The Classical Academies Partnering With Parents

Dr. Michele Borba is an author, international speaker, and educational psychologist who teaches parents and educators to nurture resilience and build character in children. She emphasizes that resilience isn’t innate; it’s a skill that can and should be taught before adversity strikes. Dr. Borba offers practical strategies for identifying and modeling core family values, focusing on children’s str...

How much is too much? With children averaging nearly three hours of screen time daily, and teens even more, language development and social skills can be impacted. Lead Speech-Language Pathologist Katherine Cameron shares key developmental milestones, practical strategies, and tips for creating screen-free, conversation-rich environments that support growth.

Rebroadcast of episode 184, Homeschooling as a Working Parent. Originally released December 31, 2024. Balancing a career and homeschooling might seem impossible, but teachers Julie Enzminger and Desirae Heath prove that it can be done successfully with the right strategies. They share how they manage professional commitments and offer practical tips for effective time management, establishing flex...

The Classical Academies is excited to launch a new virtual middle school program this fall in partnership with Sora. Garrett Smiley, CEO and co-founder of Sora, shares how the program blends project-based learning, real-world problem-solving, and mastery-based assessment to create an engaging and meaningful educational experience. Designed around student agency and curiosity, Sora offers flexible...

The Classical Academies have been offering musical theater opportunities for students for more than 24 years, creating space for creativity, confidence, and character to shine. Classical Academy Middle School Theater Director Kara Howard shares the lasting impact of theater on student growth. She reflects on the magic of live performance and how the program helps students develop essential life sk...

Music education builds confidence, resilience, emotional maturity, and teamwork. Band Director Sam Roberson shares how music goes far beyond notes and instruments, offering students real-world skills that prepare them for life. From his early days as a punk rock guitarist to leading the music program at The Classical Academies, Sam brings a unique perspective to the classroom. He explains why marc...

David Bower teaches physics, engineering, and robotics at Classical Academy High School, where his passion for problem-solving and innovation fuels a student-led robotics program unlike any other. Through hands-on projects like game-playing robots, students gain technical expertise and essential soft skills in teamwork, leadership, and perseverance. Bower discusses the importance of strong foundat...

Pediatrician Dr. Akash Rajaratnam explores the critical link between nutrition and academic success in children. With 1 in 5 kids in the U.S. affected by childhood obesity, he sheds light on how ultra-processed foods can lead to nutrient deficiencies, reduced focus, and behavioral challenges in the classroom. Discover practical strategies for cutting back on sugar, choosing brain-boosting foods, a...

Classical Academy Art Teacher Cathy Hamilton shares her inspiring journey in art education, which was deeply influenced by her experience as a mother to a daughter with disabilities. She explains how creativity empowers students through self-expression, confidence, and connection, reaching beyond traditional academic metrics. Cathy highlights the inclusive nature of art and its integration across...

Gardening provides children with hands-on experiences that teach responsibility, resilience, and environmental awareness. Kimberly Tomlinson, Director of Education at Coastal Roots Farm, explores how gardening also enhances skills in math, reading, and problem-solving, along with social skills like resilience, perseverance, and patience. She highlights the vital connection with nature that gardeni...

The Classical Academies' Virtual Learning Program offers a flexible and engaging educational experience for students in grades 1-8. Virtual Teacher Stephanie Brown shares how the program combines interactive lessons, hands-on activities, and meaningful social connections to bring learning to life. She explains how virtual learning nurtures collaboration, meets diverse student needs, and creates a...

The Classical Academies is committed to supporting students with special needs through flexible, personalized special education programs. Program Specialist Regina Darling shares insights on creating collaboration between families and educators, addressing key challenges such as navigating the special education system, maintaining open communication, and ensuring IEPs (Individual Education Plans)...

