In this episode of The Prodigy Way Podcast, we explore a cornerstone of Prodigy’s educational philosophy: 21st Century Skills. Joined by Jessica Pederson and Russell Grammer, Prodigy’s visionary founder, we break down the four essential skills—Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity—that prepare students not just for school, but for life.

From students leading interviews to real-world applications of math and problem-solving, we dive into how Prodigy empowers students to practice and master these skills daily. Learn how project-based learning, public speaking, and creative exploration are helping students build leadership qualities that will serve them throughout their lives.

📖 Purchase The Prodigy Way book: https://a.co/d/72QAghH

Jump to Specific Topics - Timestamps:0:00 Introduction0:10 Meet Our Guests: Jessica Pederson and Russell Grammer1:15 Why 21st Century Skills Matter at Prodigy4:00 Teaching Communication Through Real-World Experiences8:00 The Power of Collaboration: From Classroom to Career12:00 Developing Critical Thinking: Beyond the Textbook16:00 Encouraging Creativity: How Prodigy Fosters Innovation21:00 Key Takeaways: Building Leaders for Tomorrow

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

1️⃣ 21st Century Skills Are Life Skills
At Prodigy, we teach Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity not just for academic success, but to equip students for the future.

2️⃣ Real-World Learning Builds Confidence
Whether it’s interviewing a job candidate or building a community project, students gain hands-on experience that makes learning come alive.

3️⃣ Creativity Drives Deep Learning
By embracing project-based learning, Prodigy students dive into the creative process, helping them retain knowledge and develop innovative solutions.

Prodigy's Mission:
Each child is loved and uniquely designed by God for great purposes. Prodigy Leadership Academy exists to provide a tailored education to maximize the God-given potential of every student.

Stay Connected:
Website: www.goprodigy.orgInstagram: @ProdigyLeadershipAcademyFacebook: Prodigy Leadership AcademySupport Prodigy: www.goprodigy.org/donate

Search terms: 21st century skills, communication skills, collaboration in education, critical thinking, creativity in classrooms, project-based learning, leadership skills, educational leadership, student success, hands-on learning, future leaders, life skills for students, faith-based education, growth mindset, personalized learning, innovative teaching methods, education trends, leadership development, growth through collaboration, STEM education, digital learning, youth leadership, soft skills, problem-solving skills, lifelong learning, student empowerment, teacher leadership, educational podcasts, Christian education.

In this episode, we dive into a unique approach at Prodigy Leadership Academy: using the community as a classroom. Joined by Prodigy co-founder and director, Russell Grammer, we explore the powerful impact of experiential learning and how stepping outside the traditional classroom can ignite curiosity, foster real-world connections, and build empathy in students.From field trips to local businesses, farms, and even international experiences, we discuss how Prodigy’s intentional community-based learning model supports student growth and builds essential life skills like communication, networking, and problem-solving. Listen as we reflect on the transformative power of learning through hands-on, community-driven experiences.🎒 Purchase The Prodigy Way book: https://a.co/d/3iGE4qkJump to Specific Topics - Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction0:10 Meet Our Guest: Russell Grammer1:15 The Importance of Community as Classroom2:50 Early Inspiration: Why Get Students Outside the Classroom?5:00 Connecting Classroom Learning to Real-Life Experience7:30 The Benefits of Exposure: Curiosity and Career Exploration11:00 Building Relationships Through Community Engagement14:00 Learning Through Empathy and Compassion18:30 Teachers as Lifelong Learners and Role Models22:00 Real-World Lessons: Success Stories from Field Trips26:45 Preparing Students for Real-World SuccessKey Takeaways from the Episode: 1️⃣ Experiential Learning: Prodigy’s focus on community-based field trips helps students apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world settings, deepening their understanding and engagement.2️⃣ Building Empathy: Interacting with people from diverse backgrounds, such as visiting retirement homes or helping at local farms, fosters compassion and social awareness in students.3️⃣ Career Exploration: Students gain exposure to a wide range of careers, empowering them to ask questions and explore potential futures with greater curiosity and clarity.Prodigy's Mission:Each child is loved and uniquely designed by God for great purposes. Prodigy Leadership Academy exists to provide a tailored education to maximize the God-given potential of every student.Stay Connected:🌐 Website: www.goprodigy.org📸 Instagram: @ProdigyLeadershipAcademy📘 Facebook: Prodigy Leadership Academy💙 Support Prodigy: www.goprodigy.org/donate🔖 Hashtags:#ChristianEducation #FaithBasedLearning #ExperientialLearning #CommunityAsClassroom #ProdigyLeadership

