Ever wonder how your family’s daily efforts could shape a thriving, virtuous future? In this captivating episode of the Lady K Podcast, Katy McKinney, Founder and Head of School of Lafayette Academy: A Classical School, unveils key practices to building resilient families that strengthen communities and beyond. Using the powerful metaphor of prairie plants’ deep, intertwined roots, Katy hints at how a classical education can anchor your children with wisdom and character. What sparks kids to embrace high ideals, like Katy’s daughter did with To Kill a Mockingbird? How do you nurture a "root system" that helps your family weather life’s toughest storms?

With four intriguing insights about prairie plants, Katy teases a blueprint for raising independent, unflappable kids who contribute to a flourishing society. Curious about fostering self-governing, virtuous children who uplift your family and community? Tune in to discover how small, intentional steps at home can create a ripple effect of strength and purpose. Don’t miss this inspiring episode—listen now to unlock the keys to a stronger family legacy!

For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/

In this episode of The Lady K Podcast, host Katy McKinney, Founder and Head of School for Lafayette Academy: A Classical School, a Hillsdale College Curriculum School  in Lake St. Louis, MO, dedicated to shaping knowledgeable, virtuous, and independent thinkers, sits down with John Schweizer—Lafayette’s PE teacher and upper-level math instructor—to talk about the transformative power of physical education.

Located in St. Charles County, Missouri, Lafayette Academy serves families from Lake St. Louis, Wentzville, O’Fallon, St. Peters, and the Greater St. Louis area. John shares his family’s journey from public school to classical education, the impact of losing focus on character education, and the surprising role that a daily fitness habit can play in academic success, emotional resilience, and lifelong well-being.

From ancient Greek gymnasiums to JFK’s call for an American fitness revival, John draws connections between history, research, and real-life results. He also reveals Lafayette Academy’s exciting new plan: 20 minutes of intentional, ability-based physical activity every single morning—for students, faculty, and maybe even parents.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How John first discovered classical education—and why it changed everything for his family.

How his childhood PE teacher inspired a lifelong passion for fitness.

What ancient Greeks, La Sierra High School in the 1960s, and modern neuroscience have in common.

How daily exercise affects attention, mood, and learning speed.

The details of Lafayette Academy’s new daily PE initiative for K–12 students in St. Charles County.

For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/

In this episode of The Lady K Show, Katy McKinney, founder of Lafayette Academy: A Classical School, shares her passion for preserving American values through classical education. Inspired by Thomas Jefferson Education and Cultural Literacy, she discusses how modern schools are failing kids and families by softening curriculums and pushing divisive ideologies. Referencing The Naked Communist’s 45 goals, Katy reveals threats to our Judeo-Christian roots and freedoms. Tune in to learn how Lafayette Academy fosters wisdom, truth, and strong citizens to safeguard our republic.

For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/

In this episode of the Lady K Podcast, Katy McKinney reflects on her journey from business to education, emphasizing the importance of enabling students to adopt a victor mentality rather than a victim mentality. She shares her personal experiences and teaching philosophy, which focuses on building confidence and resilience in children. Through anecdotes and practical strategies, Katy illustrates how fostering a culture of responsibility and self-governance can lead to significant personal growth and success for students.  In the end, our families, communities, and country are blessed.

For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/

In this conversation, Katy McKinney discusses the critical role of religion in democracy, emphasizing how it fosters a culture of voluntary law obedience. She explores the importance of teaching virtues and character in education, particularly at Lafayette Academy: A Classical School, where faculty and staff help nurture self-governance and personal responsibility within each student. McKinney shares anecdotes illustrating how children can learn to govern themselves and express gratitude – even at a very young age.  She highlights the need for families and schools to work together in nurturing these values for the betterment of the nation.

For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/

In this conversation, Katy McKinney, founder of Lafayette Academy, shares her journey into the world of history education, sparked by a profound lecture she experienced on American history. She discusses the importance of teaching history in schools on a daily basis, emphasizing its role if we want to cultivate informed, free-thinking citizens. McKinney highlights the value of experiential learning through field trips, which enhance students' appreciation for history. She believes that understanding history fosters family unity and civic responsibility, ultimately contributing to the preservation of the Republic.

For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/

In this conversation, Katy McKinney "LadyK" discusses the current crisis in American education, highlighting the mediocrity in both public and private schools. She shares how her journey of founding Lafayette Academy: A Classical School, is aimed at providing a high-quality education that fosters independent and critical thinking. LadyK emphasizes the importance of seeking out classical education options and the role of family engagement in the educational process.

For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/