The Classical Academies Partnering With Parents

Parenting during the preteen and teenage years often involves navigating the natural individuation process as children strive for independence. In this episode, leadership coach and author Keith Merron, founder of Leadership Pathways, explores the concept of sovereignty in personal development and parenting. The discussion highlights the importance of cultivating resilience, embracing diversity, a...

Amy Saloner is a licensed clinical social worker and functional nutritional therapy practitioner who shares the complexities of teen mental health. She helps differentiate between normal emotional experiences and signs of mental health challenges while exploring the physiological and psychological impacts of anxiety and depression. Amy also discusses the influence of social media on teens’ mental...

In his new book Job Moves: Nine Steps for Making Progress in Your Career , Michael Horn explores career paths' evolving, non-linear nature and the growing importance of personal agency when making career choices. He highlights the rise of career technical education and apprenticeships, emphasizing how students can begin exploring their interests early to better align with future opportunities. Hor...

Classical Academy Middle School Principal Jennifer Morrow shares her journey from homeschool parent to school leader, highlighting the school's innovative three-day program for seventh and eighth graders. Balancing academic, social, and emotional growth, Classical Academy Middle School incorporates unique elements like "Flex" and "Win Time" to help students develop organizational and time manageme...

Coastal Academy High School Principal Samantha Martinez discusses the impressive growth and innovative programs at Coastal Academy High School. Principal Martinez reflects on her educational journey and highlights the school’s focus on personalized learning, student empowerment, and flexible scheduling to meet individual needs. With new facilities on the horizon and a solid commitment to Career an...

Classical Academy High School (CAHS) Principal Dana Moen shares his personal journey and the innovative ways CAHS is shaping students for life beyond high school. With a focus on the four "F's"—fun, fitness, friendships, and future—Dana discusses how these pillars, extracurricular engagement and reducing cell phone distractions, contribute to student well-being and academic achievement. Dana expla...

Kirstin Lasto, Principal of Classical Academy Vista, shares her journey from parent to school leader. She discusses the school's remarkable growth, commitment to building a strong community, and the initiatives shaping student character and leadership. From the transformative Leader in Me program to expanding sports opportunities, Kirstin highlights Classical Academy Vista's supportive, engaging e...

Coastal Academy Principal Marcy Cashin has been a teacher and principal for the past 21 years. She shares her passion for community and engaging students, parents, and staff. She explains how character development and creating a sense of belonging through events and clubs provide a safe environment for students to learn and grow. This year’s theme, “strong foundation, bright future,” reflects Coas...

Kenna Molina has dedicated 26 years to the Classical Academies, rising from a part-time teacher to principal. Kenna emphasizes the importance of nurturing well-rounded individuals with character alongside academic skills, highlighted by the school's theme, "Strong Foundation, Bright Future." As she prepares for retirement, she expresses confidence in maintaining school culture and encourages paren...

Josiah Cruz, Athletic Director at Classical Academy High School, challenges the common belief that "athletics doesn't develop character; it only reveals it." He argues that athletics is a powerful tool for teaching young people how to persevere, practice, push beyond their limits, and put others first. Through the long conditioning process, athletics offers students the chance to define their purp...

Co-Founder, President, and Chief Guide of YouSchool Scott Schimmel discusses the growing concerns around social media and its impact on children’s development. He provides essential resources to help parents guide their children to become self-aware, responsible, and self-driven adults with meaningful lives. Drawing on Jonathon Haidt’s research, he breaks down the four foundational harms of social...

The Leader in Me program is a transformative approach that empowers students to become leaders in their own lives. By equipping them with self-confidence and essential life skills, this program prepares students to thrive academically and personally. Director of Educational Services Charlene Smith shares her insights on how The Leader in Me instills the "Seven Habits of Healthy Kids," a framework...

