Paideia Academy Podcast

In this episode, Upper School Dean of Student Culture/Omnibus & Rhetoric Instructor/Dean of Westminster Hall, Graham Averitt, shares what makes Paideia Academy's student culture joyful and thriving. We invite you to hear his thoughts on classical, Christ-centered discipline; the significance of tradition, feasting, and singing in building school unity; and the intentionality of Paideia's Upper...

In this episode, Senior Boys reflect over the course of their time as students at Paideia Academy. We invite you to hear how they faced difficulties, strengthened their intellectual skills, experienced discipleship, grew in manliness/godliness, deepened their faith, and built lasting relationships within the Halls of our beloved school.

In this episode, Senior Girls reflect over the course of their time as students at Paideia Academy. We invite you to hear how they overcame challenges, grew in their faith, polished their rhetorical skills, mentored others, made lasting memories, and developed lifelong friendships within the Halls of our beloved school.

In this episode, Pre-K teacher Deena Parks and 3rd Grade teacher Grace Duell share a classical Christian perspective on shepherding and challenging their students mentally, physically, and spiritually. We invite you to hear their thoughts on the significance of recitation/memory work in the grammar school stage, the benefits of unstructured play in the development of young minds, and the centralit...

In this episode, Upper School (& 6th Grade) Math teacher Jared Iles shares his passion for mathematics and how it clearly points to our loving, Creator God. We invite you to hear his thoughts on the significance of encountering objective truth in math, the value of wrestling with difficult problems, and what he hopes all of his students will remember about his math class years after they have...

In this episode, Senior-level Greek teacher Sean Morris shares his love for the study of Koine Greek and its influence in Christian theology. We invite you to hear his thoughts on the beauty of reading Scripture in its original source language, what he hopes his students will take away from his Greek class, and a how reading the Greek New Testament has shaped his understanding of Good Friday and t...

In this episode, Lower School Writing/Upper School Chemistry and Omnibus Teacher (as well as Academic Dean) Janet Carr shares her expertise on the value of liturgy and structured rhythms within the classroom in order to build helpful student habits and deepen understanding. We invite you to hear her thoughts on the lower school student transition to upper school (from 6th to 7th grade), specific a...

In this episode, Paideia parent Brian Morgan shares his experience as a father who is deeply involved in the life of the school and has a strong desire to raise His children as the Bible teaches him to do so. We invite you to hear the story of how his family found Paideia, what it means to bring his children up in the Paideia (nurture/admonition) of the Lord, and how the school's in loco parentis...

In this episode, our Upper School Theater (Theatre) Director Taylor Phillips shares her love for the stage on a personal and spiritual level. We invite you to hear her insights on the unique challenges theatre poses, the skills it develops in students, and how a classical Christian school operates differently when thinking about theatre through the lens of the greatest story ever told: the Christi...

In this episode, Lower & Upper School Latin Teacher Tracey Carrin shares her zealous passion for the Latin language and lifelong learning. We invite you to hear her thoughts on what makes learning Latin so worthwhile, from the life lessons it teaches about diligence and delayed gratification to the writing and speaking skills it clearly cultivates. You will also get to hear her best advice to...

In this episode, Senior student Jordan Moon shares his passion for defending the Christian faith in order to both share the gospel with unbelievers and also to strengthen the faith of fellow believers. We invite you to hear his thoughts on how Paideia has helped him to grow in his faith and his love of God's Word. You will also get to hear about how Jordan puts apologetics into action through his...

In this episode, Head of School Doug Carr shares what he believes makes both Paideia families and Paideia faculty/staff members so special. We invite you to hear his favorite parts about partnering with Paideia families and leading the Paideia staff/faculty, from small moments like morning carline to larger ones such as giving tours and hosting innovative faculty meetings. Finally, he provides som...

In this episode, Lower School Science Teacher Cathy Tanner shares how she has seen God's hand at work in the life of Paideia Academy during her 18 total years at the school (15 as a teacher, 3 additional as a parent). She also discusses her theology of science, closely tied to Psalm 19:1, which states, "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." We invite you...

In this episode, Chorus Director Doris Moreland shares her vision for the Paideia Academy Chorus and her contagious passion for singing songs as an act of worship to the LORD. We invite you to hear her thoughts on a healthy "theology of music," the ways she has seen God grow the choral program over the past few years, and her recommendations to listeners regarding timeless pieces of music to which...

In this episode, 6th-grade Homeroom Teacher (and Upper School Greek Instructor) Stephen Pardue shares his deep-seated love for teaching 6th graders, with a specific focus on guiding them through C.S. Lewis's renowned book series, The Chronicles of Narnia . We invite you to hear his thoughts on the proper order in which to read the Chronicles of Narnia, the Biblical truths he has helped his student...

In this episode, Upper School Dean of Faculty/Humanities Chair and Dean of Heidelberg Hall, Aaron Gentry, shares what makes classical, Christian education so distinct and effective: the use of Socratic dialogue. We invite you to hear his thoughts on why Socratic dialogue is so effective, ways to deal with awkwardness/disagreements within the classroom, and things he hopes his students will remembe...

In this episode, seniors Scout Wilson and Nora Bradshaw reflect on many an Upper School students' favorite part of Paideia: the Hall System in the Upper School. They focus on the building of the culture of their own Hall, Athanasian Hall. We invite you to hear their thoughts on winning last year's Hall cup, their favorite memories over their 6 years in the upper school, and advice they have for st...

Some brief remarks from Dean of Student Culture, Mr. Averitt, as he previews what's ahead for the podcast this coming year!