The Classical Conversations Blog - Post Library

Seattle homeschool field trips offer extraordinary learning adventures, featuring the natural beauty and educational richness of the Pacific Northwest. From world-class science museums and maritime heritage to stunning natural landscapes and innovative technology, Seattle brings history, science, and culture to life against the backdrop of the Puget Sound’s magnificence....

New Year, Fresh Start: Your Classical Homeschool Guide for January 2026 Looking for a classical homeschool new year guide? The new year brings a fresh rhythm to your homeschool, and January is the perfect time to recalibrate for the semester ahead. Whether you’re navigating toddler chaos while teaching grammar...

Classical education fine arts doesn’t require you to be an accomplished artist or musician. In Classical Conversations Foundations program, hands-on fine arts introduces your children to beauty, creativity, and wonder through a structured approach that equips even the most non-artistic parents to teach art appreciation and music with confidence....

Storytelling in homeschool works by helping children recount events through narration, transforming facts into memorable experiences that build understanding, cultivate virtue, and shape how they see God’s world. As one of the Five Core Habits of Grammar in classical education, Storytelling moves beyond simple recall to become a skill...

You’re weighing your online homeschool vs community options, and the online platforms look appealing. Log in whenever it’s convenient. No traffic. No getting everyone out the door. Just you, your child, and a screen delivering solid academic content. It seems like the perfect solution to one of homeschooling’s biggest...

Taste the Ancient World in Your Homeschool Kitchen What if dinner could transport your family 4,000 years back in time? As you journey through Foundations Cycle 1 with your Classical Conversations community, you’re exploring the ancient world from Mesopotamia’s fertile river valleys to the engineering marvels of Rome, from...

As your student approaches graduation from Foundations, the question grows louder: What comes next? For many families, the answer is the Challenge program, Classical Conversations’ rich and ambitious classical homeschool experience for students ages twelve and up. But new questions follow. Is the Challenge program hard? Will my student...

Classical Conversations Parent Practicum is a free, one-day homeschool teacher training event where parents practice the classical arts of learning, connect with community, and renew their vision for guiding their children’s education. On average, a homeschooling parent spends 180 days per year investing in their child’s education. That’s over...

Few cities rival New York’s extraordinary educational opportunities. New York City homeschool field trips transform learning into unforgettable adventures with world-renowned museums, historic landmarks, iconic architecture, and cultural treasures. For families pursuing classical education, these NYC educational activities provide hands-on experiences that bring history, art, science, and culture to...

The Core Habit of Expressing is using the body and senses to share knowledge—demonstrating through reciting, drawing, dancing, building, or performing what children have learned about persons, places, things, and ideas. Young children are like bottles of soda that have been shaken. All that wonder and knowledge they’ve absorbed...

Part of every Community Day in Classical Conversations consists of hands-on science experiments and demonstrations in the Foundations programs. Find out why these thirty minutes of homeschool co-op make lasting memories for students and parents alike. On the morning of community day, right after the buzz of greeting friends...

What curriculum can I use to help my child learn how to become a fluent reader? Many homeschool parents find themselves searching for phonics resources that not only teach letter-sound relationships but also provide meaningful practice opportunities. The challenge lies in finding materials that bridge the gap between learning...

Educational Meal Planning Meets Patriotic Homeschool Recipes What if you could taste history? As you walk through Cycle 3 with your Classical Conversations community, you’re exploring the fascinating story of America from colonial settlements to westward expansion, from the founding fathers to modern innovations. Your students are memorizing state...

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...

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...

Meet Nathan Williams. He serves as one of three pastors at Northshore Church of Christ in Mandeville, Louisiana—and he’s a long-time homeschool dad! Here’s this homeschool dad’s perspective on how homeschooling with Classical Conversations has helped his family navigate classical, Christian education. A Homeschool Dad’s Perspective on CC: A...

Moms and dads are different, and not just in terms of biology. As we ponder the dad’s role in the home school, keep the three “I’s” in mind: influence, impact, and involvement. Dads can exert a positive influence over the home school, impact their kids’ character, and find ways...

“There is the great lesson of “Beauty and the Beast”; that a thing must be loved before it is lovable.”  “Men did not love Rome because she was great. She was great because they had loved her.” G.K. Chesterton Orthodoxy I used to believe that homeschooling was not for everybody. I...

Classical education fine arts doesn’t require you to be an accomplished artist or musician. In Classical Conversations Foundations program, hands-on fine arts introduces your children to beauty, creativity, and wonder through a structured approach that equips even the most non-artistic parents to teach art appreciation and music with confidence....