In this episode, we explore one of the most essential pillars of Prodigy’s educational model: Building a Strong Academic Foundation. Joined by Amy Grammer, Prodigy co-founder and associate director, we dive into what makes learning at Prodigy unique and why academic excellence goes hand-in-hand with individualized learning and student engagement.From early childhood reading and math to redefining assessments and fostering lifelong skills, we uncover how Prodigy creates a Christ-centered, academically rigorous environment where students thrive.📖 Purchase The Prodigy Way book: https://a.co/d/efR5hJKJump to Specific Topics - Timestamps:0:00 Introduction0:11 Meet Our Guest: Amy Grammer0:52 Why a Strong Academic Foundation Matters1:49 Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic — The Prodigy Way3:26 Individualized Learning: Meeting Students Where They Are4:59 How Prodigy Assesses Growth (Without Teaching to the Test)7:46 Trusting Teachers, Not Standardized Tests12:14 Engagement: The Key to Academic Achievement16:54 Preparing Students for Real-World Success21:29 Closing Thoughts: A Well-Rounded, Christ-Centered EducationKey Takeaways from the Episode1️⃣ A Strong Academic Foundation Starts with Individualized LearningAt Prodigy, we believe every child learns differently — and we meet them where they are. From early literacy to advanced math, students are supported at their own pace, building confidence and lasting skills.2️⃣ Standardized Testing Isn’t the Goal — Lifelong Learning IsWhile standardized testing is an option at Prodigy, it doesn’t define a child’s success. Instead, we focus on cultivating deep, meaningful learning through observation, projects, and personalized assessment.3️⃣ Engaged Students Become Lifelong LearnersStudent engagement is the heartbeat of academic success. When students are inspired, curious, and actively involved, learning sticks — and confidence soars.Prodigy's Mission:Each child is loved and uniquely designed by God for great purposes. Prodigy Leadership Academy exists to provide a tailored education to maximize the God-given potential of every student.Stay Connected:🌐 Website: www.goprodigy.org📸 Instagram: @ProdigyLeadershipAcademy📘 Facebook: Prodigy Leadership Academy💙 Support Prodigy: www.goprodigy.org/donate🔖 Hashtags:#ChristianEducation #FaithBasedLearning #IndividualizedLearning #AcademicExcellence #EducationalPodcast

