Anchored by the Classic Learning Test

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Karen Moore and her student assistant, Naomi Noble from Grace Academy of Georgetown. Karen is the Classical Languages Chair at Grace Academy and the author of several books. The guests talk about how they first encountered the classics and how the study has allowed them to slow down and appreciate a wider world of language and history. They also discuss their current project: the inaugural Tournament of Laurels, taking place June 25-29 at Houston Christian University. Classical language students nationwide are invited to attend and participate in academic, oral, and fine arts competitions and events. 

Robert Woods, headmaster of Veritas Christian Academy and founder of the Great Books Honors program at Faulkner University, joins the show to discuss the paideia approach to classical education and the design of the Great Books Honors program. They also explore his upcoming book, "Neither Angel Nor Beast," which offers a classical and theological perspective on the social sciences. They delve into their educational background, the future prospects of the classical education movement, and the impact of Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451.

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by James LaGrand, the director of the Messiah University Honors Program. The two discuss James’ love for the explanatory power of history. James describes the lost sense of wonder and discovery that accompanies the educational shift from teaching history to teaching social studies. They also talk about the honors program at Messiah University and how the Great Books have helped create community among the honors students. Today’s episode of Anchored is brought to you with support from America’s Christian Credit Union. Find out how ACCU can be the banking partner to your school or family by visiting americaschristiancu.com/CLT.

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Stephen Blackwood, president of Ralston College in Savannah, Georgia. For his return to the podcast, Stephen provides a one-year update on Ralston College’s first round of graduates. The two dive into the kinds of students that they have been accepted and encouragement for those looking to apply. They also discuss Ralston’s overall goal of intervening in higher education to create a college that is worthy of the tradition it seeks to transmit. Today’s episode of Anchored is brought to you with support from America’s Christian Credit Union. Find out how ACCU can be the banking partner to your school or family by visiting americaschristiancu.com/CLT.

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Daniel Baillargeon, founder and CEO of Mission Driven Catholic, a Catholic school resource that ​​provides leaders with the resources, spiritual support, and tools necessary to make mission-driven decisions. The two talk about Daniel’s journey into Catholic education through his time as a teacher, superintendent, and consultant. They also highlight examples of Catholic schools that have fully lived out their mission and the replicable pedagogy that helped them do it. Today’s episode of Anchored is brought to you with support from America’s Christian Credit Union. Find out how ACCU can be the banking partner to your school or family by visiting americaschristiancu.com/CLT.

On Office Hours with Jeremy Tate, a new segment of the Anchored podcast, Jeremy and Soren dive into the most recent, need-to-know news surrounding the education renewal movement. Tune in to hear about how The National Council of Teachers of English hosted a conference with sessions titled Lil Wayne in the Classroom and Books to Inspire Activism. On a brighter note, The Washington Post released an article highlighting homeschooling as the fastest-growing form of education in America. And finally, a public school in Florida is considering implementing a classical education curriculum in the next school year.

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Paul O’Reilly, president of Thomas Aquinas College (TAC). The two discuss Paul’s background growing up in Ireland during a time of high tensions between Protestants and Catholics. They explore how the campus has changed since Paul attended in the 1980s, including a recent expansion into New England. And finally, they talk about the merits of seminar-style classes to produce thoughtful, adaptive graduates. Today’s episode of Anchored is brought to you with support from America’s Christian Credit Union. Find out how ACCU can be the banking partner to your school or family by visiting americaschristiancu.com/CLT.

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Chris Weir, the executive director of the Camino Schools in California. Chris explains his journey to getting involved with the Camino Schools and the redundancy of using the label “classical” when referring to Catholic liberal arts schools. The two also explore the reasons to be hopeful about the future of Catholic education and the importance of making it more accessible. Today’s episode of Anchored is brought to you with support from America’s Christian Credit Union. Find out how ACCU can be the banking partner to your school or family by visiting americaschristiancu.com/CLT.

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Jake Weidmann, one of nine master penmen in the world. Join them to hear about Jake’s journey to becoming a master penman and the history of beautiful penmanship. Jake also unpacks his case for cursive as a critical connection between the brain and the page and shares his best advice for instilling a love of art in students today.Today’s episode of Anchored is brought to you with support from America’s Christian Credit Union. Find out how ACCU can be the banking partner to your school or family by visiting americaschristiancu.com/CLT.

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Carrie Eben, owner of Classical Eben, a classical consulting firm. Tune in to hear Soren and Carrie talk about the difficulties of starting a classical school and maintaining teacher motivation. They dive into how to train students for long-term success by beginning with the end in mind. Soren and Carrie conclude by discussing what a proper philosophy of assessment looks like. Today’s episode of Anchored is brought to you with support from America’s Christian Credit Union. Find out how ACCU can be the banking partner to your school or family by visiting americaschristiancu.com/CLT.