
Classical Dialogues
By Dr David Stanton
The podcast is hosted by Dr. David Stanton, headmaster at Oakdale Academy, and features guests from the faculty and staff as well as leaders in the classical Christian education movement.

Classical DialoguesDec 01, 2023

Adam Roate from CLT and a Faculty Spotlight
Join us on this episode as we are joined in a delightful conversation with Adam Roate from the Classical Learning Test (CLT) about his journey in classical education and his work partnering with private classical Christian schools such as Oakdale Academy.
In our Faculty Spotlight, we hear the passion and drive of Mrs. Jill Fox.

Academics and Virtue in the Rhetoric School
A great conversation with Mrs. Rosemind Taber, the head of Rhetoric School at Oakdale Academy on the importance of this last phase of K-12 education. Our far reaching conversation talks about virtue, formation of a flourishing human, and so much more.
At the end of that interview, we move to our Faculty Spotlight, featuring our new Logic School Literature Teacher, Mr. Dan Reynolds.

Soren Schwab from the Classic Learning Test and a Beautiful Moment from our House System
Join us on this episode as we talk to Soren Schwab, who is a vice president at the Classic Learning Test on all things CLT and the great impact of classical learning.
We also share a spotlight on a beautiful moment from our House program surrounding a mentoring time with our Grammar School students.

Dr. Dan Coupland interview and a Class Spotlight at Oakdale
Join us on this episode for a far reaching dialogue with Dr. Dan Coupland, who serves as a Professor and Dean of the Graduate School of Classical Education at Hillsdale College. We talk about a children's literature recommendation, the importance of ensuring we in the classical movement are not the next popular thing, and how the work of Hillsdale College is continuing to help shape this movement.
We also spend time discussing some updates on classes here at Oakdale, including sharing about "The Great Gatsby" and Cicero's "The Republic" - two major works read by some of our Rhetoric School Students.

Davies Owens from BaseCamp Live and Faculty Spotlight (Steve Benninger)
A great conversation with Dr. Davies Owens, who has worked as a head of a classical Christian school, and with major national organizations in the classical Christian world.
It is a joy to have Davies join us and discuss culture for students, parents, schools, the the "best last hope" that is our movement.
Also, our Faculty Spotlight highlighting the work of those who serve at Oakdale Academy features our Algebra 2 teacher and Wrestling coach, Mr. Steve Benninger.

Wisdom and Virtue with Eric Cook
Enjoy this dialogue with Eric Cook, President of the Society for Classical Learning (SCL) as we discuss his background in education, the classical Christian movement, and the work of the SCL in furthering the understanding of the classical education world.

Interview with Dr. David Diener
Join us on this episode for a great dialogue with Dr. David Diener, Assistant Professor of Education at Hillsdale College.
Dr. Diener discusses his own journey and experiences in the world of classical education along with his work with Hillsdale College, the Society of Classical Learning, and many others during his career.
He also gives some great insights on what questions parents should ask about the goal of their child's education.

A Grammar School Overview
Join us and hear about virtue, wonder, and the importance of our grammar school with Mrs. Bredow, who leads our teachers and students in this foundational time.

Athletics with Character
Listen to this episode with Coach Lou DiAntonio to explore the role of athletics in the classical Christian movement.

Academics and Virtue
Listen to this episode with Miss Katherine Sinkovitz discuss academics and virtue cultivation at Oakdale Academy.

Classical Dialogues
Listen to this episode to understand why we rebranded our podcast to Classical Dialogues. Some great guests upcoming, so stay tuned!

Baccalaureate Chapel - May 2023
Listen to the encouragement on this final lesson for our senior class of 2023 in their daily spiritual walk with Jesus.

The Case for Classical Christian Education
Listen to the Case for Classical Christian Education from our Liberty Dinner in March 2023.

Primer on Classical Christian Education
Listen for a short primer on Classical Christian Education (CCE) - what is it? What does it look like at a school? Why should you choose it?

In Hoc Anno Domini 2023
As we approach the end of one year and transition to another, what are the things that should/must remain the same? What things do we celebrate in 2022 and look forward to in 2023. Listen as we explore In Hoc Anno Domini (In this, the year of our Lord) 2023.

Veterans Day

Michigan's Proposal 3
Listen to our newest podcast on an important issue here in Michigan.

