

Anchored by the Classic Learning Test
Classic Learning Test
Anchored is published by the Classic Learning Test. Hosted by CLT leadership, including our CEO Jeremy Tate, Anchored features conversations with leading thinkers on issues at the intersection of education and culture. New discussions are released every Thursday. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 26, 2026 • 31min
Introducing the "Classic Learning Foundation", with Stuart Williams- Anchored Podcast
In this episode of the Anchored Podcast, Jeremy Tate sits down with Stuart Williams to discuss the launch of the Classic Learning Foundation.The Foundation is being established to come alongside students and assist with the funding of both secondary and collegiate education. With a focus on merit-based and need-based scholarships, the goal is to support students pursuing a classically based, liberal arts education.Drawing a parallel to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, Stuart explains how the Classic Learning Foundation aims to create recognition and prestige around strong pre-college preparation—particularly for students in the 10th and 11th grades—and to help carry that recognition into the college experience.The conversation also explores broader questions about education: Has the purpose of college shifted toward return on investment? What is lost when education is reduced to job training? Why do reading, writing, and clear thinking still matter? Reflecting on his own experience—from a career at IBM to studying at St. John's College—Stuart shares how a liberal arts education shaped his thinking and why he believes it remains essential today.00:00 Introduction 01:00 Stuart Williams’ background 08:00 Returning to school at St. John’s College 15:40 What is the Classic Learning Foundation? 18:20 National Merit and education incentives 21:49 The purpose of education 24:27 Education, work, and the futureWatch more from the Anchored Podcast and explore the ideas shaping the future of education.#ClassicLearningFoundation, #ClassicalEducation, #LiberalArts, #CLT, #AnchoredPodcast, #JeremyTate, #StuartWilliams, #EducationReform, #scholarships

Mar 19, 2026 • 44min
Cultivating an Enchanted Intellect with Andrew Morton of Worldview Academy
Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Anchored Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of an "enchanted intellect" with Andrew Morton, a senior fellow at Worldview Academy. Discover how reading full novels and engaging with classics like Narnia and Lord of the Rings can shape a vibrant, resilient faith in students.Join us as Andrew shares how Worldview Academy’s summer camps forge hearts and minds through interactive experiences, igniting a love for truth, goodness, and beauty. Learn how this approach challenges the modern tendency to compartmentalize faith and reason, fostering a worldview rooted in awe and wonder.If you're a parent, educator, or student longing for education that feeds the soul as much as the mind, this episode is your catalyst. Discover the revolutionary potential of seeing God's glory in the ordinary and learn how to cultivate an enchanted worldview that lasts beyond the classroom.If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe to The Anchored Podcast for more inspiring content. Your support helps us continue to bring you insightful discussions and transformative ideas.Thank you for listening and stay anchored in truth!To learn more about Worldview Academy, visit their website at:https://worldview.org/Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction and guest Andrew Morton’s background[01:10] Andrew’s educational journey from homeschooling to Grove City College[02:44] The role of classical education unknowingly received by Andrew[03:52] The influence of books and literature on his worldview formation[04:36] The value of Grove City College as a cost-effective, faith-aligned institution[05:47] The importance of the classical Christian renewal and its hidden impact[06:25] How Andrew’s familiarity with the term 'classical education' evolved[07:21] The impact of reading Lewis, Tolkien, and George MacDonald on imagination[08:17] Worldview Academy’s classical experience and its formative role[09:15] The cultural significance of The Lord of the Rings release[09:42] The decline of reading full novels and its impact on imagination[10:01] The connection of fiction to the formation of moral imagination[11:19] The misconception about fantasy and the reinforcing of reality through fiction[12:04] How Andrew and his family first engaged with Worldview Academy[12:30] Overview of Worldview Academy’s mission and camp experience[14:26] How camp simulates an internship in a life committed to Christ[15:25] The integration of heart, mind, and will in formation at camp[16:23] The importance of love for truth and personal devotion[17:41] Evangelism training and real-world application during camp trips[19:04] The transformative impact of shared faith experiences and evangelism[20:22] Target demographics and demographic diversity at camps[21:00] Locations and frequency of camps across the country[22:30] The flexibility of student backgrounds and their growth[23:44] The role of being 'enchanted' in teaching and educational impact[24:19] Andrew’s reflections on GK Chesterton’s The Ethics of Elfland[26:50] The significance of beauty, wonder, and the enchanted worldview[30:12] The challenge of modern mechanistic explanations versus biblical wonder[33:26] Encapsulating wonder: wonder at the magic, gratitude to the magician[34:23] Chesterton’s imagery of enchantment and the everyday wonder of God’s creation[36:37] The diverse profiles of students and how the camp impacts different backgrounds[39:22] The encouraging statistic of student retention and enthusiasm for camp[40:22] The alignment of CLT’s humanized assessment with the camp’s formative goals[40:57] Andrew’s recommended reading: The Weight of Glory and Mere Christianity[43:04] Closing thoughts and encouragement to explore cla