Self-care is more than just a break, it’s a way to reconnect with yourself and show up as your best self for your family. Dr. Robyn Koslowitz, a psychologist specializing in post-traumatic parenting, explores the role of self-care in building resilience and preventing burnout. She emphasizes the importance of intentional well-being and offers practical strategies for setting boundaries, managing g...

Educational psychologist Dr. Michelle Borba shares practical strategies to help parents nurture resilience in their children by developing key character traits like self-confidence, empathy, self-control, integrity, curiosity, perseverance, and optimism. From encouraging hobbies and teaching emotional literacy to modeling core values and promoting positive self-talk, Dr. Borba offers actionable st...

Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective Families offers practical tools to help parents be intentional in family life. Charlene Smith, Executive Director of Educational Services, emphasizes how aligning family decisions with shared values strengthens connections. She also highlights the importance of open communication, active listening, and modeling positive behaviors to build mutual res...

Balancing a career and homeschooling might seem impossible, but teachers Julie Enzminger and Desirae Heath prove that it can be done successfully with the right strategies. They share how they manage professional commitments and offer practical tips for effective time management, establishing flexible routines, and building supportive accountability systems to stay on track. They’ve found innovati...

Parenting during the preteen and teenage years often involves navigating the natural individuation process as children strive for independence. In this episode, leadership coach and author Keith Merron, founder of Leadership Pathways, explores the concept of sovereignty in personal development and parenting. The discussion highlights the importance of cultivating resilience, embracing diversity, a...

Amy Saloner is a licensed clinical social worker and functional nutritional therapy practitioner who shares the complexities of teen mental health. She helps differentiate between normal emotional experiences and signs of mental health challenges while exploring the physiological and psychological impacts of anxiety and depression. Amy also discusses the influence of social media on teens’ mental...

In his new book Job Moves: Nine Steps for Making Progress in Your Career , Michael Horn explores career paths' evolving, non-linear nature and the growing importance of personal agency when making career choices. He highlights the rise of career technical education and apprenticeships, emphasizing how students can begin exploring their interests early to better align with future opportunities. Hor...

Classical Academy Middle School Principal Jennifer Morrow shares her journey from homeschool parent to school leader, highlighting the school's innovative three-day program for seventh and eighth graders. Balancing academic, social, and emotional growth, Classical Academy Middle School incorporates unique elements like "Flex" and "Win Time" to help students develop organizational and time manageme...

Coastal Academy High School Principal Samantha Martinez discusses the impressive growth and innovative programs at Coastal Academy High School. Principal Martinez reflects on her educational journey and highlights the school’s focus on personalized learning, student empowerment, and flexible scheduling to meet individual needs. With new facilities on the horizon and a solid commitment to Career an...

Classical Academy High School (CAHS) Principal Dana Moen shares his personal journey and the innovative ways CAHS is shaping students for life beyond high school. With a focus on the four "F's"—fun, fitness, friendships, and future—Dana discusses how these pillars, extracurricular engagement and reducing cell phone distractions, contribute to student well-being and academic achievement. Dana expla...

Kirstin Lasto, Principal of Classical Academy Vista, shares her journey from parent to school leader. She discusses the school's remarkable growth, commitment to building a strong community, and the initiatives shaping student character and leadership. From the transformative Leader in Me program to expanding sports opportunities, Kirstin highlights Classical Academy Vista's supportive, engaging e...

Coastal Academy Principal Marcy Cashin has been a teacher and principal for the past 21 years. She shares her passion for community and engaging students, parents, and staff. She explains how character development and creating a sense of belonging through events and clubs provide a safe environment for students to learn and grow. This year’s theme, “strong foundation, bright future,” reflects Coas...

Kenna Molina has dedicated 26 years to the Classical Academies, rising from a part-time teacher to principal. Kenna emphasizes the importance of nurturing well-rounded individuals with character alongside academic skills, highlighted by the school's theme, "Strong Foundation, Bright Future." As she prepares for retirement, she expresses confidence in maintaining school culture and encourages paren...