The Classical Academies Partnering With Parents

Discover proven, realistic ways to get a college degree with minimal or even zero student loan debt. From smart early planning and setting the right expectations to powerful cost-saving options like community college transfers, AP credits, and dual enrollment programs. Nicki Chase, Classical Academy High School (CAHS) Virtual Track Lead and Dual Enrollment Liaison, shares actionable strategies she...

Middle school marks a pivotal time as students transition from one primary teacher to several, face increasing academic expectations, and start seeking greater independence. It’s also a season when parents shift from manager to coach, learning to balance autonomy with meaningful guidance. Dawn Sullivan, a Classical Academy middle school teacher, shares insights on how families can nurture executiv...

Coastal Academy teachers Marie Orr and Nicole Hernandez explore practical strategies for motivating children in a homeschool setting. They discuss how routines, designated learning spaces, and consistent cues can help students transition smoothly into a learning mindset. They also share how to find the balance between structure and flexibility by offering choice, being prepared, and adapting teach...

The Classical Academies’ Transition Partnership Program (TPP) helps students with special needs transition from high school to adulthood by supporting them as they explore employment, continuing education, and independent living. TPP Specialist Melissa Hilbig and Instructor Deb Kissner share how students can identify their strengths, connect with opportunities, and gain the skills, strategies, and...

Math educator and AI pioneer, Professor Ved, explores how artificial intelligence can support early learning without replacing the human touch. He unpacks the power of math education in building confidence and problem-solving skills, and introduces the concept of a “super growth engine” fueled by practice, progress, and curiosity. Professor Ved shares how AI can personalize learning by identifying...

Dr. Thomas Armstrong, Executive Director of the American Institute for Learning and Human Development, discusses the importance of supporting neurodivergent children. Dr. Armstrong shares how viewing neurodiversity as a strength, much like biodiversity or cultural diversity, can help parents reframe challenges, nurture their child's passions, and partner with teachers to highlight their child’s un...

Andrew Pudewa, founder of the Institute for Excellence in Writing, shares how families can nurture attentiveness and contemplation in children despite today’s digital distractions. He offers practical insights on how activities such as reading physical books, practicing cursive, spending time outdoors, reading aloud, and memorization strengthen focus, imagination, and critical thinking in ways scr...

Julia Nicholson, former CEO and author, shares her journey of overcoming adversity and how the power of perspective builds resilience. She reminds us that growth comes from taking the next step, not striving for perfection, and highlights the importance of focusing on what we have rather than what is missing. Julia explores the impact of self-talk, the value of celebrating small wins, and how shif...

Effective listening isn’t an innate talent—it’s a skill that takes focus, training, and a shared language. Christine Miles, founder of The Listening Path, reveals how intentional listening can transform relationships at home, in the workplace, and in the classroom. Drawing from her journey, she shares practical tools for asking open-ended questions. She introduces her three-step process—getting th...

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...