🎙️ Welcome to The Prodigy Way Podcast! In this episode, we dive into one of the most essential elements of Prodigy’s educational model: What Makes a Great Teacher? Joined by Jessica Peterson, author of The Prodigy and one of our administrators, and Rebecca McDonald, a Prodigy teacher and longtime parent, we explore the heart and mission behind teaching at Prodigy.From hiring teachers who love the Lord to fostering a deep sense of trust, autonomy, and individualized learning, we uncover what sets Prodigy’s educators apart. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply passionate about faith-driven learning, this episode will inspire you with the power of Christ-centered teaching.📖 Purchase The Prodigy Way book: https://a.co/d/0iPl6K1Jump to Specific Topics - Timestamps:0:00 Introduction0:11 Meet Our Guests: Jessica Peterson & Rebecca McDonald1:00 A Parent’s Perspective: The Impact of Prodigy Teachers3:04 What We Look for in a Teacher at Prodigy5:05 The Importance of a Teacher’s Relationship with Christ7:45 Individualized Learning & Teacher Autonomy10:18 The Balance of Trust, Accountability & Mission13:47 The Prodigy Teacher: Key Characteristics16:09 A Teacher’s Dream: Freedom to Truly Teach19:44 The ‘It Factor’ – What Makes Prodigy Feel Different?21:29 Closing Thoughts: A Mission, Not Just a JobKey Takeaways from the Episode1️⃣ A Great Teacher Starts with a Love for the LordAt Prodigy, faith is at the core of everything we do. Our teachers don’t just educate—they disciple. Their love for Jesus shapes how they lead, nurture, and inspire students.💡 Quote: “The number one thing we look for in a teacher is a love for the Lord.”2️⃣ Teaching is a Mission, Not Just a JobProdigy teachers see their role as a calling. They prioritize relationships with students and parents, ensuring that every child is known, loved, and challenged to grow academically and spiritually.💡 Quote: “This is mission work—it requires more of us than a normal teaching position.”3️⃣ Trust, Autonomy, & Individualized LearningUnlike traditional schools, Prodigy teachers have the freedom to adapt learning to each child’s needs. This trust empowers teachers to create an environment where students thrive.💡 Quote: “Prodigy is a teacher’s dream—you have the freedom to truly teach.”About Prodigy Leadership Academy:Each child is loved and uniquely designed by God for great purposes. Prodigy Leadership Academy exists to provide a tailored education to maximize the God-given potential of every student.Stay Connected:🌐 Website: www.goprodigy.org📸 Instagram: @ProdigyLeadershipAcademy📘 Facebook: Prodigy Leadership Academy💙 Support Prodigy: www.goprodigy.org/donateHashtags:#ChristianEducation #FaithBasedLearning #IndividualizedLearning #EducationalPodcast

🎙️ Welcome to The Prodigy Way Podcast! In this episode, we explore one of the most powerful aspects of Prodigy’s educational model: Parent Partnerships. Joined by Prodigy co-founder Amy Grammer, and occupational therapist and parent Lindsay Lawrence, we discuss why parents play a vital role in their child’s education. From open communication and collaborative learning to real-world experiences and emotional support, we break down how strong parent-teacher relationships create thriving students and families.

🎙️ Welcome to The Prodigy Way Podcast! In this episode, we’re diving into the heart of individualized, Christ-centered education: Valuing Each Individual. Prodigy founder Russell Grammer and award-winning teacher Jamie Reese share real stories of how students thrive when they feel truly seen, known, and loved. From practical discipline strategies to the importance of safe and sacred spaces, we explore how honoring each child’s God-given potential can transform lives — and the world.

💡 Purchase The Prodigy Way book: https://a.co/d/7CDT9Zl

Jump to Specific Topics - Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
0:16 Celebrating Students as God Does
2:11 Seeing Potential and Believing the Best in Every Child
4:32 Creating Safe and Sacred Spaces
7:10 Building Trust and Confidence in Students
10:44 Handling Discipline with Grace and Respect
13:50 Encouraging Growth Through Failure
17:25 Practical Strategies for Individualized Guidance
20:40 The Ripple Effect of Valuing Each Student

📌 Key Takeaways from the Episode
1️⃣ God Celebrates Each Individual
The foundation of Prodigy’s educational philosophy is that every student is fearfully and wonderfully made by God. When educators recognize each child's unique design and potential, they partner with God in shaping world-changers.
💡 Quote: “Celebrate them like I do.” — a call to educators to see students through God's eyes.

2️⃣ Safe Spaces Lead to Transformation
At Prodigy, a safe space is more than a buzzword. It’s a space where students are emotionally and spiritually supported, allowing them to lower their defenses and grow into the individuals God created them to be.
💡 Quote: “Growth comes when students feel safe to explore and be themselves.”

3️⃣ Discipline Is Rooted in Love and Accountability
True discipline helps students grow into responsible, Christ-honoring adults. At Prodigy, teachers use discipline as a way to build trust, promote self-reflection, and encourage students to rise to their God-given potential.
💡 Quote: “You’re too important to slack off.”

About Prodigy Leadership Academy:
Each child is loved and uniquely designed by God for great purposes. Prodigy Leadership Academy exists to provide a tailored education to maximize the God-given potential of every student.

