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The American education system is failing our children. With only 33% of fourth graders reading at proficiency—a statistic unchanged since 1992—and international rankings showing the US lagging in math, science, and problem-solving skills, parents are increasingly seeking alternatives. Enter the classical education revival: a powerful counter-revolution growing at 5% annually with projected enrollment reaching 1.4 million students by 2035.
Classical education isn't a new innovation but rather a return to what worked for 2,500 years. At its core lies a fundamental understanding of humans as "rational animals" requiring development in both intellectual and moral virtue. When you walk into a classical school, you won't see students glued to screens. Instead, you'll find children in uniforms engaged in genuine conversation, studying primary sources and great works of literature, guided by teachers deeply educated in their subjects. The curriculum builds systematically from kindergarten through high school, focusing on worthy, thought-provoking material rather than educational fads.
The results speak volumes. Hillsdale College's Barney Charter School Initiative has established 30 member schools across 17 states with remarkable outcomes: 99% graduation rates versus 86% nationally, 63% college placement versus 44%, and significantly higher standardized test scores. But the most profound difference lies in the emphasis on virtues rather than values. Where traditional schools promote subjective values without clear moral grounding, classical schools explicitly teach objective virtues like honesty, courage, responsibility, respect, and wisdom. They approach American history by having students read founding documents directly, acknowledging both the country's flaws and its progress toward fulfilling worthy ideals. This isn't about political indoctrination but about equipping students with the intellectual tools to think deeply and critically about what matters most in human life and society.
Key Points from the Episode:
• Classical education sector growing 5% annually with projected enrollment of 1.4 million students by 2035
• Only 33% of 4th graders read at proficient levels, virtually unchanged since 1992
• Hillsdale College leading the renaissance through their Barney Charter School Initiative with 30 member schools across 17 states
• Classical schools emphasize virtues over values, teaching objective standards rather than subjective preferences
• Key differences include limited technology, focused curriculum, primary source documents, and teaching both intellectual and moral virtues
• Better outcomes include 99% graduation rates and 63% college placement compared to national averages
• Classical education emphasizes virtues (honesty, courage, responsibility, respect, wisdom) rather than subjective values
• These schools teach American history through primary documents while acknowledging both accomplishments and failures
• Focus is on developing critical thinking by engaging with great works rather than indoctrination
Other resources:
Liberty #14--the 16,000 hour war part 1
Liberty #14--the 16,000 hour war part 2
American Classical Education video (worthy of your time)
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