Mar 13, 2026 • 35min
The Mission of HISTORY250: Restoring America's Story | Anchored Podcast - Andrew Zwerneman
Join Andrew Zwerneman, Head of Cana Academy, on the Anchored Podcast as he dives into the History250 Project, a groundbreaking initiative transforming the way American history is taught. Discover how this project brings history to life with 250 high-quality videos, classroom resources, and original documents—covering the story of America from its founding to the modern day.Zwerneman discusses:The importance of teaching American history warts-and-all, highlighting both challenges and triumphs.How leaders like Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., Harry Truman, and Cesar Chavez drew on history and moral principles to shape our nation.Ways teachers, students, and lifelong learners can use History250 for classical, engaging, and meaningful education.Why the story of America belongs to everyone who lives here, and how understanding it inspires citizenship, courage, and critical thinking.Watch the full interview to see how History250 is empowering educators and students to explore America’s past in new and engaging ways.Like, share, and subscribe for more insights into classical education, American history, and educational innovation!Learn more & access free History250 resources: www.history250.org#History250 #AmericanHistory #ClassicalEducation #EducationInnovation #TeachingHistory #CanaAcademy #AnchoredPodcast #HistoryEducation #FoundingFathers #CivicEducation

Mar 5, 2026 • 31min
Helping Christian Colleges Stay Faithful to their Mission - Dr P. Jesse Rine
In this episode of the Anchored Podcast, Dr. P. Jesse Rine discusses his journey in Christian higher education, the evolution of Christian colleges, and the mission of the Center for Academic Faithfulness and Flourishing. He highlights the importance of maintaining distinct Christian identities in higher education, the positive trends in enrollment for faithful institutions, and the challenges posed by demographic shifts and technological advancements. Dr. Rine also introduces the CAFF College Guide, a resource aimed at helping students and parents navigate the landscape of Christian colleges.

Feb 26, 2026 • 30min
The Journey to Classical Baccalaureate with Alex Julian #classicaleducation #liberalarts #education
In this episode, Alex Julian discusses his journey into classical education, his teaching philosophy, and the insights he gained from his time at Arcadia. The conversation delves into the Classical Baccalaureate program, its significance in addressing gaps in the current educational landscape, and the demand for such an initiative among educators and parents. Alex outlines the foundational principles of the program and shares the timeline for its implementation, emphasizing the importance of creating a high-quality educational offering that resonates with both students and colleges.TakeawaysAlex Julian's background includes Montessori education and Catholic schooling.Many classical educators share a common experience of lacking classical education in their youth.Teaching is fulfilling due to the enthusiasm and insight of students.The classical education movement is growing rapidly, attracting dedicated individuals.There are significant gaps in training for those starting classical schools.Classical Baccalaureate aims to provide an alternative to AP and IB programs.The program seeks to validate the rigor of classical education in college admissions.Parents desire a curriculum that prepares their children for citizenship in a democratic republic.The program will incorporate deep seminar work and senior thesis projects.Implementation will be gradual, focusing on quality and selectivity in pilot schools.titlesReviving Classical Education with Alex JulianThe Journey to Classical BaccalaureateChapters00:00Introduction to Classical Education and Alex Julian01:42Personal Journey into Classical Education05:02Teaching Philosophy and Experiences06:49Insights from Arcadia and the Growth of Classical Education08:25The Concept of Classical Baccalaureate14:01Demand for Classical Baccalaureate and Its Importance17:20Defining Classical Baccalaureate22:55Foundational Principles of Classical Baccalaureate26:38Implementation Timeline and Future Plans

Feb 19, 2026 • 36min
Classical Charter Schools of America - Jessica Lopez and Ali Cause-Nance

