Growing Classically is a show largely directed toward the community at Oak Grove Classical Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico. However, it is also for anyone interested in thinking through the beauty and uniqueness of a Christian, Classical, University-Modelâ„¢ education. Join us as we embark on a quest to nurture intellects, character, a love for lifelong learning, and a deeper love for Christ in our students and ourselves.
Without courage, our lives fall apart. Our society, our world falls apart. Selfishness and all the wickedness in the world that flows from it, is impossible to overcome without courage.In this fourth episode of the five-part series, Ryan Gilmore and Jonathan Winn explore courage as one of Oak Grove Classical Academy's four core virtues. They discuss why courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to face fear and difficulty with a clear vision of what is true and good, and why courage is essential for growth, learning, and pursuing truth. The episode also considers how parents and educators can cultivate courage by modeling it, pointing students toward Scripture and stories of courageous people, and helping them learn to do what is right even when it is difficult.https://www.oakgroveclassical.com/https://www.instagram.com/oakgroveclassicalacademy/https://www.facebook.com/OakGroveClassical/https://naumsinc.org/ https://classicalchristian.org/
Diligence matters because it is the virtue of esteeming, loving, and being zealous for what matters and what lasts in this world. That which is true, good, beautiful, and ultimately, brings God glory.In this third episode of the five-part series, Ryan Gilmore and Jonathan Winn explore diligence as one of Oak Grove Classical Academy's four core virtues. They discuss how true diligence differs from both laziness and workaholism, why it requires a proper perspective on work and its purpose, and how parents and educators can cultivate it through modeling, Scripture, stories, and opportunities to do difficult things. The episode ultimately considers how diligence helps students faithfully steward their time, talents, and opportunities while pursuing what is true, good, beautiful, and lasting.https://www.oakgroveclassical.com/https://www.instagram.com/oakgroveclassicalacademy/https://www.facebook.com/OakGroveClassical/https://naumsinc.org/ https://classicalchristian.org/
Humility matters because it is the critical foundation for love, and love is the most fundamental need for humanity. when we stop loving, our souls start dying. humility is the foundation of love, and that's why we need it most.In this second episode of the five-part series, Ryan Gilmore and Jonathan Winn explore humility as one of Oak Grove Classical Academy's four core virtues. They discuss why humility is foundational to wisdom, love, and healthy relationships, and what true humility looks like in contrast to pride or self-abasement. Ryan and Jonathan also consider how the gospel shapes our understanding of humility and how parents and educators can cultivate it by pursuing and modeling humility in their own lives.https://www.oakgroveclassical.com/https://www.instagram.com/oakgroveclassicalacademy/https://www.facebook.com/OakGroveClassical/https://naumsinc.org/ https://classicalchristian.org/
Forming Who Students Are Becoming.Why does virtue matter in education? In the first episode of this five-part series, Ryan Gilmore introduces Oak Grove Classical Academy's four core virtues: humility, diligence, courage, and integrity. This episode explores why education is about more than preparing students for success. It is also about helping form the kind of people they become. Ryan considers the role of parents and educators in cultivating character and why Christian formation is ultimately more than behavior modification. It is about God, by His grace, shaping us into people who love what is good, pursue wisdom, and faithfully serve Him and others.https://www.oakgroveclassical.com/https://www.instagram.com/oakgroveclassicalacademy/https://www.facebook.com/OakGroveClassical/https://naumsinc.org/ https://classicalchristian.org/
The completion, test, and confirmation of teaching must be made by reviews. In the final episode of our Seven Laws of Teaching series, Ryan Gilmore is joined by Oak Grove teacher Michelle Stevens to explore John Milton Gregory's Law of Review and Application. Together, they discuss why learning is not complete until students actively use, articulate, and revisit what they have been taught. This conversation highlights the power of consistent review, Socratic dialogue, and joyful accountability, reminding educators that knowledge must move beyond exposure into ownership. The episode closes the series with a clear invitation: finish the work of teaching by helping students live what they learn. Free PDF of The Seven Laws of Teaching by John Milton Gregory through Veritas Press! https://www.oakgroveclassical.com/ https://www.instagram.com/oakgroveclassicalacademy/ https://www.facebook.com/OakGroveClassical/ https://naumsinc.org/ https://classicalchristian.org/
Learners must actively reproduce in their own minds the truth they are acquiring.In this seventh episode of our Seven Laws of Teaching series, Ryan Gilmore is joined by Logic School Humane Letters Chair Cara Pilgreen to explore John Milton Gregory's Law of the Learning Process. Together, they examine how true learning moves beyond memorization into understanding, expression, proof, and application, requiring active ownership from the student. This conversation encourages teachers and parent co-teachers alike to slow down, invite curiosity, and cultivate learners who investigate truth deeply, connect ideas meaningfully, and carry their learning into life with wisdom and faith.Free PDF of The Seven Laws of Teaching by John Milton Gregory through Veritas Press! https://www.oakgroveclassical.com/https://www.instagram.com/oakgroveclassicalacademy/https://www.facebook.com/OakGroveClassical/https://naumsinc.org/ https://classicalchristian.org/
