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An Illustration from the Hortus Deliciarum of Herrad of Hohenburg The Manuscript and Its Author The image before us comes from the Hortus Deliciarum, the “Garden of Delights,” an illustrated encyclopedia compiled between about 1167 and 1185 by Herrad of Landsberg, abbess of the canonesses of Hohenburg Abbey in Alsace, on the mountain now known as Mont Sainte-Odile. Herrad assembled the work for the instruction of the women under her care. It was, in her own description, a gathering of the nectar drawn from many flowers of Holy Scripture and of philosophical writing, and it ran to some three hundred … Continue

Comparison Is the Thief of Joy I have been working in education full time for twenty-six years now. In the Classical Liberal Arts Academy my wife provides daily support for homeschooling families and spends a great deal of time on the telephone with homeschooling mothers. Through the years we have worked with hundreds, if not thousands, of Catholic families trying to give their children a great education. We have seen some fine examples and real successes. We have also seen failures and tragedies, far more numerous. My wife often has conversations that begin as simple academic consultations and develop into … Continue

This morning I was reading an opinion article in the Harvard Crimson proposing a policy for the use of artificial intelligence in school districts. The writer warned that the technology is developing very quickly, and that if we do not get out in front of it and limit it, it is going to get out of control—and all the intellectual benefits of modern schooling will be lost on children who grow up using these tools. As I read the article, I began to think as a teacher. What is the worst-case scenario here? Why are schools so worried about the … Continue

This morning I was talking with my wife, and I said, “We need to do a podcast on the importance of text-based study.” We had been discussing it for a little while when an email came in from a prospective parent asking whether the Classical Liberal Arts Academy offers live classes or an online school. It was providential that the message arrived just as I had the subject on my mind, and as I prepared to answer her I decided to take some time and publish a talk on this general topic: the mode of instruction, and how we actually … Continue

The role of artificial intelligence in education is a controversial subject today. Unfortunately, much of what is said in Christian circles is ignorant and irresponsible. Many have already decided that A.I. bad before they’ve even learned what it is or how it works. This negative opposition culture needs to be avoided or Christian children will be set at great disadvantages to their peers. This has been the norm for several generations. As a positive alternative, I would like to recommend an excellent set of videos by Dr. Jeff Crume, who is a professor at the state university here in North … Continue

Dear friends, All parents are invited to join Mrs. Michael and I for weekly parent meetings beginning on September 2, 2026. Weekly meetings will be held each Wednesday at 9:00pm EST on Zoom. We will begin at the scheduled time and continue until discussions come to an end. This year, meetings will be recorded and the audio content published for listening. Nevertheless, we ask parents to join us with questions and topics for live discussion.  This is a great source of support for the Academy community and allows us to work together effectively. Parents are free to participate as they … Continue

William C. Michael discusses the evolution of homeschooling from the late 90s to the early 2000s, highlighting the shift from traditional school-based education to home-based learning facilitated by technological advancements. He criticizes the homeschool culture for its rejection of modern technology and its focus on outdated methods. Michael advocates for a classical liberal arts education integrated into family life, emphasizing the importance of authentic Catholic community and personal study. He argues that true Catholic education should be grounded in the local parish and family culture, rather than adopting the artificial homeschool culture.

This week I received an email from a prospective father with some questions about the quadrivium and how music is to be studied. I would like to take the question up here, because it requires some explaining and clarification, and I do not think I would do it justice in an email reply. I also think it is a question other parents are quietly asking. Let me give the question first, as it was written, and then take it apart and answer it as clearly and thoroughly as I can. “Music at first seems like an art that is best … Continue

In the Classical Liberal Arts Academy, we need to understand real classical Catholic culture (Aristotle, Aquinas) and distinguish it from ancient pagan culture and modern culture. The fake classical education movement doesn’t understand this distinction and is restoring a culture that is neither truly classical nor Catholic. This video by Dr. Adam Walker (Harvard) helps to identify the sources of the Renaissance, which led from classical Catholic culture to modern secular culture. WCM