In this episode, Alex Julian discusses his journey into classical education, his teaching philosophy, and the insights he gained from his time at Arcadia. The conversation delves into the Classical Baccalaureate program, its significance in addressing gaps in the current educational landscape, and the demand for such an initiative among educators and parents. Alex outlines the foundational principles of the program and shares the timeline for its implementation, emphasizing the importance of creating a high-quality educational offering that resonates with both students and colleges.

https://www.cltexam.com/classicalbaccalaureate/

Takeaways

Alex Julian's background includes Montessori education and Catholic schooling.
Many classical educators share a common experience of lacking classical education in their youth.
Teaching is fulfilling due to the enthusiasm and insight of students.
The classical education movement is growing rapidly, attracting dedicated individuals.
There are significant gaps in training for those starting classical schools.
Classical Baccalaureate aims to provide an alternative to AP and IB programs.
The program seeks to validate the rigor of classical education in college admissions.
Parents desire a curriculum that prepares their children for citizenship in a democratic republic.
The program will incorporate deep seminar work and senior thesis projects.
Implementation will be gradual, focusing on quality and selectivity in pilot schools.
titles

Reviving Classical Education with Alex Julian
The Journey to Classical Baccalaureate

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Classical Education and Alex Julian
01:42
Personal Journey into Classical Education
05:02
Teaching Philosophy and Experiences
06:49
Insights from Arcadia and the Growth of Classical Education
08:25
The Concept of Classical Baccalaureate
14:01
Demand for Classical Baccalaureate and Its Importance
17:20
Defining Classical Baccalaureate
22:55
Foundational Principles of Classical Baccalaureate
26:38
Implementation Timeline and Future Plans

Are you seeking an education that goes beyond the "factory" model of modern schooling?

Join us for a deep dive into the transformative power of classical education with Jessica Lopez and Ali Cause-Nance from Classical Charter Schools of America. In an era where many feel students have become "commodities" of the test/college prep industry, this episode explores a proven alternative that integrates rigorous academics with the cultivation of timeless virtues.

In this episode, we discuss:

The Foundation of Latin: Why ancient languages are the key to mastering modern thought.

Character vs. Curriculum: How fostering virtue is just as critical as academic mastery.

True Assessment: Why the CLT exam provides a more meaningful reflection of achievement than traditional standardized tests.

School Choice in Action: How parents and leaders are successfully reclaiming educational excellence.

This conversation is essential for any parent, educator, or leader ready to move past "dishonest and soulless" modern standards toward a future rooted in truth and character.

What kind of education is required to sustain a free society?

On this episode of The Anchored Podcast, Jeremy Wayne Tate, founder of the Classic Learning Test (CLT), sits down with Jeffrey S. Trimbath, President of the Maryland Family Institute, to examine the deep connection between classical education, family formation, and self-government.

Jeffrey draws on his experience in public policy, education, and family advocacy to argue that a democratic republic depends on citizens who can govern themselves—and that kind of formation does not happen by accident. From the decline of grammar schools to modern education experiments, this conversation explores how cultural and educational shifts shape freedom itself.

If we cannot govern ourselves, someone else will.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

Why self-government depends on moral and intellectual formation

The role of classical education in preserving a democratic republic

How modern schooling departed from the grammar school tradition

Family, virtue, and the Western intellectual inheritance

Education policy, parental rights, the issue of euthanasia, and cultural formation

About Our Guest

Jeffrey S. Trimbath is President of the Maryland Family Institute, an organization dedicated to strengthening families through public policy, education, and cultural engagement. Learn more at:

https://marylandfamily.org

About the Host

Jeremy Wayne Tate is the founder of the Classic Learning Test (CLT) and host of The Anchored Podcast, where education, culture, and the Western tradition meet.

About The Anchored Podcast

The Anchored Podcast is the official podcast of the Classic Learning Test, featuring conversations on classical education, culture, and the ideas that shape human flourishing.

Jeremy Wayne Tate sits down with Dr. Jordi Wiersma, founding president of the Pascal Institute in the Netherlands, to discuss the renewal of classical education in Europe and beyond. They explore how modern schooling shapes culture, why liberal arts and Great Books still matter, and how rigorous seminars in philosophy, literature, and the history of ideas can form students in wisdom and judgment.​

You’ll hear about the mission of the Pascal Institute, its seminars and symposia, and its place within the broader classical education movement that is reconnecting students with Homer, Plato, Aristotle, Shakespeare, Pascal, and more.​

Learn more about the Pascal Institute:
https://pascalinstitute.com/

#ClassicalEducation #PascalInstitute #JordiWiersma #GreatBooks #Plato #LiberalArts #EuropeanEducation #ChristianEducation

Join us on the Anchored Podcast as we explore the journey of Rockbridge Academy with its head, Roy Griffith. Discover how his background in architecture influenced his approach to education and learn about the unique values that define this flagship classical Christian school. We discuss the challenges and opportunities in modern education, including the integration of technology and the balance between academic rigor and spiritual growth. Tune in for insights on the future of classical Christian education and the role of community and mentorship in schools.