Stay Connected:
Website: www.goprodigy.org
Instagram: ProdigyLeadershipAcademy
Facebook: ProdigyLeadershipAcademy
Support Prodigy: goprodigy.org/donate/

Hashtags:
#ChristianEducation #IndividualizedLearning #EducationalPodcast

“Wholistic” is a bit of a buzzword. But when we apply a Whole Child Approach to education, we end up with incredible results. Listen to find out more.

🎙️ Welcome to The Prodigy Way Podcast, where we break down our highly successful, unique, individualized educational structure. There is a driving force behind everything we do: our mission. Listen to find out more. 

Purchase The Prodigy Way book: https://a.co/d/7CDT9Zl

Subscribe for more insights into Christian education, individualized learning, outdoor learning, and community impact!

Jump to Specific Topics:

Intro: 00:00

What does it mean to be mission-driven? - 1:10

We were all in - 2:08

Anyone can choose to live life on a mission - 3:48

A temptation for how we gauge success - 5:11

Counting the cost - 6:05

False sense of security - 6:41

Being in relationship with God - 8:25

If we don’t, He’ll call someone else - 10:43

Leadership on mission - 13:28

Seeing others join the mission - 15:04

Fan the flame - 17:23

Being mission driven is hard - 19:14

Conclusion - 20:17

3 Key Takeaways from This Episode:

Living life with a mission and having a clear purpose

To be aligned with God’s mission is to wake up every day with an invaluable purpose. There is no greater fulfillment. Drifting meaninglessly isn’t an issue for those living in alignment with God’s mission for them.

You can’t judge a mission by worldly standards

Though God sees and knows all, we certainly do not! Sometimes, as with Prodigy’s story, His mission may seem foolish by worldly standards. However, by being faithful to His guidance and plan, we may get to see aspects of His will come into fruition–there’s nothing more exciting.

If we don’t do it, someone else will; and we can’t do it alone

God gives us the option to join Him or reject His invitation to join His mission. Should we pass up the opportunity, He will offer it to someone else. Just as Russell and Amy did, we hope you will jump at every opportunity He offers you. Additionally, it’s a team effort. We are communal beings and God made us to be in relationship with one another–all united in furthering His mission.

About Prodigy Leadership Academy:

Each child is loved and uniquely designed by God for great purposes. Prodigy Leadership Academy exists to provide a tailored education to maximize the God-given potential of every student.

Stay Connected:

Website: www.goprodigy.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prodigyleadershipacademy/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProdigyLeadershipAcademy/ 

Support Prodigy: https://goprodigy.org/donate/ 

Hashtags:

#ChristianEducation #IndividualizedLearning #EducationalPodcast

🎙️ Welcome to The Prodigy Way Podcast, where we break down our highly successful, unique, individualized educational structure. Why do we have a 4 Day School Week at Prodigy? There are some incredible benefits you might not expect. Join in and listen to Mr. Russell Grammer as he breaks down this topic. 

Purchase The Prodigy Way book: https://a.co/d/7CDT9Zl

Subscribe for more insights into Christian education, individualized learning, outdoor learning, and community impact!

Jump to Specific Topics:

Intro: 00:00

2 Reasons we adopted the model: 00:35

A troubling trend in institutionalized education: 1:41

We need to empower and strengthen families: 2:18

What Fridays look like for our teachers: 3:37

The teacher sets the tone for learning: 4:42

Time for teacher support and collaboration is key: 5:33

We’re still learning and innovating: 6:34

What was professional development like in the public schools? 7:51

Autonomy allows for educators to innovate: 8:34

The difference an empowered teacher can make: 10:30

Our days are longer: 12:12

4 day vs 5 day school week: 13:31

We need to strengthen families: 14:21

We need to empower our teachers and allow time for rest: 16:41

Students need more time with their families: 18:41

A concern about longer weekends: 19:49

Parents are the primary influence over their children: 21:29

A flaw with the institutionalized approach to education: 22:18

The message we give to students, teachers, and parents: 23:32

Conclusion: 24:00

3 Key Takeaways from This Episode:

A 4 day school week creates more time for families to be together.

Having Friday off from school allows students to spend time with their families–whether it’s parents, grandparents, or others. Though many parents do still work on Fridays, those who work from home or who have more flexible schedules tend to cherish the extra time with their quickly-growing children. Additionally, the 3 day weekend provides many more opportunities for families to take mini vacations and getaways together. 

