Hear a portion of the riveting story of Luminitza Nichols - Veritas mom, pastor, and author of the book From Pain to Purpose: A Young Woman's Journey From a Communist Prison to an American Pulpit. She talks with Ty Fischer about her experience as a child and young adult in Romania during the Revolution, including her harrowing arrest just before the communist regime fell. Lumi shares not only her story, but also her heart for the Lord and how He sustained her through his word and the Church. Luminitza’s testimony encourages us in America today to also stand firm in our faith and hide God’s word in our hearts.  Order Luminitza’s book on Amazon here As mentioned at the end of this episode, we at Veritas would like to gift a copy of Luminitza’s book to the first five people who email us requesting a copy. Please email Veritas Director of Communications Kylee Bowman at kbowman@veritasacademy.com to request your copy (first five, first come, first served!).

Our previous episode focused on helping families and students prepare for college - financially, academically, mentally, and more. And while a large majority of Veritas students do go on to get a college degree right after graduation, there are some who opt to go straight into the workforce - and they find that they thrive! This week, meet Veritas alumni Caleb Ploutz (class of '17) and Clay Martin ('18). These gentlemen opted not to go the college route but rather begin pursuing a career right out of high school, and they share not only how this decision has blessed them, but also how specifically the type of classical education they received at Veritas helped to set them up to succeed in the workforce. With all the talk of Great Books, philosophy, advanced math, and liberal arts that one may encounter in classical Christian education circles, it may be easy to think that these schools are nothing more than college prep academies, preparing kids to excel in higher learning. And while it is true that the culture and coursework at classical Christian schools like Veritas uniquely equip students to do well in college, the truth is that our goal is to educate the WHOLE person not just for college, but for life. To help them to grow in leadership and wisdom, as loving, serving, thinking people. Caleb and Clay's story illuminates just how that has played out in real life with two people who still see the benefits of their Veritas education in their lives and jobs today.

It's a daunting prospect for many families of high schoolers: the college search process. Is college the right choice for your child? What type of college will suit them best? How should they go about choosing a major? What if they don't know what career field they want to pursue? How big of a deal are standardized tests? And, of course, how will your family afford the college of your choice? So many questions and big life decisions surround this process, and our School Counselor and College Counselor Rachel Kiehl has some simple, practical, and hopefully even soothing advice for parents who are starting to think about those next steps beyond high school. Rachel talks with our Head of School Ty Fischer about common pitfalls she has seen parents and students encounter in the college and career search, answers common questions, and provides advice on how and when they can start shoring up resources for this investment. Even if you have younger children, this episode will be insightful and give you food for thought, with plans you can put into action now to save you later stress. For families with high schoolers, you will surely find this episode useful on many fronts to help you navigate the college and career search process with your child.

At Veritas Academy, we read books. We use chalkboards. We sit around tables with students and have in-depth discussions. We get our Grammar School students to retain information by moving and shouting to chants and songs. We write essays - with pencils and paper. And we require all high school students' phones to remain in their lockers for the duration of the school day. Veritas - like most classical Christian schools around the country - is decidedly a "low-tech" kind of school. Are we doing our children a disservice by sending them into a high-tech world woefully unprepared to use the latest technology? In this podcast, Head of School Ty Fischer begs this question to our guests - Graham Dennis, Veritas Dean of Students, and John Hayward, Veritas alumni, former Upper School Dean at Covenant Christian Academy in Harrisburg, and senior pastor at Trinity Presbyterian Church. Their discussion leads to the resounding conclusion that, no, we most certainly are not impeding our children's ability to thrive in our modern world by limiting their use of technology. In fact, the opposite holds true: we are uniquely preparing them to flourish in their careers, communities, and families by cultivating virtues and skills that many of their peers may sorely be missing. Listen in to get some thoughtful perspectives, and be inspired on the benefits of a low-tech education! Resources mentioned in this podcast: Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt Competing Spectacles: Treasuring Christ in the Media Age by Tony Reinke

