Cultivating Excellence Podcast Raising and Educating Boys who Thrive
Boys thrive when schools design for movement, establish clear routines, and build character without pushing kids past their limits.
In this episode, Tara Montague, Assistant Head of Langdon School, explains how boy-friendly learning environments promote academic success, healthier behavior, and stronger long-term development from elementary through high school. She discusses why boys benefit from structured schedules, built-in outlets for movement, flexible classroom setups, and repeated directions to support focus and learning. The conversation highlights the importance of recess, daily physical activity, athletics, nutrition, and consistent routines, as well as the role of executive functioning support in middle school. Tara also explores leadership, ethics, healthy masculinity, parent-school partnership, advocacy across settings, and how phone-free campuses strengthen student connection while helping schools challenge students without breaking them.
Tune in and learn how to help boys build resilience, character, and lasting motivation in today’s high-pressure world.
Resources:
Connect with and follow Tara Montague on LinkedIn.
Check out Dr. John Ratey’s book, Spark, and Richard V. Reeves’ book, Of Boys And Men.