Part of every Community Day in Classical Conversations consists of hands-on science experiments and demonstrations in the Foundations programs. Find out why these thirty minutes of homeschool co-op make lasting memories for students and parents alike. On the morning of community day, right after the buzz of greeting friends...

What curriculum can I use to help my child learn how to become a fluent reader? Many homeschool parents find themselves searching for phonics resources that not only teach letter-sound relationships but also provide meaningful practice opportunities. The challenge lies in finding materials that bridge the gap between learning...

As the director of student financial aid at Union University — and as someone who talks with families from a variety of backgrounds every semester — I see a lot of anxiety and uncertainty when it comes to paying for college, especially private Christian higher education. For Classical Conversations...

The one-room schoolhouse is an excellent model for homeschool learning because it provides a multi-age, multi-level learning environment that encourages God’s design for community and sanctification. As a homeschool parent, you’re often searching for a simpler, more connected way to learn. Many families discover that homeschooling, while deeply rewarding,...

Why Choose Christian Higher Education? Whether your student is in Challenge A (seventh grade) or entering their senior year of high school in Challenge IV, now is the perfect time to begin thinking seriously about life after graduation. The question of “What’s next?” can feel daunting, especially with more...

This Christmas message is for every homeschool parent who wonders if your faithful, daily work truly matters—and to remind us all why we’ve chosen this path of classical Christian education. As parents teaching our children at home, we’ve embraced something countercultural: we believe the world’s pursuit of power and...

Each week in Foundations, after singing songs and reciting memory work, students take a turn at something many adults still fear: standing in front of others to speak. Presentations may seem like a small part of the morning, perhaps even just a few minutes of show-and-tell, but they are...

If you’re a parent looking for ways to move beyond rote memorization and spark real curiosity, introducing art integration into your studies will make an impact. Many homeschool families are looking for creative, lasting ways to help their students love learning—not just study facts for a test. As a...

How does phonics instruction fit within classical education? For homeschool parents seeking a phonics curriculum that complements the classical method of learning, understanding this connection is essential. Classical education honors how God designed children to learn through the Five Core Habits of grammar. When phonics instruction integrates these classical...

As you settle into college, many of the skills you develop will come as you learn by doing. However, you can take a few practical “common sense” steps right now to prepare for college and build your confidence before you arrive on campus. College Communication Skills: Stay on Top...

Finding the right college isn’t easy. After all, who really likes thinking about transcripts, test scores, entrance essays, and application deadlines? While these are undoubtedly important, they are only one part of the process. For Christian families, college preparation is about more than academic attainments. It also includes spiritual...

At Classical Conversations, we are always working to refine our language and intent with our words. We have updated this blog article to reflect these refinements so you can be equipped to homeschool your family with confidence.   What are the fifteen classical tools of learning? If you’re not...

Seattle homeschool field trips offer extraordinary learning adventures, featuring the natural beauty and educational richness of the Pacific Northwest. From world-class science museums and maritime heritage to stunning natural landscapes and innovative technology, Seattle brings history, science, and culture to life against the backdrop of the Puget Sound’s magnificence....

New Year, Fresh Start: Your Classical Homeschool Guide for January 2026 Looking for a classical homeschool new year guide? The new year brings a fresh rhythm to your homeschool, and January is the perfect time to recalibrate for the semester ahead. Whether you’re navigating toddler chaos while teaching grammar...

Taste the Ancient World in Your Homeschool Kitchen What if dinner could transport your family 4,000 years back in time? As you journey through Foundations Cycle 1 with your Classical Conversations community, you’re exploring the ancient world from Mesopotamia’s fertile river valleys to the engineering marvels of Rome, from...

As your student approaches graduation from Foundations, the question grows louder: What comes next? For many families, the answer is the Challenge program, Classical Conversations’ rich and ambitious classical homeschool experience for students ages twelve and up. But new questions follow. Is the Challenge program hard? Will my student...

Educational Meal Planning Meets Patriotic Homeschool Recipes What if you could taste history? As you walk through Cycle 3 with your Classical Conversations community, you’re exploring the fascinating story of America from colonial settlements to westward expansion, from the founding fathers to modern innovations. Your students are memorizing state...

As the director of student financial aid at Union University — and as someone who talks with families from a variety of backgrounds every semester — I see a lot of anxiety and uncertainty when it comes to paying for college, especially private Christian higher education. For Classical Conversations...