We're excited to launch Season Three of the Cultivate Podcast with this conversation with bestselling author and president of the Association of Classical Christian Schools (ACCS) David Goodwin, who co-authored the 2022 book Battle for the American Mind: Uprooting a Century of Miseducation. This episode features enlightening insight into how modern public education as we know it has been driven by the progressive movement for centuries, how the concept of Paideia has been used to form the souls of American children, and how classical Christian schools are responding and preparing a generation to be free thinkers and citizens who represent Christ's kingdom. Opening our season with a "Battle" topic is fitting, as you will find the theme of courage running as a thread through many of our episodes this school year. Keep listening this season for conversations that challenge us to consider how we will prepare our children and their generation to be courageous in their faith and in speaking and seeking truth, beauty, and goodness.

We're on the cusp of a new school year at Veritas Academy, and "back to school" season is an appropriate time to consider what is really the point of school? Why do we and our children invest so many thousands of hours (and even dollars) into an education? Is it just so our kids can get a good job someday? To give them something to fill their hours as they grow? To make friends and learn how to function in society? Friends, a true education is about so much more than this. And we guarantee you, no matter where your child is going to school, their education is about more than just filling their minds with knowledge or preparing them for a job someday. It is, in no small part, helping to form their very souls. Take some time with us as we listen to a conversation with Veritas Head of School Ty Fischer and Dean of Students Graham Dennis as they unpack what their vision - consistent with a classical Christian vision - of what the purpose of school is in our children's lives.

This episode originally aired in October 2022 as part of our first season of Cultivate. With summer winding down, many of us parents may have a heightened awareness of way our days with our children are spent, as we seek to make the most of this time we have. This conversation may help you think differently - and even Biblically - about how to infuse your family's days with real meaning. (Original description) Time is a precious commodity in our families' lives today. Amid the rushing and the fullness of our schedules, it's so important that we consider how we can fill our days with meaningful activity - not just meaningless, utilitarian activity. In this episode Graham Dennis and Ty Fischer discuss how you can (and why you should) find ways to imbue your days with truth, beauty, and goodness, leading to a richer and even more enjoyable life in Christ.

This episode originally aired in July 2022 as part of Cultivate Season 1. We're looking forward to sharing this eye-opening, important conversation with you again this summer, to encourage strong, Godly influence and relationships with your older children. We invite author, pastor, and speaker Dr. Tedd Tripp to talk with our host Ty Fischer about how Christian parents can relate with their older children and teens. Ted's well-known book, Shepherding a Child's Heart, is often remembered for its call on parents to establish Godly, firm but loving authority with their young children, but the second part of the book covers how that relationship changes as our children mature. Ted encourages parents with older children on how to relate with their teenage kids in a way that invites influence over their lives, rather than heavy handed authority, and offers hope for those who worry they've blown it already (hint: it's not too late). Books referenced: Shepherding a Child's Heart by Dr. Ted Tripp It's Not Too Late: Restoring Broken Relationships with Teenage and Adult Children by Margy Tripp Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations by Alex & Brett Harris

This episode originally aired in June 2022 as part of Season 1 of Cultivate. For those who are new to the Cultivate podcast, or if you missed this episode, we're excited to share it again! Backyard barbecues, picnics, family reunions, impromptu gatherings - these are staple part of many of our summers. In classical Christian education, we value incorporating communal meals (we like to call them feasts!) into our school days, and there are many good reasons why your family can and should find ways to integrate regular feasting and fellowship with your friends, relatives, neighbors, church family, etc. This episode will inspire you to open your doors and tables more often, and even alleviate your frets on whether you have enough time or resources to make more gatherings happen. Katharine Savage of Philadelphia Classical Schools talks with Ty about how regular gatherings have shaped her life, family, church, and school, and give tips on why and you can make it happen in your family, too!  Keeping this rhythm can help your family grow not only relationally with one another and with those around you, but also in Christ.

This episode is a special treat for anyone who either loves classical Christian education, or is fascinated by its rise in popularity, or even someone who is just learning about this unique and wonderful movement in Christian education. Take a journey back to the very beginning of this era of classical Christian education as we know it - 40 years ago in Moscow, Idaho - with a man who has been instrumental in its founding and growing. Tom Garfield was the first headmaster of the Logos School, which itself was the first American classical Christian school and which started the avalanche of this movement spreading around the nation. A founding board member of the Association for Classical and Christian Schools, and current Dean of Academics at Veritas Press Scholars Academy, his stories and insights will give you a new appreciation for God's hand at work in classical Christian education over the years.

