The Classical Conversations Blog - Post Library

If you’re a homeschool parent searching for a classical master’s degree that fits your life and honors the education you’re already providing at home, you’re not alone. Many parents want to fulfill the goal of earning a master’s degree but feel torn between academic growth and their commitment to...

How do I guide my child in practicing integrity when writing with AI tools? The rise of AI in education offers both promise and peril, especially for families striving to raise students who think deeply, write honestly, and live virtuously. In this second article of the three-part series, Classical...

By Leigh Bortins Only The Battle for Home Education I’m Leigh Bortins, founder and visionary of Classical Conversations. Since my family started homeschooling, I have worked to re-humanize education from the dehumanizing effects of technology. As we face the rapid rise of artificial intelligence in education, I believe it’s...

For many parents, the desire for public education reform is growing—especially as socialism gains popularity among younger voters and federal funding fuels both debt and bureaucracy. The promises of “free” education often come at the cost of accountability, quality, and personal responsibility. Leigh Bortins, founder of Classical Conversations, has...

Can homeschool parents really pursue a master’s degree? It’s a question many Classical Conversations families quietly ask as they juggle lesson plans, laundry, and Latin declensions. In this article, CC mom and recent graduate Aimee Smith shares not only her inspiring journey of earning a CC Plus master’s degree...

When your toddler points to a flower and says “daisy,” something profound is happening. In that small act of naming, your child is not just learning a word—they are laying claim to knowledge, connection, and meaning. Naming is more than vocabulary building; it is the first step toward wisdom....

“Can I homeschool my child?” It’s a question many parents ask—often with a mixture of hope, doubt, and curiosity. But here’s the good news: you already are. From the moment your child took their first wobbly steps to the moment they asked their first big “why,” you’ve been teaching...

Classical Conversations® Challenge IV is the final level in the Challenge program, the culmination of the Classical Conversations experience. Whether your student has completed Foundations, Essentials, and the previous levels of Challenge or is entering Challenge IV as a first-time Classical Conversations student, this post is a great place...

There are different types of partners for just about everything. I’m sure we can all think back to a time when we’ve partnered with a friend to start a bible study, pursue a new health goal, or maybe even launch a new business venture. Whatever the scenario, we found...

Want to empower your child with sharp critical thinking skills, mastery of grammar, and a love for language? The Classical Conversations Essentials program does just that. This two-hour afternoon tutorial for students in fourth through sixth grade lays the foundation for lifelong language skills. Essentials helps students understand English...

For many homeschool dads—especially those stepping into the role of stay-at-home parent—the search for a meaningful alternative to public school can feel overwhelming. You want your kids grounded in truth, surrounded by godly families, and shaped by something more lasting than test scores and deadlines. Maybe you’ve felt the...

At Southeastern University (SEU), we believe that education should shape hearts, minds, and souls for purposeful living, all while preparing students for a career. Through CC Plus, our exclusive partnership with Classical Conversations, we are honored to extend our mission to families across the nation who are committed to...

Homeschool science curricula often focus on measurable aspects such as labs, vocabulary, and tests. But what if the real key to understanding science isn’t just analysis, but observation? Parents searching for nature drawing for homeschool are often looking for meaningful, classical science activities that integrate art, deepen attention, and...

Classical Conversations® Challenge IV is the final level in the Challenge program, the culmination of the Classical Conversations experience. Whether your student has completed Foundations, Essentials, and the previous levels of Challenge or is entering Challenge IV as a first-time Classical Conversations student, this post is a great place...

Choosing a homeschool science curriculum isn’t just about memorizing facts—it’s about igniting a sense of wonder for God’s creation. As homeschool parents and classical educators, we long to cultivate curiosity, observation, and awe in our children. The Uncle Paul series does just that through engaging stories and hands-on discovery....

The classical model of education is a wonderful display of categorization. First, the classical model is traditionally divided into two categories of study — the Trivium and the Quadrivium. The first of these —  and the primary focus of the Classical Conversations® programs — consists of learning the three...

A Champion’s Legacy in Fourth Grade Spelling My husband’s claim to fame is All County Fourth Grade Spelling Bee Champion. He recounts this accomplishment with all the gusto of a “back in my day” dad tale, and I believe his parents still had the trophy on display when we...

