Anchored by the Classic Learning Test

Are you seeking an education that goes beyond the "factory" model of modern schooling? Join us for a deep dive into the transformative power of classical education with Jessica Lopez and Ali Cause-Nance from Classical Charter Schools of America. In an era where many feel students have become "commodities" of the test/college prep industry, this episode explores a proven alterna...

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, educa...

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.​...

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 b...

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 ex...

The conversation with Mike McKenna provides insights into the world of Classical Christian Education and the shift away from school rankings to celebrate partner schools. Takeaways Classical Christian education emphasizes the development of the whole person in Christ The CLT is moving away from school rankings to highlight and celebrate partner schools Chapters 00:29 Introduction to Mike McKenna a...

How should classical education respond to artificial intelligence—and what happens to formation when machines can teach faster than humans? In this panel from the 2025 Annapolis Summit, CLT brings together leading scholars and practitioners to wrestle with AI, virtue, and the future of learning. ​ Moderated by Dr. Angel Adams Parham (University of Virginia; former President of the CLT Board of Aca...

Taken from the 2025 Annapolis Summit, this episode brings together leading voices in classical education to clarify how CLT thinks and talks about learning. “Towards a Common Language at CLT” features Dr. Timothy Wiens, Laura Berquist, Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson, Dr. Daniel Peterson, and Dr. Justin Smith in a lively roundtable on what terms like “classical,” “liberal arts,” “formation,” and “rigor”...

This episode brings together three of the most influential public intellectuals of our time for a rare, honest conversation about truth, disagreement, and unity in a polarized age. Father Robert Sirico moderates a powerful dialogue between Dr. Cornel West and Professor Robert P. George as they discuss their co‑authored book, Truth Matters: A Dialogue on Fruitful Disagreement in an Age of Division...

In this episode of the Anchored Podcast by Classic Learning Test, Jeremy Wayne Tate sits down with 98‑year‑old Blouke Carus to share an unforgettable story of childhood under Nazi Germany, escape to the United States, and a life shaped by liberal arts education. Carus reflects on what it was like to grow up under totalitarianism, the moment his family fled, and how coming back to America formed hi...

Today Jeremy is joined by Susan Morrow, PhD, who obtained her Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center.  Susan describes her unique childhood growing up in a funeral parlor, her educational journey as well as moral conflicts she experienced as a professional scientist, and her ultimate decision to devote herself full time to...

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Shannon Johnston, Assistant Professor of Art and Director of the Pathmaker program at Newman University. They discuss how Pathmaker is reimagining higher education by offering students the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in just three years through an innovative, project-based learning model that emphasizes mentorship and individualized lear...

On this episode of Anchored , Jeremy is joined by Chad Pecknold, Associate Professor of Theology at the Catholic University and author of Fire on the Altar: Setting Our Souls Ablaze through Augustine’s Confessions . They discuss St. Augustine as offering the structural blueprint for Western civilization and Christianity as the religious DNA embedded within it. They also dive into the term Christia...

On this episode of the Anchored Podcast, Soren is joined by Semi Park, founding Headmaster of Orange County Classical Academy . She discusses her experiences serving underserved schools, her transition to classical education, and the founding of OCCA amidst significant challenges and opposition. They emphasize the importance of mission-driven education, the role of parents, and the need for divers...

On this episode of Anchored , Jeremy is joined by Michael Bileca, founder of True North , a network of classical charter schools in Florida. They discuss his time working for the Florida state legislature, including some of the education reform policies he enacted. They explore how his work in state politics convinced him to go beyond policy and start a school. They conclude by diving into the sto...

In this episode of the Anchored Podcast, Jeremy is joined by Tim Feist, founder of Feist Stone . They discuss his experience at the Naval Academy as a midshipman and professor, his passion for history, and the moment that led him to begin stone carving. They explore the significance of stone carving as both an art form and a spiritual discipline, and the importance of stone carving in the ancient...

On this episode of Anchored , Soren is joined by Joseph Magaña, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at EdChoice and Leslie Hiner, Vice President of Legal Policy at EdChoice, leading their Legal Policy and Education Center . They unpack educational savings accounts, and the importance of parental accountability in the school choice movement. They talk about the Friedman Index as a resource that a...

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Dr. Kent Lasnoski, President of San Damiano College for the Trades , a new Catholic trades college in Illinois. Dr. Lasnoski shares his journey from professor and dean at Wyoming Catholic College to founding a Catholic Trade School. They discuss the importance of integrating intellectual and practical skills in education, the impact of AI on the tra...

On this episode of Anchored , Jeremy is joined by John DeJak, Director of Education for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops . John talks about working alongside Dale Ahlquist during the founding of the first Chesterton Academy , as well as his transition to Saint Agnes , where he worked in collaboration with Michael Adkins . Together, John and Jeremy explore what Catholic schools can learn fro...

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Deacon Harrison Garlick, Chancellor and Legal Counsel for the Diocese of Tulsa, and Host of Ascend: The Great Books Podcas t. They discuss his journey from a Protestant upbringing to embracing classical education and its significance in today's society. They explore the challenges of advocating for religious liberty in education, including rece...

On this episode of Anchored , Jeremy is joined by Sir Nick Gibb, the former UK Minister of State for Schools. They explore the educational reforms he led in Britain, examining how these changes delivered real, measurable change. They also talk about the key role that foundational tools, such as phonics and multiplication tables, played in driving educational transformation

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Laura Berquist, founder of Mother of Divine Grace . Laura shares her journey from receiving a non-orthodox Catholic education to attending Thomas Aquinas College and establishing a Catholic classical homeschooling program. She discusses the importance of a strong Catholic education, the philosophy behind classical education, and the impact that MODG...

On this episode of Anchored , Jeremy is joined by Sarah Novlan, Chief Academic Officer at Hill Country Christian School . They announce CLT Enduring Courses as a new alternative to AP curriculum, launching in the 2026–27 academic year. The two examine how the AP classes often contradict a classical curriculum in both rigor and content. They also explore why classical schools are eager for changes...

On this episode of Anchored , Soren is joined by Andrew Smalley, head of Veritas Classical School in St. Augustine, FL and board member of the advisory council for the Institute for Classical Education at Flagler College . They explore the power of making discipleship the primary goal of Christian education and the deep impact that it leaves on students. They discuss Veritas Classical School and t...

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Dr. Todd Bates, the founding President and Professor of Humanities at Christ College , a new classical Christian college located in Satellite Beach, Florida. They discuss the vision behind establishing Christ College, which unites the classical humanities with a focus on entrepreneurship. Dr. Bates also highlights how the Christian intellectual trad...