Looking for some summer reading inspiration for yourself or your children? Two particular 20th century authors are most beloved around the Veritas (and, Christian in general) community: C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkein. This episode gives a new perspective on why these authors and their works are so enduring, influential, and simply wonderful. Listen in on a fun and insightful discussion with Mr. Paul Miller, a local pastor who also teaches 7th, 8th, and 11th grade Omnibus (humanities and Great Books) here at Veritas. Paul's love for Lewis and Tolkein is infectious as he teaches their works in 7th and 8th grade Secondary Omnibus, and this conversation will either ignite an excitement for these authors and thinkers in yourself, or rekindle your interest and inspire you to journey back to Narnia and Middle Earth or pore over Mere Christianity and Miracles. If you've ever wondered why we bring up these two Brits so often in our classes and discussions - or if you're already an ardent fan of their works - we're pretty sure you'll have great fun listening to Paul talk with our Head of School Ty Fischer about Lewis, Tolkein, and why they belong not only in a school's curriculum, but also on your family's bookshelf.

Are you weary of the way that politics has seemed to seep into every corner of our lives, including in the education of even our youngest children? Ty Fischer and Veritas Dean of Students and humanities teacher Graham Dennis talk about the valuing a “pre-political” education, and what that looks like as we seek to cultivate a generation who can discuss an array of difficult topics with confidence, respect, and clarity. The discussion dives all the way back to the Ancient origins of the word politics and meanders into the modern era, helping us to discern how we can raise today's youth to be free thinking citizens who can rise above the mud slinging of today's political ideas. Books referenced in this episode include: Dorothy Sayers - The Mind of the Maker Plato - The Republic The Writings of Justin Martyr Russel Kirk - Edmund Burke: A Genius Reconsidered Josef Pieper - Leisure: The Basis of Culture

It's graduation season, a time rife with not only excitement and anticipation, but also apprehension about next steps - for young adults stepping out into college or careers, and for their parents who look ahead to an uncertain future. 2008 Veritas Academy graduate John Hayward joins Ty Fischer this week to share his story and insight that will help assuage our stress over whether we (or our children) are truly following God's calling on our lives. Come along on his journey from being a classical Christian school teacher and administrator, to seminary, and finally to recently taking the call to ministry, and gain biblical encouragement on what our calling actually is through this conversation. John took on the role of Senior Pastor at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg in 2022. Prior to that, he was the Upper School Dean at Covenant Christian Academy (also in Harrisburg), and also formerly served as a teacher at Veritas Academy after college. His godly perspective gives a glimpse of another facet of the lifelong fruit of classical Christian education, and wisdom for us all as we seek to make God-honoring decisions with our life's work.

She's a gifted artist and musician who is pursuing a medical degree, wrote her senior thesis on a controversial gene editing technology, loves history, and talked effortlessly about Dostoevsky on national television last year. Veritas 2022 graduate Sarah Jacob is our guest this week, and while her resume snapshot above may seem astonishing, she is one incredible example of how a classical Christian education forms well-rounded, well-equipped students. Her conversation with Mr. Fischer will give you a first-hand glimpse at the merit of a robust liberal arts education that gives students not only an impressive array of skills to serve them for a lifetime, but a vibrant appreciation for a range of subjects that help them be better citizens and disciples of God's kingdom. If you're considering what type of school you want for your child, or you're a current Veritas parent who'd like to see what the "endgame" might be for your child's education, or you're an educator considering the goal of your school, you will enjoy hearing from this delightful Veritas alum. An 18-year-old who is just as comfortable conversing about great literature and world history as she is about bioethics? That's part of what makes classical Christian school graduates so uniquely prepared not just for a career, but for life.

