About Via Classica
Classical Education and Formation
Established in 2023, Via Classica exists to support Australian parents in the education and formation of their children through the classical tradition.
We believe that education is concerned not only with what a child knows, but with the kind of person he or she is becoming. Through the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty, we seek to cultivate the intellect, form the character, and foster a love of that which is worthy..
Recognising parents as the primary educators of their children, Via Classica works alongside families through live online classes and resources, and alongside schools entrusted by parents with their children's education.
Drawing upon the intellectual, literary and Christian inheritance of Western civilisation, and Australia's own history and heritage, we seek to help pass these traditions to the next generation.
Our Story
Elizabeth Matheson, founder of Via Classica, first encountered classical education more than fifteen years ago and recognised in it an understanding of education that accorded deeply with her own: the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty, the cultivation of wisdom and virtue, and the formation of the whole person.
In the years that followed, Elizabeth was privileged to work with educators in Victoria and Queensland seeking to bring the principles and practices of classical education into Australian schools. When she and her husband later chose to homeschool their own children, the classical tradition naturally became the foundation of their education.
At the same time, Elizabeth felt called to share this education beyond her own family. A conversation with another mother seeking a similar education for her children gave rise to a simple idea: technology, rightly used, could bring students and teachers together across Australia. Via Classica was established in 2023.
Our first classes brought together students from three states to study literature, writing, Latin and Gregorian chant, the latter taught by Ronan Reilly, whose Jubilate Deo programme has since become a pioneer in sacred music education. From these beginnings, Via Classica has grown steadily.
In 2026, Via Classica offers eight courses, with students from every Australian state and territory. Our work now also includes the Australian Progymnasmata, educational resources and partnerships with schools. Through all this, our purpose remains unchanged: to serve Australian parents and schools in the education and formation of the next generation through the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty.
Our Instructors
Our instructors bring together teaching experience, a commitment to classical education, and a shared understanding of education as the formation of the whole person.
Via Classica, Founder & Director
Elizabeth Matheson is the founder and Director of Via Classica and an educator with more than twenty years' experience as a teacher and school leader. She has taught English, religious education, history and politics, and as a Deputy Principal developed and implemented classical curriculum for Australian students while supporting teachers in its practice.
Elizabeth is the author of the Australian Progymnasmata series and teaches literature, writing and history through Via Classica. She also works with Australian schools seeking to establish and strengthen classical education within their communities.
Literature & Australian Progymnasmata Tutor
Madeleine Dugdale is an experienced educator with more than ten years' experience teaching in primary and secondary schools. She was among the inaugural students of the Classical Liberal Arts programme at Campion College and holds a Master of Teaching from the University of Melbourne.
Madeleine is an accredited Spalding Method instructor and has undertaken further training through the Institute for Excellence in Writing. Alongside her classroom experience, she has taught English literature and phonics privately and has educated her own children within the classical tradition. At Via Classica, Madeleine teaches Literature and Australian Progymnasmata courses.
Music Tutor
Ronan Reilly is an educator and sacred musician with extensive experience in the Western musical tradition. A former chorister at St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney, he studied theology at the University of Notre Dame Australia and was a member of the Schola Cantorum of the Holy Cross in Sydney.
Ronan has served as Director of Music in Catholic education and has spent many years teaching children and adults sacred music. He is the founder of Pueri Publications and the Jubilate Deo programme, through which he works to pass on the Church's musical inheritance to a new generation. Ronan has taught Gregorian chant through Via Classica since its earliest classes.
Maths and Science Tutor
Liam Wells is an experienced mathematics and science educator with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Sydney, majoring in physics and mathematics. He has more than eight years' experience teaching secondary science and mathematics in Sydney and the NSW Riverina.
Liam's teaching emphasises rigorous study, mastery of content and the connections between disciplines. Through Via Classica, he is available for individual tutoring in mathematics and science, supporting students according to their particular needs and stage of study.