Growing Classically

 We would see a man or a woman with whom you would want to be a friend, because when you are in their presence, you sense the aroma of Christ.

In this episode of Growing Classically, Ryan Gilmore and Jonathan Winn explore Oak Grove Classical Academy’s vision, “Learn for Life. Live for Christ.” They discuss what it means to cultivate a lifelong love of learning rooted in humility, curiosity, and the desire to know God more deeply, as well as what it means to live for Christ by loving God, serving others, and ordering our lives around His kingdom. The conversation considers how an eternal perspective should shape the purpose of education, extending beyond academic achievement and career preparation to the formation of the whole person. Ultimately, they describe the kind of graduates Oak Grove hopes to cultivate: men and women who love wisdom, walk humbly, act justly, serve faithfully, and reflect the character of Christ wherever God calls them.

https://www.oakgroveclassical.com/

https://www.instagram.com/oakgroveclassicalacademy/

https://www.facebook.com/OakGroveClassical/

https://naumsinc.org/ 

https://classicalchristian.org/

 The most effective and vital partnership in education is not between the teacher and the student, but between the teacher and the student's parents.

In this episode of Growing Classically, Ryan Gilmore and Jonathan Winn explore the mission of Oak Grove Classical Academy and the convictions that shape its approach to education. They discuss what it means to partner with parents, provide a genuinely Christ-centered education, embrace the classical tradition, and use the university model to strengthen both students and families. They also consider how education should cultivate more than academic knowledge, inspiring students to love learning, face life’s challenges with courage and character, and apply God’s truth in their spheres of influence. Ultimately, the conversation reminds us that the purpose of education extends beyond college or career preparation to the formation of students who grow in wisdom and are increasingly conformed to the image of Christ.

https://www.oakgroveclassical.com/

https://www.instagram.com/oakgroveclassicalacademy/

https://www.facebook.com/OakGroveClassical/

https://naumsinc.org/ 

https://classicalchristian.org/

 Integrity is wholeness and completeness as a person. Without it, we can never be fully alive and fully living healthily in our relationships. So to be a healthy and full person, we have to have integrity.

In this fifth and final episode of the series, Ryan Gilmore and Jonathan Winn explore integrity as one of Oak Grove Classical Academy’s four core virtues. They discuss integrity as wholeness and consistency, where a person’s identity, beliefs, words, and actions are aligned with the truth and will of God, and why integrity brings the other virtues together in the formation of the whole person. The episode also considers how parents and educators can cultivate integrity by modeling it, grounding identity in Christ, practicing repentance, and helping students become people whose character is trustworthy in both public and private.

https://www.oakgroveclassical.com/

https://www.instagram.com/oakgroveclassicalacademy/

https://www.facebook.com/OakGroveClassical/

https://naumsinc.org/ 

https://classicalchristian.org/

 Without courage, our lives fall apart. Our society, our world falls apart. Selfishness and all the wickedness in the world that flows from it, is impossible to overcome without courage.

In this fourth episode of the five-part series, Ryan Gilmore and Jonathan Winn explore courage as one of Oak Grove Classical Academy’s four core virtues. They discuss why courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to face fear and difficulty with a clear vision of what is true and good, and why courage is essential for growth, learning, and pursuing truth. The episode also considers how parents and educators can cultivate courage by modeling it, pointing students toward Scripture and stories of courageous people, and helping them learn to do what is right even when it is difficult.

https://www.oakgroveclassical.com/

https://www.instagram.com/oakgroveclassicalacademy/

https://www.facebook.com/OakGroveClassical/

https://naumsinc.org/ 

https://classicalchristian.org/

 Diligence matters because it is the virtue of esteeming, loving, and being zealous for what matters and what lasts in this world. That which is true, good, beautiful, and ultimately, brings God glory.

In this third episode of the five-part series, Ryan Gilmore and Jonathan Winn explore diligence as one of Oak Grove Classical Academy’s four core virtues. They discuss how true diligence differs from both laziness and workaholism, why it requires a proper perspective on work and its purpose, and how parents and educators can cultivate it through modeling, Scripture, stories, and opportunities to do difficult things. The episode ultimately considers how diligence helps students faithfully steward their time, talents, and opportunities while pursuing what is true, good, beautiful, and lasting.

https://www.oakgroveclassical.com/

https://www.instagram.com/oakgroveclassicalacademy/

https://www.facebook.com/OakGroveClassical/

https://naumsinc.org/ 

https://classicalchristian.org/

 Humility matters because it is the critical foundation for love, and love is the most fundamental need for humanity. when we stop loving, our souls start dying. humility is the foundation of love, and that's why we need it most.

