The Classical Academies Partnering With Parents

What if the key to connecting with our kids isn't saying more, but listening better? Licensed social worker, counselor, and author Brenda Levine explores how intentional listening can strengthen relationships and build trust with our children. Brenda explains why common parenting instincts- offering advice, fixing problems, or reassuring kids that everything will be fine- can sometimes shut down c...

The world our children are growing up in is vastly different from the one we knew. Retired DEA Special Agent and substance abuse prevention expert Rocky Herron discusses the changing dangers of drugs, the importance of early prevention, and why no family is immune to these risks. Drawing on decades of experience, Rocky shares practical insights to help parents have meaningful conversations with th...

What if a high-paying career didn’t require four years of college? Carissa Chavez from MiraCosta College’s Technology Career Institute shares the growing opportunities available through career education and workforce training. Moving beyond traditional trade school stereotypes, today’s programs prepare students for in-demand careers in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, HVAC, biomedical equipment...

E-bikes are increasingly popular with students, but do young riders and their parents know the rules of the road? Sergeant Matt Ciremele of the Escondido Police Department shares what families need to know to keep young riders safe, including e-bike classifications, California laws, common riding mistakes, theft prevention, and practical steps parents can take to help their children ride responsib...

Sora is a project-based virtual program for students in grades 6-8 that reimagines online learning. Program lead Stephanie Brown shares how Sora combines live instruction, hands-on projects, and a supportive community to create an engaging middle school experience. Learn what a typical day looks like, how project-based learning brings academics to life, and how optional in-person activities give s...

A new school year brings new routines, new expectations, and a fresh start for students and families. Licensed marriage and family therapist Kara Kohnen shares practical ways parents can help children begin the year feeling confident, supported, and emotionally prepared. From establishing healthy routines and easing back-to-school anxiety to encouraging a growth mindset and recognizing when a chil...

How can understanding the brain transform the way we parent and teach? Lindsay Morris is the author of Teach the Brain, Change the World , founder of Generation Wellness, and keynote speaker for this year’s JumpStart Parent Education Conference. She shares how brain-based strategies can strengthen emotional regulation, deepen relationships, and support learning at home and at school. She explains...

Drawing on years of experience helping clients simplify their technology, Shawn Lemon, founder of The Digital Organizer, shares practical strategies for reducing digital clutter and creating a more organized family life. He offers easy-to-implement tips for managing email, organizing digital photos, creating color-coded family calendars, and securely sharing passwords—all designed to help families...

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...

Rebroadcast of episode 188, Building Strong Special Education Parent Partnerships. Originally released February 25, 2025. 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 a...

In this special 30-minute episode of the Partnering with Parents podcast, Melanie Hempe, founder of ScreenStrong, explains how excessive screen use affects children's developing brains. Drawing on years of research and experience, Hempe explains why young brains are especially vulnerable to screen dependency. She shares the warning signs parents should watch for, and offers practical strategies fo...

How can understanding the brain transform the way we parent and teach? Lindsay Morris is the author of Teach the Brain, Change the World , founder of Generation Wellness, and keynote speaker for this year’s JumpStart Parent Education Conference. She shares how brain-based strategies can strengthen emotional regulation, deepen relationships, and support learning at home and at school. She explains...

As students transition from middle school to the more independent environment of high school, they need to learn to manage responsibilities and solve problems on their own. While parents naturally want to help their children succeed, stepping in too quickly can prevent students from developing confidence, resilience, and accountability. High School Counselor Kennedy Ursua encourages families to sh...

What if writing weren't a separate subject, but the foundation for all learning? Julie Walker from the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) unpacks the power of "writing across the curriculum", an approach that moves beyond isolated grammar instruction and weaves writing into every subject. By using history, science, and literature as the foundation for their writing, students can bypass writ...

Michael Craig, founder of Classic Test Prep, maps out a strategic plan for the application process. Walking year by year from freshman foundations to senior-year decisions, Michael shares how early financial planning, academic consistency, and thoughtful preparation can transform the college process for both students and families. Gain practical guidance on navigating standardized testing, includi...

Elena Czarnowski, founder of Kids Laboratories, is helping children become “re-imagineers”, creative problem-solvers equipped to improve the world around them. She shares how identity-based parenting, rooted in values and effort, can shape behavior and build confidence. Through STEM, AI, and a “scientist hat” approach to everyday conversations, she offers practical ways to develop resilience, curi...

Students labeled as “exceptional” often navigate unique learning challenges, both visible and invisible. Whether a child is managing dyslexia, ADHD, twice-exceptionality, or advanced giftedness, their needs deserve thoughtful, individualized support. In this episode, educational consultant Jennifer Mauser from the Institute for Excellence in Writing dives into the essential topic of teaching stude...

Early STEM experiences impact the innovators of tomorrow. Mike Sherman of Bristol-Myers Squibb shares how the company champions community engagement through events like Super STEM Saturday, offering students across San Diego hands-on science activities and access to diverse role models. From lab demonstrations to interactive experiments, the conversation highlights how real-world STEM exposure can...

Join us for a Super STEM Saturday mini episode! ASML’s Program Manager of Society & Community Engagement, Misti Benson, joins the conversation to share how one of the world’s most influential semiconductor companies helps power modern life. Through initiatives like Super STEM Saturday, Misti and her team demystify advanced technology and open doors for students who may not yet see themselves i...

Executive functioning and social-emotional learning are foundational skills that can be intentionally taught and strengthened, continuing to develop well into a person’s mid-20s. E3 Consulting’s Academic Specialists, Alethea Goodyear and Chloe Melvin, advocate for a supportive, proactive approach. They encourage parents and educators to explicitly model their own thinking processes, break complex...

The Science of Reading is a research-backed approach grounded in decades of neuroscience and psychology. English, Language, and Development Literacy Coordinator Jessica Hackenson explains that reading must be intentionally taught through clear, explicit instruction in foundational areas such as phonological awareness, systematic phonics, and background knowledge. Jessica shares practical ways pare...

Content Warning: This episode contains sensitive discussions regarding online child exploitation, grooming, and sextortion. While the goal of this conversation is to provide parents with protective tools and strategies, the subject matter may be distressing or triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. Brian Smith is the co-founder of the California Alliance Against Trafficking...

Pathfinders' Special Education program is dedicated to supporting students with significant special education needs academically, socially, and personally. Leah Moores, a Pathfinders' Special Education Teacher, explains how the program goes beyond traditional models by combining highly specialized, small-group instruction with meaningful inclusion in general education classrooms. With the help of...

Coastal Academy received the Purple Star designation awarded by the California Department of Education in 2025. School counselor and military liaison, Lisa Taylor, shares what this means for military families. She explains the unique challenges military-connected students face, including frequent relocations, academic adjustments, and social isolation. She describes how Coastal Academy supports it...

Teens face many pressures today, from demanding schedules and social media stress to uncertainty about life after graduation. Two Classical Academy High School seniors share how balancing academics, activities, and relationships can lead to anxiety and burnout, often in ways parents don’t fully see. They reflect on how open communication, healthy boundaries, and unconditional support help parent-c...