Feb 12, 2026 • 29min
Education and Freedom: Defending the Family and Western Tradition - Jeffrey S. Trimbath
What kind of education is required to sustain a free society?On this episode of The Anchored Podcast, Jeremy Wayne Tate, founder of the Classic Learning Test (CLT), sits down with Jeffrey S. Trimbath, President of the Maryland Family Institute, to examine the deep connection between classical education, family formation, and self-government.Jeffrey draws on his experience in public policy, education, and family advocacy to argue that a democratic republic depends on citizens who can govern themselves—and that kind of formation does not happen by accident. From the decline of grammar schools to modern education experiments, this conversation explores how cultural and educational shifts shape freedom itself.If we cannot govern ourselves, someone else will.Topics Covered in This Episode:Why self-government depends on moral and intellectual formationThe role of classical education in preserving a democratic republicHow modern schooling departed from the grammar school traditionFamily, virtue, and the Western intellectual inheritanceEducation policy, parental rights, the issue of euthanasia, and cultural formationAbout Our GuestJeffrey S. Trimbath is President of the Maryland Family Institute, an organization dedicated to strengthening families through public policy, education, and cultural engagement. Learn more at:https://marylandfamily.orgAbout the HostJeremy Wayne Tate is the founder of the Classic Learning Test (CLT) and host of The Anchored Podcast, where education, culture, and the Western tradition meet.About The Anchored PodcastThe Anchored Podcast is the official podcast of the Classic Learning Test, featuring conversations on classical education, culture, and the ideas that shape human flourishing.

Feb 5, 2026 • 25min
The Founding of and Purpose of the Pascal Institute - Dr Jordi Wiersma
Jeremy Wayne Tate sits down with Dr. Jordi Wiersma, founding president of the Pascal Institute in the Netherlands, to discuss the renewal of classical education in Europe and beyond. They explore how modern schooling shapes culture, why liberal arts and Great Books still matter, and how rigorous seminars in philosophy, literature, and the history of ideas can form students in wisdom and judgment.You’ll hear about the mission of the Pascal Institute, its seminars and symposia, and its place within the broader classical education movement that is reconnecting students with Homer, Plato, Aristotle, Shakespeare, Pascal, and more.Learn more about the Pascal Institute:https://pascalinstitute.com/#ClassicalEducation #PascalInstitute #JordiWiersma #GreatBooks #Plato #LiberalArts #EuropeanEducation #ChristianEducation

Jan 29, 2026 • 26min
Architect to Headmaster at Rockbridge Academy - Roy Griffith
Join us on the Anchored Podcast as we explore the journey of Rockbridge Academy with its head, Roy Griffith. Discover how his background in architecture influenced his approach to education and learn about the unique values that define this flagship classical Christian school. We discuss the challenges and opportunities in modern education, including the integration of technology and the balance between academic rigor and spiritual growth. Tune in for insights on the future of classical Christian education and the role of community and mentorship in schools.#AnchorPodcast #ClassicalEducation #RoyGriffith #RockbridgeAcademy #EducationInsights #ChristianEducation #ArchitectureInEducation #TechInEducation #AcademicRigor #spiritualgrowth

Jan 22, 2026 • 32min
Staying True to the Mission of Classical Education Luke Heintschel and Genavive Edman
In this episode of the Anchored Podcast, Jeremy Tate and guests Luke Heintschel and Genavive Edman discuss the mission and vision behind Coeur d'Eucharist Academy, a Catholic school in Northern Idaho. They explore the challenges and opportunities within the classical education movement, emphasizing the importance of returning to the roots of Catholic education, which prioritize virtue and excellence over mere academic achievement. Genavive shares her journey from a homeschool background to leading a school that aims to foster a strong community and a deep understanding of faith among students. Luke adds insights on the significance of whole-person formation in education, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that integrates both academic rigor and character development.Chapters00:00The Mission of Catholic Education01:00Introducing Coeur d'Eucharist Academy02:06Personal Journeys to Classical Education04:32The Debate on Classical vs. Liberal Education07:25The Decline of Catholic Schools09:31Origins of Coeur d'Eucharist Academy12:47Influences and Inspirations14:10Distinctive Features of the Academy19:32Navigating Diocesan Relationships21:46The Revival of Catholic Education24:28Curriculum and Academic Focus29:38Books That Shape Our Mission


