A glimpse inside Hillsdale College's network of classical schools across the country.
Prior to working as a teacher at a Hillsdale College-affiliated BCSI school, I held several different jobs in traditional public education. Working with students from Pre-K through 12th grade, I served as an ESL paraprofessional, library aide, and preschool recess monitor, among other roles. I had the privilege to observe many experienced, compassionate educators and… Continue reading Prior to working as a teacher at a Hillsdale College K-12 school…
The circumstances we find ourselves in might not be so crazy after all. Parents, you've been teaching your children since they were born. You can do this.
Each year a member of the faculty who is particularly special to the senior class is invited to give an address at graduation and introduce the Salutatorian and Valedictorian. The Class of 2017's faculty speaker was Mr. Berndt, and this year Mr. Peterson was invited to speak to the Class of 2018.
Unintended Consequences: How Four Kids' Classical Education Affected Mom and Dad by Kyle Swartz, the parent of four students at Founders Classical Academy of Leander: Anna (Class of 2019), Emily ('20), Jonah ('23), and Michael ('26) We all want what’s best for our kids. What our kids to be happy in this life. We want them… Continue reading Unintended Consequences: How Four Kids’ Classical Education Affected Mom and Dad, by Mr. Swartz
The Seminar Discussion by Mr. Peterson, Literature and Philosophy Teacher This is an abridged version of a lecture given at Hillsdale College on June 29, 2017 as part of the Barney Charter School Initiative's summer teacher training. The original (available upon request) includes details about seminar setup procedures, grading, how the other components of a literature class… Continue reading Seminar Discussion in 9th-12th Grade, by Mr. Peterson
Since the first days of our school, the Barney Charter School Initiative has played an instrumental role in the formation of our students and teachers. An outreach program of Hillsdale College, the BCSI helps schools like ours educate young men and women for lives of citizenship and independence. Every summer our teachers attend training in… Continue reading Introduction to the Barney Charter School Initiative
At the end of our third year, Founders Classical Academy of Leander was honored with the Salvatori Prize for Excellence in Teaching. The award came with a $25,000 prize, and earlier this year some of those funds went toward the purchase of a telescope and an air track for the science department. Several weeks ago… Continue reading Testing our New Air Track in 11th Grade Physics
Over the summer our faculty read The Art of Teaching, by Gilbert Highet. Originally published in 1950, the book is full of valuable advice about how to prepare for classes and use assignments effectively, and a beautiful discussion of what it means to be a teacher. Highet says that parents are a child’s first and… Continue reading The Art of Teaching, by Gilbert Highet
Dear parents, As you know, this afternoon we have our first parent-teacher conferences of the year. We hold these conferences twice each year, at the conclusion of the first and third quarters. I hope that you will take advantage of the opportunity to come to campus and speak to your child’s teachers face to face,… Continue reading Parent-Teacher Conferences
The Classical Classroom 