Coastal Academy teacher and homeschooling parent Alyssa Cavalier discusses strategies for successfully homeschooling a kindergartner. She covers topics like creating a mission statement, the importance of preparation, building community, weekly planning, incorporating play, setting up incentives, and managing challenging days and distractions.

This year’s JumpStart Keynote Speaker, Jeremy Adams, shares what he has learned with his 25 years of teaching experience. Adams discusses the universal crisis affecting young people, including rising levels of isolation, anxiety, loneliness, and a lack of connection. He emphasizes the necessity of preparing our youth to navigate a world while instilling in them the knowledge, behavior, and habits...

AI and machine learning tools, though available for the past decade, are now more accessible to the general public. Classical Academy High School teachers Jonathon Sonoda and Nicolas Heyming explore the transformative benefits of AI in education, emphasizing its ethical and responsible use. They highlight how students can leverage AI to enhance learning outcomes, expand their skills, and boost pro...

The Classical Academies welcomes Kurtis Indorf, the newly appointed CEO, to explore the experience and insights that have shaped his past and leadership journey. Board President Mark Reardon reflects on this transition and discusses the vision and strategies that will steer the organization forward under Kurtis's leadership.

In this candid conversation, Cameron Curry, the outgoing CEO of Classical Academies, shares his 25-year journey at the helm. Joined by Board President Mark Reardon, Curry reflects on the joys, challenges, and struggles he faced while leading the organization. His insights offer a glimpse into the life of a transformative leader who navigated the complexities of steering an educational institution...

Homeschooling offers a unique opportunity for parents to instill values, cultivate character development, and teach a love for learning in their children. However, managing the homeschooling of multiple children can be challenging. Leah Ferkins, an experienced Educational Specialist who has successfully homeschooled her three sons, shares invaluable insights on creating effective quiet workspaces,...

There are nearly 120 community colleges in California that offer affordable and accessible education. Monica McMillian, a counselor at Classical Academy High School, shares the advantages of attending community college. She highlights how community college is an excellent avenue for students to navigate their career paths while maintaining connections with their community. Drawing from her persona...

Jeremy S. Adams has been teaching AP Political Science in Bakersfield, California, for the past 25 years. When he noticed his students needed inspiration, connection, and positive role models, he was motivated to author the book Lessons in Liberty: Thirty Lessons in Life From Ten Extraordinary Americans. He explores the lives of George Washington, Daniel Inouye, Clara Barton, Arthur Ash, and more...

Drawing from her role as Vice Principal at Classical Academy High School and her experience as an Academic Coach, Tayler Williams provides insightful advice on navigating the complexities of college preparation. Covering topics such as researching college options, understanding admission requirements, and selecting majors, Tayler offers practical tools and encourages collaborative efforts between...

Many teens are experiencing escalated stress and anxiety stemming from academic pressures, technological influences, social media dynamics, the pursuit of success, and apprehensions about what lies ahead. School counselors Angie Winkler and Brian Duyst shed light on their strategies for assisting students and families navigating through these challenging seasons. They offer valuable perspectives o...

Jen Hernandez is a Classical Academy High School (CAHS) Counseling Technician, Volleyball Coach, and military spouse. She shares military families' unique challenges, including frequent moves, finding quality schools, navigating new friendships, deployment separation, and accessing support services. Jen sheds light on how communities can support and assist those serving our country.

The pressures of social media and perfectionism have led to an increase in low self-esteem in adolescents nationwide. Low self-esteem can lead to negative self-talk, fear of failure, difficulty making friends, diminished motivation and interest, and the inability to deal with frustration. Coastal Academy High School counselor Stephanie Fremstad offers practical advice for parents, providing valuab...

Diverse learners possess unique characteristics, experiences, and learning styles that may differ from the average student. This diversity can manifest in various ways, including differences in academic abilities, language proficiency, cultural background, socioeconomic status, and physical or cognitive abilities. Tenielle Araujo is an Intervention Coordinator and Reading Specialist who provides a...