A healthy work-life balance for teachers is vital.

Teachers have one of the hardest jobs known to man, and one of the most important, too. Providing our teachers with the autonomy and responsibility to meet children at their individual levels from a whole-person perspective is highly fulfilling but also exhausting. Our teachers work half days on Fridays. They have the chance to complete lesson plans, meet with parents, collaborate with one another, and go through professional development. This one-day difference provides our teachers with time to reflect, learn, and prepare, while still allowing for a two-day weekend for rest and relaxation. 

Family > Institutions.

Over recent decades, our society has been trending away from families and towards institutions. Many students across the country eat breakfast, lunch, and sometimes even dinner at school. This shift away from time with family is very damaging, and cripples important chances for healthy familial relationship growth. Parents are their children’s number one influencers, and it’s important that they are encouraged and supported in this role, not removed from it. 

About Prodigy Leadership Academy:

Each child is loved and uniquely designed by God for great purposes. Prodigy Leadership Academy exists to provide a tailored education to maximize the God-given potential of every student.

Stay Connected:

Website: www.goprodigy.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prodigyleadershipacademy/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProdigyLeadershipAcademy/ 

Support Prodigy: https://goprodigy.org/donate/ 

Hashtags:

#ChristianEducation #IndividualizedLearning #EducationalPodcast

🎙️ Welcome to The Prodigy Way Podcast, where we break down our highly successful, unique, individualized educational structure. Why do we have Multi Age Classrooms at Prodigy? There are some incredible benefits you might not expect. Join in and listen to Mrs. Amy Grammer and Mrs. Becky Campbell as they break down this topic. 

Subscribe for more insights into Christian education, individualized learning, outdoor learning, and community impact!

Jump to Specific Topics:

Intro: 00:00

Removing unhealthy comparison: 1:33

Leadership - a benefit of the two year cycle: 3:08

Picking up where we left off last year: 6:16

Safety, trust, and removing the shame of failure: 7:17

Foundation for natural leadership: 8:10

Challenges of working with a 2-year age range: 10:28

Seeing progress in your students: 12:34

Parent-teacher partnership in guiding students: 13:28

Classroom planning for a multi age class: 14:12

Having a collaborative teacher goes a long way: 16:26

Removing the “one-size-fits-all” expectation: 18:24

Individualized approach: 19:11

The natural, family model: 20:10

The Prodigy 21 are fairly dependent on each other: 20:50

Approaching science and history: 21:27

Special needs students are no longer isolated from their peers: 23:53

Outro: 

Purchase The Prodigy Way book: https://a.co/d/7CDT9Zl

3 Key Takeaways from This Episode:

Younger students have natural role models in the older students who are placed in a natural leadership position: 

As in a traditional family structure, the “younger siblings” of the class naturally look up to their older peers not in a competitive light, but as examples to strive for. On the other hand, the older students are placed in a natural leadership role. Additionally, when older students move on to the next classroom, they are again placed in the shoes of the younger group of the class–a natural humbling process, which is an important aspect of creating quality leaders. 

Having two grade levels combined removes the “one size fits all” environment: 

One size does not fit all. This is one of the major flaws of the traditional educational setting. Combining what would have been two grade levels in a traditional setting strips the “one size fits all” expectation. As such, students are able to work from their own ability level without fear of criticism or a sense of falling behind.

Special needs students are not singled out as in a traditional setting: 

In traditional schools, special needs students are often isolated. At Prodigy, our 9:1 student-teacher ratio fosters inclusion, allowing special needs students to learn alongside peers while still receiving personalized attention.

About Prodigy Leadership Academy:

PLA is a Christian School where we believe children are loved and uniquely designed by God for great purposes. We meet our students where they are, understand them, and give them the highest level of support in their life journey.

Stay Connected:

Website: www.goprodigy.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prodigyleadershipacademy/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProdigyLeadershipAcademy/ 

Support Prodigy: https://goprodigy.org/donate/ 

Hashtags:

#ChristianEducation #IndividualizedLearning #EducationalPodcast