Excite and direct the self-activities of the learner, and tell him nothing that he can learn himselfIn this sixth episode of our series on John Milton Gregory's Seven Laws of Teaching, Ryan Gilmore is joined by science department chair Caleb Garrett to explore the Law of the Teaching Process. Together they examine the difference between delivering information and cultivating real thinking, emphasizing that true learning requires active mental engagement, not passive reception. The conversation addresses practical strategies such as Socratic questioning, error analysis, scaffolding, and celebrating small wins, while also reframing struggle and even failure as essential parts of growth. This episode challenges teachers and parent co-teachers alike to design lessons that awaken curiosity, foster independence, and form students who can think deeply and responsibly for themselves.Free PDF of The Seven Laws of Teaching by John Milton Gregory through Veritas Press! https://www.oakgroveclassical.com/https://www.instagram.com/oakgroveclassicalacademy/https://www.facebook.com/OakGroveClassical/https://naumsinc.org/ https://classicalchristian.org/
In this fifth episode of our series on John Milton Gregory's Seven Laws of Teaching, Ryan Gilmore is joined by longtime first grade teacher and lower grammar department chair Don Montgomery to explore the Law of the Lesson. Together they reflect on why effective teaching must begin with what students already know and intentionally guide them toward what they do not yet understand. The conversation highlights the importance of review, encouragement, and pacing, especially in classrooms and home settings where teachers feel pressure to move quickly. This episode offers practical wisdom for teachers and parent co-teachers who want learning to be clear, confidence-building, and truly formative rather than rushed or fragmented.
The language used in teaching must be common to the teacher and the learner.In this fourth episode of our series on John Milton Gregory's Seven Laws of Teaching, Ryan Gilmore is joined by beloved grammar school teacher and department head Brooke Peyton to explore the Law of the Language. Together they reflect on why shared meaning, clear definitions, and patient communication are essential to real learning and true formation. Drawing from classroom experience and homeschooling contexts, the conversation highlights how misunderstanding often hides beneath apparent attention and why teachers must intentionally “catch” confusion before it takes root. This episode invites teachers and parent co-teachers alike to see language not just as a tool for instruction, but as a vital means of shaping understanding, community, and wisdom.Free PDF of The Seven Laws of Teaching by John Milton Gregory through Veritas Press! https://www.oakgroveclassical.com/https://www.instagram.com/oakgroveclassicalacademy/https://www.facebook.com/OakGroveClassical/https://naumsinc.org/ https://classicalchristian.org/
"The learner must attend with interest to the fact or truth to be learned."In this third episode of our series on John Milton Gregory's Seven Laws of Teaching, Ryan Gilmore is joined by experienced grammar school teacher, Kay Nunn, to explore the Law of the Learner. Together they reflect on why attention and interest are essential to real learning and how teachers can spark curiosity rather than demand compliance. Through practical classroom examples and years of experience, the conversation highlights teaching as an act of formation that honors the dignity of the student. This episode invites teachers and parents to rethink engagement, not as classroom management, but as a pathway to wisdom.Free PDF of The Seven Laws of Teaching by John Milton Gregory through Veritas Press! https://www.oakgroveclassical.com/https://www.instagram.com/oakgroveclassicalacademy/https://www.facebook.com/OakGroveClassical/https://naumsinc.org/ https://classicalchristian.org/
"A teacher must be one who knows the lesson or truth to be taught." In this episode, Ryan Gilmore is joined by Dr. Nathan Sherman to explore John Milton Gregory's first law, the Law of the Teacher. Through stories from the classroom and years of teaching experience, they reflect on why true teaching is about formation, not just information transfer, and why preparation, humility, and curiosity matter deeply. The conversation highlights how students learn not only from what teachers say, but from who teachers are and what they love. This episode invites educators and parents alike to consider how their habits, loves, and example shape the students entrusted to them.Stay curious! Free PDF of The Seven Laws of Teaching by John Milton Gregory through Veritas Press! https://www.oakgroveclassical.com/https://www.instagram.com/oakgroveclassicalacademy/https://www.facebook.com/OakGroveClassical/https://naumsinc.org/ https://classicalchristian.org/
In this opening episode of our eight-part series, we introduce John Milton Gregory and his Seven Laws of Teaching and explore why they continue to matter for Christian classical educators. Gregory reminds us that teaching works best when it aligns with the way students actually learn rather than personal preference, and that this kind of teaching leads to deep and lasting formation. We also consider why his framework fits naturally within a University-Model® School, uniting classroom teachers and parent co-teachers around shared principles of learning. In the episodes ahead, seasoned educators from our community bring each law to life with practical wisdom you can put into practice right away.Here's a link to a a PDF of The Seven Laws of Teaching by John Milton Gregory through Veritas Press! https://www.oakgroveclassical.com/https://www.instagram.com/oakgroveclassicalacademy/https://www.facebook.com/OakGroveClassical/https://naumsinc.org/
On this edition of the show we discuss why a Christian school would choose to incorporate secular and pagan literature into their curriculum, and the benefits it provides for our students (and parents too!).
