What Good Exams?
What Good Exams? by President Dr. Andrew Seeley Over the past few years, I have grown more concerned about the negative effects of written exams on our students. In spite of our efforts to promote “learning for its own sake”, and even success in generating engaging discussions from time to time, most of our students…
Take the Sun Away – Maybe They’ll Notice!
Take the Sun Away – Maybe They’ll Notice! Last year, immediately after the solar eclipse, I received this email from a headmaster in Vermont. I was stunned by the impact of the experience on his virtual-life-only students: I just got back from a school trip. I took my whole middle school to the Canadian border…
An Armory of Stories
An Armory of Stories by Grace Steele Whether we are prepared for it or not, life is filled with passion, tragedy, joy, and every shade between. But what does it mean to be prepared for the wild drama of living? I teach literature to elementary and junior high students, and I feel as though, in…
2024 President’s Report
2024 President’s Report by President Dr. Andrew Seeley 2024 was a challenging year, particularly with the sudden move of the Augustine Institute to its new campus in St. Louis. Below, I highlight our achievements and areas of focus for 2025. I do so in the light of a clearer understanding of who we are and…
A Fellow’s Work in Brazil
A Fellow’s Work in Brazil I was gratified and encouraged to receive the email below from Fellow Lucas Fonseca Dos Santos, a resident of Sao Paolo in Brazil. Lucas is one of many Brazilians who are hungry to learn everything they can about liberal education, so that they can revive education in their own country….
Why Do We Have to Read This?
Why Do We Have to Read This? by Susan Orr Traffas From the October 2024 newsletter of Mary Seat of Wisdom Academy (MSW) in Wichita. Dear Friends of Mary Seat of Wisdom Academy, We have been busier than ever at Mary Seat of Wisdom. September was an amazing month filled with grace; so too, October….
A Day at Immaculata Academy
A Day at Immaculata Academy by Dr. Andrew Seeley, President When I was asked to give a talk at Immaculata Classical Academy in Louisville, I decided to arrive the evening before so that I could spend the day visiting the school. I always like to know my audience, but even more I love visiting schools…
A Fellow’s Project: Legenda Classical Resources
by Michelle Ferguson, Boethius Fellow When I applied to the Boethius Institute Fellows Formation program, I knew it would be a challenging but fruitful opportunity. I had been involved in the classical education movement for over twenty years but was aware of many gaps and deficiencies in my own education, so I was excited to deepen…
How to Teach The Lord of the Rings to Young Children
by Mary Shaye Brost While The Lord of the Rings tells of an ancient, fantastical tale, its significance and relatability is not lost on even the smallest of children. When Frodo is beginning to doubt his role in the saving of Middle Earth, Galadriel reminds him that, “even the smallest person can change the course…
Attending the 2024 CiRCE Institute FORMA Symposium
by Dr. Matthew Walz, Senior Fellow “Logocentrism”: the CiRCE Institute proposed this as the theme of its first-ever FORMA Symposium, which took place January 25-27 at Belmont Abbey College. Given how successful it was, I imagine there will be future FORMA Symposia to which we can look forward. I was blessed to represent the Boethius…