Our guest this episode is Dr. Robert P. "Robby" George, renowned public intellectual, legal and constitutional scholar, and McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence at Princeton University, where he also founded and serves as the Director of the James Madison Program for American Ideals and Institutions. Dr. George was the commencement speaker at Veritas Academy's 2022 graduation ceremony, where he addressed the audience with a talk on Faith, Truth, and Courage. As a prominent scholar and professor whose deeply-held, faith-rooted views often run contrary to many of his peers and contemporaries in higher education, Dr. George has plenty of experience in practicing what he calls his students to do - that is, be determined truth seekers and bold truth speakers. Don't miss this chance to hear a conversation from this well-known, well-spoken thought leader, as he talks with Veritas Head of School Ty Fischer about what is needed in our society and in the coming generations if we want to see "this great experiment in morally ordered liberty and constitutional government long endure."

When did a dichotomy become assumed between academic excellence and Christian devotion? Over time, a mindset has developed that seems to tell us that these two traits can't coexist; that striving for one will compromise the other in our lives. The Veritas Dean of Math and Science, Rhonda Forbes, talks with our host Ty Fischer about why she sees these two worthwhile objectives - academic excellence and Christian devotion - in our lives as being complimentary to one another and even, in fact, informing each other. Parents should not feel like they have to choose between the two, or that by striving to cultivate one in their child's heart they will rob the other from flourishing. On the contrary, Rhonda will pull back the curtain to show you how, as a Christian, striving for academic excellence can and should deepen our wonder and love for God...and how a deep love for God can result in a desire for greater learning, knowledge of His ways and creation, and excellence in all we do. Rhonda Forbes, who was an engineer before embarking on her teaching career at Veritas years ago, teaches both upper school math and Great Books (Omnibus) courses deftly. She and her husband Scott have four grown children, all of whom graduated from Veritas Academy.

Middle schoolers love to argue. We might as well be faithful to equip them to do it well. In this episode, Veritas Logic teacher Nathaniel Stamper (who also teaches Omnibus, Apologetics, and Junior Thesis) talks with Ty Fischer about why 7th and 8th graders are ready for the challenge and joy of learning logic, how we teach them to apply logic at Veritas, and why this type of education is so important for youth in today's culture. Maybe you find yourself exasperated with the rampant disinformation presented in the civic realm today. Or, perhaps you're frustrated with seemingly endless debates with your headstrong kids. Or, you wonder whether your children will be swayed like the grass by every argument - sound or not - that presents to them as they grow and go out into the world. This podcast will help you realize the tools needed to equip youth to think critically and stand for truth.

Our host and head of school Ty Fischer sits down with longtime Veritas first and second grade teachers Sharon Strawbridge and Deb Chapin to talk about how they instill an excitement that blossoms into a lifelong love for reading into their students, and what factors are important in helping children love to read for the joy of it.

In the cycle of our core Omnibus curriculum at Veritas, middle and high schoolers get plenty of exposure to the original texts of the great ancient writer and thinks - Plato, Aristotle, Livy, Herodotus, Theucydides and more. In an age where ideas and fads come and go and things are considered outdated within less than a year's (or a month's!) span, how is it valuable for our youth to read, examine, and even enjoy the works of people who have been dead for thousands of years. It is valuable - immensely so, as a matter of fact. Our host Ty Fischer is joined by Veritas Omnibus teachers Graham Dennis (Dean of Students) and Bruce Etter (Dean of Humane Letters) to walk us through the specific and compelling reasons why this generation of youth benefit from reading "dead people." It may make you want to go pick up and peruse a copy of Plato's Republic or The Odyssey, too!

David Bahnsen - portfolio manager, author, television commentator, and host of the Dividend Cafe podcast - joins our host Ty Fischer to talk about how we can and should view economics in light of God's plan and glory, and why work is something we should lead our children toward embracing as they live their lives as image bearers of a creative, productive God. The son of the late theologian Greg Bahnsen, David approaches the topic of economics from a unique and biblical perspective that will help you understand today's issues with a new, godly mindset. Find more about David at the links below: Bahnsen.com The Dividend Cafe Podcast  The Bahnsen Group Investment Firm and Financial Planners There's No Free Lunch: 250 Economic Truths (David's most recent book)