Homeschool parents searching for the best middle and high school programs want more than just a curriculum—they want a homeschool education that will equip their students for life. CC’s Challenge program offers exactly that: an investment in knowledge, character, and lifelong learning. But like any wise investment, the greatest...

As a parent stepping into the Foundations program with Classical Conversations, you might find yourself asking, Am I doing this right? Am I doing enough? These fears are common, especially when navigating the classical method of education for the first time. But rest assured, you are not alone! As...

Is your student in Challenge IV, preparing and writing for their Senior Thesis? Or, will your child soon enter Challenge IV and already feels intimidated by the prospect of writing such an intensive paper? Although Senior Thesis can be a difficult task, the rewards of this capstone project that ends...

In Classical Conversations (CC) homeschooling communities, Mock Trial is a capstone event that Challenge B students, ages 13 and 14, eagerly prepare for in the spring semester. It’s a milestone that requires students to step into a courtroom setting, embody roles, and put their skills in logic, reasoning, and...

The Christmas season is here, and we’re wrapping up another wonderful fall semester with our Classical Conversations (CC) community! For homeschool families, December is a time of gathering, celebration, and often a little bit of reflection on the year’s journey. So, why not take a moment to smile, sip...

Finding the best homeschool curriculum is an essential task for every family, but it can be a tiresome process as well. With so much information out there, how do you know which homeschool curriculum to choose? And what should you look for in a homeschool curriculum? 4 Things to...

Today, we’re sharing an article that offers a perspective on the relationship between science and faith, a topic of great interest and importance to many homeschooling families. “Science from a Biblical Perspective: Bridging Faith and Discovery” is written by Jeff Miller, Ph.D., a science researcher and writer at Apologetics...

Finding the best preschool homeschool curriculum for your child is like planning the perfect meal. You want a recipe for success that you and your preschooler can savor along the way. Parents often want to jump-start their child’s education by implementing a rigorous homeschool schedule, but the preschool years...

In 2019, a small group of CC tutors and leaders gathered together to talk about mathematical dimensions. Leigh Bortins, Classical Conversations founder, and Dr. Kirsty Gilpin, lead mathematician, used materials from Classical Conversation’s math curriculum, The Math Map to guide the conversation and invite those present to participate in...

If you’re a homeschool parent searching for a classical master’s degree that fits your life and honors the education you’re already providing at home, you’re not alone. Many parents want to fulfill the goal of earning a master’s degree but feel torn between academic growth and their commitment to...

How do I guide my child in practicing integrity when writing with AI tools? The rise of AI in education offers both promise and peril, especially for families striving to raise students who think deeply, write honestly, and live virtuously. In this second article of the three-part series, Classical...

By Leigh Bortins Only The Battle for Home Education I’m Leigh Bortins, founder and visionary of Classical Conversations. Since my family started homeschooling, I have worked to re-humanize education from the dehumanizing effects of technology. As we face the rapid rise of artificial intelligence in education, I believe it’s...

Can homeschool parents really pursue a master’s degree? It’s a question many Classical Conversations families quietly ask as they juggle lesson plans, laundry, and Latin declensions. In this article, CC mom and recent graduate Aimee Smith shares not only her inspiring journey of earning a CC Plus master’s degree...

When your toddler points to a flower and says “daisy,” something profound is happening. In that small act of naming, your child is not just learning a word—they are laying claim to knowledge, connection, and meaning. Naming is more than vocabulary building; it is the first step toward wisdom....

“Can I homeschool my child?” It’s a question many parents ask—often with a mixture of hope, doubt, and curiosity. But here’s the good news: you already are. From the moment your child took their first wobbly steps to the moment they asked their first big “why,” you’ve been teaching...

In the world of homeschooling, where flexibility is both a blessing and a responsibility, a quiet question often lingers in the minds of parents: Am I helping my child or unintentionally hindering them? This search for clarity leads many parents to explore academic integrity in homeschooling—not merely as a...

Why a College Visit Matters in Your College Search College visits are one of the most fun and exciting parts of the college search, but the question is where to begin and how to get the most out of them. First of all, campus visits can help you not...

