Developing Classical Thinkers

The reading and discussion of the very best books have long held a unique place in a Classical curriculum. We human beings make sense of the world through meaningful works of literature because such books provide us with the tools by which we may remind ourselves of what is true, good, and beautiful. In this webinar, Josh Herring and Winston Brady will present an overview of the role that literatu...

The world we live in is a beautiful place, and the science classroom should point students towards a deeper appreciation for the beauty, order, and harmony we see in the natural world. Mr. Ogle will explain the pedagogical means by which the sciences, taught Classically, can help students cultivate both academic rigor and intellectual curiosity about the world in which we live. This webinar was de...

To celebrate and explain St. Patrick’s Day, today’s episode features a brief biography of St. Patrick. Roman-British missionary St. Patrick lived from 385 to 461 and is famous for bringing Christianity to the people of Ireland. Learn the full story and how Patrick’s life shows the value of being classically educated. The quote from St. Patrick’s Confessio is available from https://www.confessio.ie...

America has long been described as the land of opportunity. In this webinar, Dr. Richard Vedder examined the characteristics that have contributed to America’s greatness and the opportunities and freedoms we enjoy as citizens of the United States. Moreover, Dr. Vedder proposed ways students can contribute to the flourishing of the United States and prepare a future of excellence for themselves and...

Coming up on February 14 is Valentine's Day, a holiday that many people celebrate but few people know why we do so. When did we start celebrating Valentine's Day? Who was St. Valentine? Why hearts? Was this holiday cooked up to sell cards and chocolate, or was there something real, true, and meaningful at the heart of Valentine's Day? In this episode, Will Begley makes some guesses about the origi...

In this episode, economist Brian Balfour provides a brief check-in about the economy and explains all things concerning inflation, supply chains, and the trends we're seeing in the U.S. economy. Brian also offers his recommendations for students on how they can alleviate such problems in the broader, economic marketplace (hint: consider getting a part-time job). Brian Balfour is Senior Vice Presid...

This webinar explored the relationship between mathematics and classical education, an approach that begins in wonder, explores a particular problem using mathematical principles, and builds from those solutions a greater intellectual curiosity and wonder about the world in which we live. Our speaker is Jonathan Gregg, a Visiting Assistant Professor of Education at Hillsdale College. He regularly...

How does music fit into a Classical education? How does the study of music foster a love for truth and beauty? What brings more joy--listening to a beautiful piece of music, or just playing an instrument regardless of our skill level? What specific pieces might we listen to help cultivate that love for beautiful things in ourselves and in our students? In this episode, Winston Brady speaks with Th...

Thales Academy Administrators, Ashley Bahor, Matt Ogle, and Winston Brady, discuss how Thales Academy can help students focus on what is good, true, and beautiful through the value of the fine arts and their integration with practical, real-world skills. This webinar was streamed on December 9, 2021. Learn more about Thales Press and register for upcoming events and webinars at https://www.thalesa...

Featuring Jonathan Yonan, M.St., D.Phil., "The Makings of a True Teacher", held on November 17th, 2021, discusses the value of a classical education and leadership formation when educating future teachers. Learn more about Thales College and our unique Classical Education and Leadership degree at https://www.thalescollege.org/ .

An interview with Bob Luddy and Amity Shlaes, author of four "New York Times"-bestsellers including "Coolidge" and "The Forgotten Man: A New History of the Great Depression." In "Great Society," Amity Shlaes examines the 1960s and the advent of Lyndon Johnson's Great Society as a means of better understanding our contemporary challenges and the lamentable, avoidable consequences of economic planni...

In today’s episode, Winston Brady takes a special look at the Thales Garden Club, a group of students who meet in the mornings to take care of the community garden at Thales Academy Rolesville JH/HS. Through a series of on-the-spot reporting and interviews with the club's lead teachers and student members, we explore how the Garden Club positively impacts students. Special thanks to Amanda Gruber,...

Will Begley, Latin and Senior Seminar instructor at Thales Academy Rolesville, speaks about the value of learning and loving Latin. Dr. Begley received a B.A. in Classics from Davidson College, an M.A. in Latin and a Ph. D. in Classical and Medieval Latin from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Begley teaches Latin and Senior Seminar at Thales Academy. This webinar was streamed o...