#AnchorPodcast #ClassicalEducation #RoyGriffith #RockbridgeAcademy #EducationInsights #ChristianEducation #ArchitectureInEducation #TechInEducation #AcademicRigor #spiritualgrowth

In this episode of the Anchored Podcast, Jeremy Tate and guests Luke Heintschel and Genavive Edman discuss the mission and vision behind Coeur d'Eucharist Academy, a Catholic school in Northern Idaho. 

They explore the challenges and opportunities within the classical education movement, emphasizing the importance of returning to the roots of Catholic education, which prioritize virtue and excellence over mere academic achievement. 

Genavive shares her journey from a homeschool background to leading a school that aims to foster a strong community and a deep understanding of faith among students. Luke adds insights on the significance of whole-person formation in education, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that integrates both academic rigor and character development.

Chapters
00:00
The Mission of Catholic Education
01:00
Introducing Coeur d'Eucharist Academy
02:06
Personal Journeys to Classical Education
04:32
The Debate on Classical vs. Liberal Education
07:25
The Decline of Catholic Schools
09:31
Origins of Coeur d'Eucharist Academy
12:47
Influences and Inspirations
14:10
Distinctive Features of the Academy
19:32
Navigating Diocesan Relationships
21:46
The Revival of Catholic Education
24:28
Curriculum and Academic Focus
29:38
Books That Shape Our Mission

The conversation with Mike McKenna provides insights into the world of Classical Christian Education and the shift away from school rankings to celebrate partner schools.

Takeaways

• Classical Christian education emphasizes the development of the whole person in Christ
• The CLT is moving away from school rankings to highlight and celebrate partner schools

Chapters

• 00:29 Introduction to Mike McKenna and Classical Christian Education
  
  
• 03:17 Mike McKenna's Educational Journey
  
  
• 06:09 Mars Hill Academy Strengths and Community
  
  
• 09:36 Mission Preservation in Education
  
  
• 12:16 Adopting CLT Assessments
  
  
• 15:43 Engagement and Preparation for Success
  
  
• 18:35 Impactful Texts and Closing Thoughts

How should classical education respond to artificial intelligence—and what happens to formation when machines can teach faster than humans? In this panel from the 2025 Annapolis Summit, CLT brings together leading scholars and practitioners to wrestle with AI, virtue, and the future of learning.
​

Moderated by Dr. Angel Adams Parham (University of Virginia; former President of the CLT Board of Academic Advisors), this conversation features Dr. Christopher Perrin (Classical Academic Press), Dr. Brian Williams (Templeton Honors College, Eastern University), and Erin Valdez (University of Austin; education and public policy). They discuss how AI is already reshaping classrooms, what is at stake for the telos of education, and how classical schools, homeschoolers, and universities can use new tools without sacrificing human formation.

Across the panel you’ll hear:

Stories from higher ed and K–12 about plagiarism, AI‑graded essays, and “alpha schools” that rely on AI tutors instead of teachers.

A deep dive into the difference between information and formation, and why contemplation, attention, and love of the good cannot be automated.
​
Concrete use‑cases where AI may genuinely serve classical learning (e.g., language drilling, logistics, research assistance) and where it risks dehumanizing students.
​
Recorded live at the 2025 Annapolis Summit, hosted by Classic Learning Test (CLT). Perfect for parents, teachers, school leaders, and students who care about classical education, virtue ethics, and the future of humane learning in an AI age.

Taken from the 2025 Annapolis Summit, this episode brings together leading voices in classical education to clarify how CLT thinks and talks about learning. “Towards a Common Language at CLT” features Dr. Timothy Wiens, Laura Berquist, Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson, Dr. Daniel Peterson, and Dr. Justin Smith in a lively roundtable on what terms like “classical,” “liberal arts,” “formation,” and “rigor” really mean.

They explore why shared language matters for schools, homeschool families, and colleges partnering with CLT, and how a clear vocabulary can unite diverse approaches around a common vision. Educators, parents, and students will gain a deeper understanding of CLT’s mission and how it seeks to serve the renewal of learning in the modern world.

Perfect for anyone asking: What exactly do we mean by “classical education,” and how does CLT fit into that story?

This episode brings together three of the most influential public intellectuals of our time for a rare, honest conversation about truth, disagreement, and unity in a polarized age. Father Robert Sirico moderates a powerful dialogue between Dr. Cornel West and Professor Robert P. George as they discuss their co‑authored book, Truth Matters: A Dialogue on Fruitful Disagreement in an Age of Division.

Episode description

Can people who profoundly disagree still be friends—and work together for the common good? In this special panel discussion, Father Sirico hosts Cornel West and Robert P. George to explore how to seek truth, argue with integrity, and practice real civility without watering down conviction. They share personal stories, hard‑won wisdom, and practical principles for disagreement that is honest, charitable, and fruitful.

Listeners will hear them wrestle with:

• Why truth matters more than tribalism or party loyalty
• How to argue in good faith without demonizing opponents
• The role of faith, conscience, and moral courage in public life

Whether you are a student, educator, pastor, or concerned citizen, this conversation offers a hopeful model for how to think deeply, disagree strongly, and still recognize the dignity of those on the “other side.”