A glimpse inside Hillsdale College's network of classical schools across the country.
Kindergarten is so funny, especially in October. The other day I walked out to recess with my camera, something which happens once in a while and which is always exciting to the students because they know that the pictures sometimes make it into the yearbook. Students in the grammar school who have been with us… Continue reading Some Unplanned Kindergarten Portraits at Recess
Under the guidance of Mrs. Panzica and Ms. Hamm, our theater department is really taking off this year. The fall play, Shakespeare's The Tempest, is one of my favorites, and I stopped by rehearsals after school today to take a look at the opening scene in its very early stages. It's a really impressive scene--a shipwreck… Continue reading Rehearsals for Shakespeare’s The Tempest
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.
Valedictory Address by Alexandria Clark, Class of 2018 The following address was delivered at Founders Classical Academy's Second Annual Commencement on May 25, 2018. Welcome all to the graduation ceremony of the class of 2018. I am privileged to be speaking before you today as Valedictorian to honor these fine graduates before we set off… Continue reading Alexandria’s Valedictory Address at Commencement 2018
Salutatory Address by Jessie Loehr, Class of 2018 The following address was delivered at Founders Classical Academy's Second Annual Commencement on May 25, 2018. "Tell me muse of the man of many ways..." These are the first shared words to breach the minds of 45 incoming freshman, who by chance, or coercion, or happy intention,… Continue reading Jessie’s Salutatory Address at Commencement 2018
"Appreciate literary irony, but do not attempt to live ironically. Remain—or become—susceptible to wonder and awe, not for sentimental and anti-intellectual reasons but for reasons quite the reverse. Wonder is to be cultivated because it is the necessary antecedent to all genuine intellectual growth, and essential for an adult life lived intelligently, comprehensively." - Dr. Whalen at Second Annual Commencement Ceremony
The last few weeks have been amazing, and I'll have a lot to share about our end of the year awards ceremony, field day, the Archer Games, and, of course, graduation. For now, though, I'll leave you with a video of our 5th graders. A couple of days ago we were in the middle of… Continue reading 5th Graders Recite Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address from Memory
Every year in the spring, Grammar and Upper School students put on a talent show, and it's always one of the best school events we do. This year, the show was organized by the House of Herodotus, and it was beautifully done: Guests arrived and were seated in the gym. Those in the VIP section… Continue reading Students Shine in Annual Talent Show
One of the best parts of working at a new school is starting traditions that can carry us well into the future. One of my favorite new Founders traditions is the senior sidewalk. The walkway that goes along the side of Sherwood Forest has enough space for all of our current students to write their… Continue reading The Senior Sidewalk
Clubs and activities are an important part of a student's experience at Founders Classical Academy. On top of chess club, soccer club, French club, and many others, we've offered a few unusual clubs in past years: lawn games club, for example, or ukulele club. This year we introduced a knitting club for grammar schoolers, and… Continue reading Knitting Club
The Classical Classroom 