life as unfavorable to the best development of character. The best place for a girl during the critical period of school life is at Home. The next best place is in the bosom of some small Christian family. She is thus saved from that artificial life which is a necessity of the Boarding School system. The natural restraints of a well ordered Christian family are the only restraints which are healthful in the formation of character. In a community like Jacksonville where there is so much of general culture and refinement, parents will be able to find for their daughters safe and pleasant homes. In some cases several sisters (especially those who have brothers in College) may choose to rent rooms and make homes for themselves, at a considerable reduction of the cost of board.

IV. IT IS NOT A SECTARIAN SHCOOL.

It was established solely in the interests of a Higher Culture, a thorough Christian education. Its teachers are of various denominations: and last year its pupils were from Congregational, Baptist, Methodist, N. S. Presbyterian, O. S. Presbyterian, Christian, and Episcopal families. The enterprise orginated in the demand for a better school on a better system; and it is sustained in the interests of no sect, or party or clique. It is demanded of its pupils only that they be obedient, diligent, and thorough; and of its teachers only that they be loyal to Christ and to their Country, and thoroughly competent.

CALENDAR.

The academic year is divided into two Terms. The first will begin on Monday, September 18th, and end on Friday, January 26th, interrupted only by the holidays. The second term will begin on Monday, January 29th, and end on Wednesday June 13th.

EXPENSES.

The new system necessitates a great multiplication of classes, and therefore a greatly increased cost to to the Institution; but it is decided to offer all its advantages at the usual rates.

Tuition of all brancheS, except those named below, for the year, . . . . . . . . $40.00

Tuition in French, " " . . . . . . . . . 20.00

Tuition in German, " " . . . . . . . . . 20.00

Lessons on the Piano, " " . . . . . . . . . 45.00

Use of Instrument, " " . . . . . . . . . 10.00

Drawing, " " . . . . . . . . . 20.00

Painting, " " . . . . . . . . . 40.00

Vocal Music, Lessons to single pupils, (Bassini's Method,) per lesson, . . . . . . .50

Tickets to College Lectures on Natural Philosophy, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.00

Tickets to " " Chemistry, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.00

Tickets to " " Natural History, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.00

Incidentals, (care of rooms, & e.,) for the year, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.00

LOCATION.

Until the erection of the permanent building, the school will be accommodated in the commodious building about to be vacated by Mr. Elizur Wolcott, near the S. W. corner of the Public Square. The location is central and retired. The internal arrangements will be changed so as to make the rooms large, pleasant and convenient.

For any additional information address the Proprietor at Jacksonville, Ill., P. O. Box 293.

REFERENCES.

Hon. JAMES BERDAN. M. P. AYERS, *Esq., Jacksonville. Hon. WM. F. BEEKMAN, Petersburg, Ill. Hon. HENRY E. DUMMER, MATHEW STACY, Esq., Jacksonville. N. W. BRANSON, Esq., " " EDWARD LAMBERT, Esq., JOHN GOLTRA, Esq., Jacksonville. Rev. GEORGE I. KING, Quincy, " O. D. FITZSIMMONS, Esq., J. T. CASSELL, Esq., Jacksonville. T. M. OVIATT, Esq., Decatur, "

WM. D. SANDERS, A. M., Proprietor. Jacksonville, Ill., July 1st, 1865. Ironmonger & Mendenhall, Printers.