Imagining the perfect homeschool gift ideas can be both exciting and rewarding. It’s about finding something that brings joy while reflecting the values that matter most. Our holiday gift guide for homeschoolers offers practical, fun, and educational suggestions to find the ideal gift for everyone in the family. With...

Why Choose Christian Higher Education? Whether your student is in Challenge A (seventh grade) or entering their senior year of high school in Challenge IV, now is the perfect time to begin thinking seriously about life after graduation. The question of “What’s next?” can feel daunting, especially with more...

Few cities offer the diversity of learning experiences found in Los Angeles, California. From world-renowned museums and encounters with marine life to historic landmarks and outdoor adventures, Los Angeles homeschool field trips transform ordinary days into extraordinary educational journeys. For families pursuing a classical education, these educational field trips...

Every November, we pause to count our blessings and cultivate grateful hearts. This month’s hub gathers resources to help families practice gratitude as a foundational virtue in classical, Christian education. A Season of Thanksgiving “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and...

If you’re a parent looking for ways to move beyond rote memorization and spark real curiosity, introducing art integration into your studies will make an impact. Many homeschool families are looking for creative, lasting ways to help their students love learning—not just study facts for a test. As a...

November arrives with crisp air, golden leaves, and an invitation to slow down and give thanks. But what if gratitude became more than a single day’s focus? What if, throughout this month, your family cultivated hearts that notice beauty, name blessings, and worship the Giver of all good gifts?...

Few places in the world offer as many opportunities for learning as the nation’s capital. From world-class museums and monuments to living history and outdoor exploration, DC homeschool field trips bring history, science, and art to life in ways no textbook can replicate. For homeschool families pursuing classical education,...

Taste the Ancient World in Your Homeschool Kitchen What if dinner could transport your family 4,000 years back in time? As you journey through Foundations Cycle 1 with your Classical Conversations community, you’re exploring the ancient world from Mesopotamia’s fertile river valleys to the engineering marvels of Rome, from...

Part of every Community Day in Classical Conversations consists of hands-on science experiments and demonstrations in the Foundations programs. Find out why these thirty minutes of homeschool co-op make lasting memories for students and parents alike. On the morning of community day, right after the buzz of greeting friends...

Educational Meal Planning Meets Patriotic Homeschool Recipes What if you could taste history? As you walk through Cycle 3 with your Classical Conversations community, you’re exploring the fascinating story of America from colonial settlements to westward expansion, from the founding fathers to modern innovations. Your students are memorizing state...

Each week in Foundations, after singing songs and reciting memory work, students take a turn at something many adults still fear: standing in front of others to speak. Presentations may seem like a small part of the morning, perhaps even just a few minutes of show-and-tell, but they are...

Can you become a Classical Conversations Director, even if you’ve never taught beyond your own children? The answer is yes—and the benefits reach far beyond what you might imagine. When you become a CC Director, you step into a role that catalyzes your personal spiritual growth, transforms your family’s...

A small Classical Conversations community offers priceless benefits your family simply can’t find in larger programs: deeper relationships, more individualized attention from Tutors, and leadership opportunities that help every child flourish. I know what you’re thinking—won’t my children miss out with fewer students in their classes? Won’t they need...

Classical Conversations communities offer a place for families with special needs through genuine belonging and a homeschool community that sees every child as fearfully and wonderfully made. Many families navigating learning differences, autism, ADHD, sensory processing challenges, or physical disabilities feel uncertain about the search for communities that genuinely...

Are you new to Classical Conversations and wondering what to expect during the first week of Foundations? I’m Courtney Bradshaw, and I remember those early homeschooling days—so many choices, so many questions. My family began our CC journey nearly twelve years ago when our oldest was in second grade;...

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...

Can you become a Classical Conversations Director, even if you’ve never taught beyond your own children? The answer is yes—and the benefits reach far beyond what you might imagine. When you become a CC Director, you step into a role that catalyzes your personal spiritual growth, transforms your family’s...

A small Classical Conversations community offers priceless benefits your family simply can’t find in larger programs: deeper relationships, more individualized attention from Tutors, and leadership opportunities that help every child flourish. I know what you’re thinking—won’t my children miss out with fewer students in their classes? Won’t they need...

What is Memory Master? Who should participate? What are some fun and diverse ideas for practicing? Read this post for answers to all of these questions - and more!

An Excellence in Education event allows the community to share the blessings of classical, Christian education with legislators, civic leaders, clergy, grandparents, and neighbors. To say Classical Conversations students accomplish a lot over the course of their education is an understatement. From memorizing the Timeline Song in the Foundations program to participating...

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...