What is the chief end of man? Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever. - New City Catechism Question #1https://newcitycatechism.com/https://www.oakgroveclassical.com/https://www.instagram.com/oakgroveclassicalacademy/https://www.facebook.com/OakGroveClassical/https://circeinstitute.org/what-is-classical-education/https://naumsinc.org/
"I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." - Psalm 119:11https://www.oakgroveclassical.com/https://www.instagram.com/oakgroveclassicalacademy/https://www.facebook.com/OakGroveClassical/https://circeinstitute.org/what-is-classical-education/https://naumsinc.org/
After a short break on the production line, we're back with the second to last episode of the Season One! On this edition of the show, we invite Melissa Duerksen, our Head of Rhetoric School at Oak Grove Classical Academy, to join us to discuss some of the hallmarks of the rhetoric stage of learning. She helps us think about the rhetoric stage of learning, and how it differs from the grammar and logic stages.
“Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are.” - Credited to Jean Anthelme Brillat-SavarinChristian/Parenting:The Anxious Generation by Jonathan HaidtThe Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens by Paul David TrippGeorge Muller: Man of Faith and Miracles by Basil MillerClassical Education: The Core: Teaching Your Child the Foundations of Classical Education by Leigh A BortinsThe Liberal Arts Tradition: A Philosophy of Christian Classical Education by Kevin Clark and Ravi JainHome Education (The Home Education Series) by Charlotte MasonRead Alouds:The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (sequel The War I Finally Won)Beverly Cleary Collections (Specifically Audio):Henry HugginsRamona QuimbyRalph S. Mouse Audio Collection Adult:Once Upon A Wardrobe by Patti CallahanThe Four Winds by Kristin HannahLittle Men by Lousia May Alcotthttps://www.oakgroveclassical.com/https://www.instagram.com/oakgroveclassicalacademy/https://www.facebook.com/OakGroveClassical/https://circeinstitute.org/what-is-classical-education/https://naumsinc.org/
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“Spoon-feeding, in the long run, teaches us nothing but the shape of the spoon.” - English author, E.M. Fosterhttps://www.oakgroveclassical.com/https://www.instagram.com/oakgroveclassicalacademy/https://www.facebook.com/OakGroveClassical/https://circeinstitute.org/what-is-classical-education/https://naumsinc.org/
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"The minute you get away from fundamentals--whether it's proper technique, work ethic, or mental preparation--the bottom can fall out of your game, your schoolwork, your job, whatever you're doing." - NBA legend, Michael Jordan.https://www.oakgroveclassical.com/https://www.instagram.com/oakgroveclassicalacademy/https://www.facebook.com/OakGroveClassical/https://circeinstitute.org/what-is-classical-education/https://naumsinc.org/
"We become what we behold." While not a direct quote, we'll credit English poet William Blake ;)https://www.oakgroveclassical.com/https://www.instagram.com/oakgroveclassicalacademy/https://www.facebook.com/OakGroveClassical/https://circeinstitute.org/what-is-classical-education/https://naumsinc.org/
Character: the aggregate of features and traits that form the individual nature of some person or thing - Random House Unabridged Dictionaryhttps://www.oakgroveclassical.com/https://www.instagram.com/oakgroveclassicalacademy/https://www.facebook.com/OakGroveClassical/https://circeinstitute.org/what-is-classical-education/https://naumsinc.org/
'Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a more clever devil.' - Unknown (but often falsely attributed to C.S. Lewis)https://www.oakgroveclassical.com/https://www.instagram.com/oakgroveclassicalacademy/https://www.facebook.com/OakGroveClassical/https://circeinstitute.org/what-is-classical-education/https://naumsinc.org/
"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the Sun has risen not only because I see it but because by it I see everything else.” – C.S. Lewis from Is Theology Poetry?“Classical education is the cultivation of wisdom and virtue by nourishing the soul on truth, goodness and beauty so that, in Christ, a student is better able to know, glorify and enjoy God.” – Andrew Kern"The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet." – Aristotlehttps://www.oakgroveclassical.com/https://www.instagram.com/oakgroveclassicalacademy/https://www.facebook.com/OakGroveClassical/https://circeinstitute.org/what-is-classical-education/https://naumsinc.org/
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