Schooling is not Education (Mortimer J. Adler)
Mortimer Adler, an American philosopher, wrote an article entitled "Schooling is not Education"; in it, we learn about his views on education and when it begins.
Listen to this episode to hear how a classical Christian education fits in to that paradigm and how we can - and should - pick up one of the great books and start learning!

What do people give to when they donate to Oakdale Academy?
How and why do we raise funds for Oakdale Academy? Listen to this podcast to hear what we mentioned at Walk-a-thon 2022 about the importance of Oakdale Academy and classical Christian education.

Values or Virtues?
What is the difference between values and virtues?
Why is that important? Listen for some more answers about this key ingredient in classical Christian education.

Partnering with Parents
Partnership - what does it mean and what does it look like in school?
Listen to find out how that works at a Classical Christian school.

Thoughts on a liberal arts education
What do we mean by a liberal arts education? Isn't that just "liberal"/progressive? Listen to learn more in-depth what it really means and why it is so important.

Mission
Why is a mission so important for a classical Christian school - or really any school? What is unique about our mission here at Oakdale Academy?
Listen to our podcast to find out more.

John Milton on education
A quick glance at some items from John Milton, a prolific English author and poet who wrote a great deal about education, notably his work "On Education" from 1644. What is, for Milton, the chief aim of education? Listen to find out more.

Convocation 2022
Before the start of each school year, we gather as a community to pray for and dedicate our school and school year to the Lord. This year, at Convocation, we reaffirmed standing for Truth as we seek to pass on our culture and heritage through the cultivation of virtue.

Classical Christian Education - philosophy and practicality
What does a classical Christian education really look like? What philosophy is it rooted in? What does a school day or course of study look like?

What to look for in a school system?
Take a few minutes to learn about what things are important and what things should you consider in choosing a school or school system/setting for your children.
We will look at foundations and core beliefs and how they translate to outcomes on this episode.

Commencement 2022
Our send off to the seniors and graduates of the Class of 2022.

Zeitgeist
What is zeitgeist and what is the response of a Classical Christian school?

Exciting news 2

Liberty Dinner - "State of the School"

Exciting things

St. Valentine's Day
Happy Valentine's Day. Listen to this short podcast (with thanks to the American Minute) on some of the history of the man named Valentine.
Eternal impact
Snapshot of Classical and Christian education
Listen for a snapshot of Classical Christian Education and more details on our Open House this Sunday from 2-5 p.m.
There will be a presentation at 3:00 that day for more on Classical Christian Education. Click on www.oakdaleacademy.com to RSVP and learn more!

Why Latin?
Why Latin? Click to learn a few reasons as to why the study of Latin is a great opportunity for all students.

New Year's Resolutions
What should a new year's resolution look like? Click to learn more from the wisdom of "Pilgrim's Progress".

Christmas

What is the goal of a Classical Christian education (CCE)?
What is the goal of a Classical Christian education? Is it an Ivy League university? Job training? What? Listen to find out more.

Tuition, Safety, and Soccer
What is the link between these three? Listen and find out!
One thing that makes us unique is we are ensuring tuition remains affordable for our families as we believe Classical Christian education is the best method for preparing students with a biblical worldview.

Good Soil
What is taught at a Classical Christian School? What is the difference? Listen to learn about the Good Soil project from the Association of Classical Christian Schools (ACCS) and how it relates to the foundational importance of education.
https://www.classicaldifference.com/welcome-to-good-soil/

How to choose a school

How to process tragedy
Some thoughts on how to process last week's tragedy in Oxford, MI.

Primer on CCE (and Open House info)
Listen to this episode for a brief primer on Classical Christian Education (CCE) and how to register for our Open House on January 23, 2022 at Oakdale Academy!

Thanksgiving Day
A few thoughts on Thanksgiving.
From Wm Bradford to George Washington and Sarah Hale to Abraham Lincoln, the importance of paying homage to God and thanking Him for His blessings needs to be reborn in America.

Veterans Day
Listen to our tribute to our nation's Veterans as we celebrated on November 11.

Celebrating at our fall fundraiser
With an incredibly successful fall fundraiser, enjoy a "replay" of our celebration and thankfulness for the Mission God gives us to carry out each day at Oakdale Academy.

No Reason to Fear the Things of the World
A chapel message from late September 2021 focused on Joshua 1:9.

Classical Christian Education Primer
A short primer on Classical Christian education.