Just as Hewlett-Packard, Apple, and CaptiveAire Systems started in a garage, so the Luddy Institute of Technology started in a converted storage closet at the Thales Apex campus. Today, the Luddy Institute of Technology (or "LIT" for short) is one of the most popular electives at Thales. The Luddy Institute of Technology (LIT) is an optional elective sequence of pre-engineering and STEM coursework...

What’s a dystopia, and why have dystopian novels become so popular in recent years? The word “dystopian” in “dystopian novels” comes from two Greek words: “topos,” meaning “place” and “dys,” meaning “bad.” Thus, a dystopian novel is a novel set in a bad place--specifically, a bad future where a large, oppressive, and omnicompetent state controls all aspects of human life and stamps out all instanc...

Bill Griffin, Vice President of Manufacturing at CaptiveAire Systems, discusses engineering and the ways in which Thales Academy helps prepare students for that career. Mr. Griffin currently oversees CaptiveAire manufacturing, engineering, and R&D and is based in Lancaster, PA. This webinar is also available to view on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wxmk13EjAZc This webinar was streamed...

What is school choice? What are the arguments for and against expanded school choice options? How might these school choice initiatives benefit parents when it comes to choosing the best school for their children, the best fit for their students’ unique gifts and abilities? On today's episode of Developing Classical Thinkers, Winston Brady speaks with Bob Luebke, Senior Fellow at the Center for Ef...

Dr. Grattan Brown speaks on issues related to bioethics and the need to understand the value and dignity of human life, an idea uniquely grounded in a Classical education. Dr. Brown currently serves as the Academic Dean at Thales College and previously taught bioethics and related fields at Belmont Abbey College. Join us on September 23 at 4:00 pm as we hear from Bill Griffin, Vice President of Ma...

It's been a long time since we last published an episode, but the crew at DCT have been working on some exciting projects, chief amongst them: Thales Press, an in-house publishing firm to create and publish educational materials that enlighten minds and empower students to focus on what is good, true, and beautiful. Check out more here: https://www.thalesacademy.org/resources/thales-press Thales P...

On this episode, Winston Brady interviews Ashley Dundas, Administrator of Thales Academy Glen Allen, located outside of Richmond, Virginia. Ashley Dundas received a B.A. in Elementary Education from Saint Augustine's University and a M.Ed. from Meredith College. Mrs. Dundas brings thirteen years of teaching experience from a variety of schools and learning environments. Mrs. Dundas is thrilled to...

In this episode, Winston Brady interviews John D. Mays, the Director of Science Curriculum at Classical Academic Press. A Classical education is uniquely suited to teach the sciences, and Mays explains his unique approach to teaching science in a Classical school focusing on the ideas of "wonder," "integration," and "mastery." Find more information about CAP's science curriculum here: https://clas...

The school year has begun at Thales Academy! To celebrate the start of the 2021-2022 academic year, Winston Brady, Josh Herring, Jessie Gillooly, Josh Akers, and Houston Clark got together to share some advice for students to make the most of the upcoming school year. Good luck Thales students! Have a great first week at school!

Join Will Begley, Matt Ogle, and Travis Copeland as they discuss the poetry of Gerald Manly Hopkins (1884-1889), including the poems "Spring," "The Caged Skylark," and "As Kingfishers Catch Fire." Gerald Manly Hopkins' Biography: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/gerard-manley-hopkins Spring: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/51002/spring-56d22e75d65bd The Caged Skylark: https://www.poet...

In our final episode of the 2020-2021 school year, Travis, Josh, and Winston discuss the life and works of British novelist J.R.R. Tolkien, his inclusion in a Classical curriculum, and our favorite works of Tolkien. Have a wonderful summer break, DCT fans!

Allison Burns, Emily Bass, and Jessie Gillooly interview five members of the Thales Academy Apex Class of 2021. Nick Lucovsky, Ashley Josey, Shae Reinberg, Brendan Lynch, and Hannah Jury discuss their time at Thales Academy, ways the unique classical education has benefited them, and where they are going next. Check it out! Congratulations to all of our wonderful seniors!