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In modern Catholic schools, the problem is not that the curriculum aims too high or tries to cover too much. The problem is that the curriculum itself is too small. The modern structure restricts the scope of education to a narrow set of utilitarian ends, and then fills the school day and year with unnecessary activities to bide time. These activities do not move the needle of intellectual achievement or moral formation. The fix is not to add new programs or fashionable methods. The fix is to make the boxes bigger—to restore the broader and deeper classical Catholic curriculum. Once … Continue

Transcript I’d like to share a message with anyone working in private school administration—especially Catholic school administration—who is looking at the state of affairs in Catholic private schooling, examining their own school, and realizing that there are problems that need to be fixed. If you’re interested in discussing what the solution to those problems might be, this is for you. The problem is, if we’re honest—and it’s difficult to have an honest discussion in these circles, because there’s usually so much pressure on administrators or school boards to just keep things going, just keep things floating as it were, treading … Continue

Today is September 26, 2025. This is William Michael. I’m the headmaster of the Classical Liberal Arts Academy. I received an email this evening that expresses a concern that I am pretty confident is shared by most adults living in America, especially Catholic adults, who, through their spiritual and intellectual interests, come to value communication skills and realize that they don’t have very good communication skills because they didn’t receive a very good education. I’m thankful that I was a very poor student when I was in my school years from K to 12, and I really never paid attention … Continue

Today is September 26, 2024, and this is William Michael of the Classical Liberal Arts Academy. Day to day, throughout the week, I spend a lot of time speaking with homeschool parents through consultations and things like that, and almost every conversation that I have with homeschooling parents begins with questions that reveal a lack of understanding in the work of education. For example, parents will ask, what courses should my children take in the academy? Parents will ask, what sort of pace should we expect in the courses that our children are studying? All sorts of questions like these—questions … Continue

Many parents today feel a quiet worry that their children are falling behind in school. You see other kids moving ahead, hear teachers talk about “grade levels” and “curriculum standards” and wonder if your son or daughter is where they should be. That worry can grow heavy, and it often leaves parents feeling helpless. But you don’t need to stay stuck there. The Classical Liberal Arts Academy offers a gentle, practical way for families to get back on track, and even move ahead with confidence. One of the most comforting things about the CLAA is that we are open all … Continue

Summary William Michael, headmaster of the Classical Liberal Arts Academy, addresses the common parental concern about the pace at which homeschool students should progress. He explains that the question stems from a modern school mindset, where artificial deadlines and schedules create unnecessary pressure. Homeschooling, however, offers freedom from such constraints, allowing families to work 365 days a year without rigid calendars, tailoring education to individual children’s needs and paces. Unlike modern schools, which group students by age and prioritize grades over mastery, homeschooling focuses on true understanding for life, not just school requirements. Mr. Michael advises parents to create a … Continue