As Christian homeschool parents, we pour ourselves into providing our children with a rich education that nourishes both their minds and souls. While we focus on the great books and timeless truths, we also recognize our own roles in helping our teens in career preparation and discerning their God-given...

The college years are a special time in a student’s life. This fall, after learning under the care of their parents and local church, young men and women across the country will begin a new chapter of life, often in a new city. Over the next four years, a...

“The only imperative that nature utters is, ‘Look. Listen. Attend.” — C.S. Lewis In a world of endless distractions and diminishing attention spans, cultivating the habit of attention-giving our full, undivided focus to something worthwhile—has become a lost art. Yet this practice remains essential not just for learning but...

Looking for the best homeschool field trips in Dallas–Fort Worth? You’re in the right place. This dynamic metroplex is full of museums, parks, science centers, and historic landmarks that bring learning to life beyond the schoolroom. With so many enriching experiences nearby, DFW is a treasure trove for homeschool...

For homeschool families rooted in faith and classical learning, the end of high school brings both celebration and uncertainty. What’s next for your student? College? A trade? Missions work? Entrepreneurship? Many graduates aren’t quite ready to launch straight into higher education—and that’s not a weakness. It’s wisdom. More families...

There are different types of partners for just about everything. I’m sure we can all think back to a time when we’ve partnered with a friend to start a bible study, pursue a new health goal, or maybe even launch a new business venture. Whatever the scenario, we found...

For many homeschool dads—especially those stepping into the role of stay-at-home parent—the search for a meaningful alternative to public school can feel overwhelming. You want your kids grounded in truth, surrounded by godly families, and shaped by something more lasting than test scores and deadlines. Maybe you’ve felt the...

The Mission of a Good Dad What makes a good father in today’s busy world? Being a dad means more than providing financially—it’s about being present in the moments that truly matter. Many of us grew up with hardworking fathers who missed opportunities to fully engage in our daily...

As the mom of two Classical Conversations graduates, I never thought we would ever reach the day of graduation! I started homeschooling them at 7 and 10 on a wing and a prayer. Where on earth did that saying “a wing and a prayer” even come from? According to...

Since its legalization in South Africa in 1996, homeschooling has experienced a resurgence, offering families a powerful alternative to public education. In this evolving landscape, one mother’s search for a meaningful education for her children led her down an extraordinary path. Chantelle Miles, a South African parent of ten,...

If you are thinking about starting your homeschool journey, it can seem like a lonely endeavor. Making the switch from traditional public or private school to home education is a big transition, but reclaiming family-centered learning doesn’t have to be in isolation. Homeschooling is better with a friend. At...

As winter blankets South Africa in its chilly embrace, Simone Billson, Country Coordinator for Classical Conversations in South Africa, shares her insights on homeschooling and the beauty of individual growth. In this heartwarming blog post, Simone draws parallels between the changing seasons and the unique journeys of homeschooled children....

The word classical always painted a picture of classical music in my head—Mozart, to be specific—because in high school, I was part of the choir and sang classical songs, and this was the only encounter that I had ever had with the word. When I began to question what...

This blog post features a speech delivered by Elle Herson, a graduate at Classical Conversations’ National Commencement in 2023. She offers her perspective on the homeschooling experience, highlighting the impact of the Classical Conversations Challenge program and expressing deep gratitude toward her parents. Elle shares her journey from the...

God is on the move. What is my role in His mission? I am called to be faithful. What has He entrusted to my care? My memory isn’t always as crisp as I would like it to be, so I don’t truly recollect all the details of the beginning...

Are you considering entering a role as a Licensed Director of a Classical Conversations community in your area? That’s great! Directing is a wonderful opportunity to ensure a local homeschool community where your family can thrive and where you can lead the next generation of lifelong learners. 8 Things...

In the following post, homeschool dad Eugene Huang discusses the state of homeschooling in Taiwan and explores how the concepts of coram Deo, Christian paideia, and the Great Commission can yield fruit for classical, Christian education. Numbers about Taiwan In celebration of the upcoming launch of The Math Map:...

In this blog post, homeschool mom Joyce Pierce shares her incredible journey from hesitant educator to leader in the global homeschooling movement. Driven by faith and a whispered calling, she has embarked on an adventure that transcends borders and transforms lives—not just her own family but countless others in...