The modern K-12 school system is dysfunctional and students are suffering in it. Yet, the costs keep rising. Parents see their children struggling and contact a tutor, only to find that most tutors are part of the system rather than a solution to it. Most treat some of the symptoms, but neglect the causes of the problems. After spending lots of money on tutoring, parents will find their children in trouble again. Students commonly have problems that come from a number of sources. We need to address the immediate problems (low grades, confusion, frustration, etc.), but we also need to … Continue

These are dark times for children. Stories about schools have more to do with shooters and sex changes than with reading, writing and arithmetic–not to mention religion. Our children don’t need these problems. They need parents and educators to provide them with a happy childhood–and a great education. We are Christian parents. We understand the challenges. We respect the authority of parents in education. We get it. When you arrange tutoring with us, we’ll talk frankly about your goals and make sure that your children are doing what you want them to do–just as we would desire a hired tutor … Continue

This evening, my wife and I just finished praying a rosary. She asked me if I would talk about a subject that came up in one of her theology classes that she’s currently taking at Catholic University. She was actually reading something from St. Augustine, assigned to her, discussing weariness in the work of teaching, when teachers or catechists become weary, when they just get tired. And the work of teaching really becomes difficult. She asked me if I would talk about it because it’s obvious that that’s one area I don’t think I’ve struggled with. I see other teachers, … Continue

In a recent talk, I discussed how teachers and parents can avoid becoming weary in their work. In that talk, I explained that those involved in teaching and parenting must understand what the proper goal of that work is–and what the goal is not. The duties of Catholic parenting can be summed up as a duty to initiate children into the Catholic life. The word “initiate” is important because it signifies an introduction, not an end. We cannot “raise saints” as some foolishly say in homeschool circles. Any attempt to do such will lead to a perversion of the Catholic … Continue

In a recent talk by William Michael of the Classical Liberal Arts Academy, he discussed the key to successful homeschooling. He emphasized that success can vary depending on each family’s circumstances and goals. For some, academic achievement may not be the priority, and that’s okay. Michael stressed the importance of using the resources and opportunities given by God wisely, as outlined in the parable of the talents. He also mentioned that while it’s natural for Christian parents to be optimistic about their children’s potential, it’s essential to temper this with humility. Not all families have the same resources or opportunities, … Continue

If you are considering transferring from another school or homeschool program into the Classical Liberal Arts Academy, you should plan for a year of transition. It is not reasonable to expect to transfer into the CLAA and hit the ground running in our grade-level study plans. Most importantly, parents need to learn that changing programs needs to stop because it has a negative effect on student progress. If you share the goals and principles we pursue in the CLAA, commit and stay. it’s the only

Dear friends, Today, I am pleased to add two albums of Dominican hymns and chants to the Classical Catholic Radio playlist: The first album, “Gaudeamus“, which is Latin for “Let us Rejoice” was produced in 2015, and contains the following 24 songs: The second album, “Ave Maria” was produced in 2014 and includes 30 songs: All of these beautiful hymns and chants are now included in the daily playlist on Classical Catholic Radio. To listen, visit: https://classicalliberalarts.com/radio. God bless,William C. MichaelClassical Liberal Arts Academy

You will never guess the course of studies which existed at the beginning of the English university system in the medieval world. I am studying a course at the University of Oxford entitled The Architecture of the English Medieval Cathedral. One of the assigned texts is The History of England’s Cathedrals by Nicholas Orme. For those interested in church architecture and the history of English Catholic worship in general, it is a helpful read, even as it is told from a secular perspective. One significant theme is the role played by Cathedrals (which were not so called until the modern … Continue