In this second episode of the five-part series, Ryan Gilmore and Jonathan Winn explore humility as one of Oak Grove Classical Academy’s four core virtues. They discuss why humility is foundational to wisdom, love, and healthy relationships, and what true humility looks like in contrast to pride or self-abasement. Ryan and Jonathan also consider how the gospel shapes our understanding of humility and how parents and educators can cultivate it by pursuing and modeling humility in their own lives.

https://www.oakgroveclassical.com/

https://www.instagram.com/oakgroveclassicalacademy/

https://www.facebook.com/OakGroveClassical/

https://naumsinc.org/ 

https://classicalchristian.org/

Forming Who Students Are Becoming.

Why does virtue matter in education? In the first episode of this five-part series, Ryan Gilmore introduces Oak Grove Classical Academy's four core virtues: humility, diligence, courage, and integrity. This episode explores why education is about more than preparing students for success. It is also about helping form the kind of people they become. Ryan considers the role of parents and educators in cultivating character and why Christian formation is ultimately more than behavior modification. It is about God, by His grace, shaping us into people who love what is good, pursue wisdom, and faithfully serve Him and others.

https://www.oakgroveclassical.com/

https://www.instagram.com/oakgroveclassicalacademy/

https://www.facebook.com/OakGroveClassical/

https://naumsinc.org/ 

https://classicalchristian.org/

The completion, test, and confirmation of teaching must be made by reviews.

In the final episode of our Seven Laws of Teaching series, Ryan Gilmore is joined by Oak Grove teacher Michelle Stevens to explore John Milton Gregory’s Law of Review and Application. Together, they discuss why learning is not complete until students actively use, articulate, and revisit what they have been taught. This conversation highlights the power of consistent review, Socratic dialogue, and joyful accountability, reminding educators that knowledge must move beyond exposure into ownership. The episode closes the series with a clear invitation: finish the work of teaching by helping students live what they learn.

Free PDF of The Seven Laws of Teaching by John Milton Gregory through Veritas Press! 

https://www.oakgroveclassical.com/

https://www.instagram.com/oakgroveclassicalacademy/

https://www.facebook.com/OakGroveClassical/

https://naumsinc.org/ 

https://classicalchristian.org/

Learners must actively reproduce in their own minds the truth they are acquiring.

In this seventh episode of our Seven Laws of Teaching series, Ryan Gilmore is joined by Logic School Humane Letters Chair Cara Pilgreen to explore John Milton Gregory’s Law of the Learning Process. Together, they examine how true learning moves beyond memorization into understanding, expression, proof, and application, requiring active ownership from the student. This conversation encourages teachers and parent co-teachers alike to slow down, invite curiosity, and cultivate learners who investigate truth deeply, connect ideas meaningfully, and carry their learning into life with wisdom and faith.

Free PDF of The Seven Laws of Teaching by John Milton Gregory through Veritas Press! 

https://www.oakgroveclassical.com/

https://www.instagram.com/oakgroveclassicalacademy/

https://www.facebook.com/OakGroveClassical/

https://naumsinc.org/ 

https://classicalchristian.org/

Excite and direct the self-activities of the learner,  and tell him nothing that he can learn himself

In this sixth episode of our series on John Milton Gregory’s Seven Laws of Teaching, Ryan Gilmore is joined by science department chair Caleb Garrett to explore the Law of the Teaching Process. Together they examine the difference between delivering information and cultivating real thinking, emphasizing that true learning requires active mental engagement, not passive reception. The conversation addresses practical strategies such as Socratic questioning, error analysis, scaffolding, and celebrating small wins, while also reframing struggle and even failure as essential parts of growth. This episode challenges teachers and parent co-teachers alike to design lessons that awaken curiosity, foster independence, and form students who can think deeply and responsibly for themselves.

Free PDF of The Seven Laws of Teaching by John Milton Gregory through Veritas Press! 

https://www.oakgroveclassical.com/

https://www.instagram.com/oakgroveclassicalacademy/

https://www.facebook.com/OakGroveClassical/

https://naumsinc.org/ 

https://classicalchristian.org/