The Classical Academies Partnering With Parents

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...

Positive and proactive parenting provides a supportive and constructive environment that nurtures a child's emotional well-being, builds strong connections, and teaches life skills through positive reinforcement. School Counselors Katie Orian and Krista Gravelle share more about effectively communicating, managing expectations, and providing consistent and fair consequences as we move through the...

Explore the evolution of writing education with Andrew Pudewa, the Director of the Institute for Excellence in Writing. Drawing on his 30 years of experience, Pudewa shares the dynamic intersection of traditional methodologies and technological advancements in teaching writing. He shares the importance of teaching fundamental skills, such as exposure to quality literature, mastery of rich vocabula...

Kevin Pressley, EdTech & Innovative Learning Coordinator at The Classical Academies, shares how personalized, portable, seamless, and social learning experiences benefit students. Drawing on his expertise, he explores how tailoring educational approaches to each student's unique needs enhances their learning journey and makes education more accessible and engaging. With a keen focus on leverag...

Safe spaces prioritize providing individuals with security and comfort, cultivating an environment where people can freely express themselves without fearing judgment. Brave spaces push boundaries by encouraging uncomfortable yet necessary conversations. Chalese Young, the Assistant Principal at Classical Academy High School, distinguishes between these two perspectives, highlighting how brave spa...

Wendy and Dana Moen serve The Classical Academies in leadership roles and have raised three adult children. Together, they candidly share their triumphs, mistakes, and invaluable lessons learned, providing a roadmap for successfully guiding teenagers toward adulthood. They review the four stages of parenting and provide parents with practical, actionable advice that nurtures the growth of teenager...

As the founder and director of the Institute for Excellence in Writing, Andrew Pudewah has been equipping teachers and parents with the skills to teach English grammar and composition for over two decades. He explains how new artificial intelligence technology tools can write better and faster than most individuals. Andrew shares his recommendations for when AI should be used and how it can enhanc...

Looking back on her experience homeschooling, Educational Specialist Sarah DeNeve shares her insightful journey and the lessons she's learned. Sarah explains the nuances of adapting teaching methods to match a child's unique learning style, embracing grace amidst inevitable challenges, prioritizing self-care, and staying rooted in the core 'why' behind homeschooling. Through her personal experienc...

Nurturing Executive Functioning Skills, such as planning, organizing, and managing time and self-care, are essential for a successful transition to college, the workforce, and adulthood. School Psychologist Michael Kester provides valuable insights into how parents can actively prepare their children to learn and practice these skills while setting an example of social and emotional well-being. Mi...

Lance Izumi, a distinguished author, renowned researcher, and passionate education advocate, serves as the Senior Director of the Center for Education at the esteemed Pacific Research Institute. Izumi discusses his impressive background and latest 2023 co-authored masterpiece, "The Great Parent Revolt." Izumi provides deep insights into the ever-evolving landscape of American public education, she...