Cultivate: A Veritas Academy Podcast

"If you let me get through this war, I am going to find you when I'm grown up. And I am going to love you, and I am going to tell everybody about how terrific you are. You just wait."

Those are the words of a 10-year-old Eleanor, huddled in a basement during one of the many bomb raids she survived in Nazi Germany, to her "invisible, wonderful friend" - before she knew his true name and nature as her God and Savior.

Now at 91, Eleanor Isaacson's life has truly been a testament to how "terrific" God is. She made good on her promise, and has blessed many people and groups around the world with her testimony, which she has shared with Veritas students who study WWII on multiple occasions.

This is our season finale episode, and you don't want to miss the chance to hear Eleanor's incredible, at times heartrending, but ultimately inspiring story of faith, resilience, forgiveness, and hope.

Summer's right around the corner, so for those of you who are already compiling your summer reading list for those beach or mountain vacations, we've got some great recommendations for you!

In case you haven't noticed, we read a lot here at Veritas. And we don't read just any old drivel. Our students and teachers dive headfirst into the Great Books of the Western world.

So, this group of seniors has an eclectic, thought-provoking (maybe even life-changing? Is that too much?) list of favorite books, presented in a fun discussion around the table with our host and Head of School Mr. Fischer. Listen in for some titles that will challenge and inspire you - mostly from our collection of Omnibus books these students have read in their Veritas 7th-12th grade journey.

The Great Books curriculum is part of what makes a classical Christian education so special. By developing a student's taste and appreciation for deeper words and works - and by training the muscles of their minds to read and interpret difficult texts - we're in a way preparing them for a richer, fuller life - just the type of abundant life that Christ has called them to.

Why read a bunch of facts about something in a textbook when you can get a first-hand account of what happened from someone who was there in the room where it happened?

That's pretty much the concept of using the Great Books as the textbooks of choice in classical Christian education.

At Veritas, a distinctive feature of secondary education is the Omnibus program, a comprehensive curriculum that combines literature, history, theology, civics, and philosophy. And, for the most part, students don't use textbooks for these classes. Rather, their textbooks are the "original sources;" that is, influential works written by authors and leaders of the time period.

Our teachers and students have experienced first hand why this is the best way to appreciate and understand history...and why that appreciation and understanding is so crucial to a person's formation of faith and ideas.

In this entertaining and eye-opening episode, three of our Omnibus teachers - Graham Dennis, Starling Reid, and Darin Beachy - talk with Mr. Fischer about their experience teaching history through the lens of the Great Books, how they inspire teenagers to wrestle with these difficult texts, and why the study of history alongside theology and philosophy is so vital to their development as citizens of our culture and disciples of Christ.

What does that look like at Veritas?

Well, instead of reading about the Peloponnesian War of the 4th century B.C., students read Thucydides' actual account and Aristophanes' plays. Rather than learn facts about Church history, they read Eusebius, Athanasius, and Dante's Divine Comedy. To grasp our country's founding principles, they read Locke, Rousseau, and Hobbes. Great works of 19th century literature is enjoyed and discussed in conjunction with understanding modern movements.

Think teenagers couldn't possibly be ready to digest this type of weighty material? Think again. A classical Christian education calls them to higher things, and year after year, our students rise to the occasion and thrive because of it! Find out how in this episode.

Is virtue something that is innate? Or can it be learned, practiced, and grown in our lives? It's an important question, especially for students and young adults who are discovering God's calling and purpose for their lives.

Last year, we were privileged to host Dr. Grant Horner, Director of the Classical Liberal Arts Program at The Master's University, to speak with our 11th and 12th grade students on the topic of virtue: what is it, why we should aim for it, and what a virtuous life looks like for a disciple of Christ. And, he does it with plenty of humor as well as soul searching scriptural truths.

Parents - you will not only be inspired and exhorted yourselves to "live a life worthy of the calling you have received" - but for those of you who have students at a classical Christian school, you will also be grateful that this is what your students' teachers are guiding them towards.

Listen to it all at once, or take some time to come back to this longer episode if you have to; it's a worthwhile listen all the way to the end, including some very thought-provoking questions from our students.

If you've never been part of a church that uses catechisms regularly in their worship liturgy, you might not be familiar with this historical tradition and biblical teaching tool. You may even have a foggy view of catechisms as a dry and monotone concept. This podcast will help bring the notion of catechisms to life for your family, and help you see how you can use this valuable tool - which has been around for centuries (millenia, even) in the church - to pass down your faith to your children.

Veritas teachers employ catechisms in lower Grammar school, during devotions, handwriting and grammar practice, and more. They have seen how it helps to implant the foundational truths of God's word deep in kids' hearts and minds (and parents of Veritas students can probably attest to this fact, too!).

In this episode, Veritas Head of School Ty Fischer talks with two local pastors - Rev. Christopher Seifferlein of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church and Rev. Kasey Horvath of All Saints Church - about catechisms, including:

• What the purpose of catechisms has historically been in the church
• How catechisms help parents, pastors, and all believers grow and stay firm in faith
• How they have used catechisms to help pass on the faith to their children
• And more!

We hope you enjoy this insightful and encouraging episode and take away some ideas and inspiration for ensuring that these foundational truths are "written on the hearts" of your family, too.

Dr. Ben Merkle, President of New Saint Andrews College in Moscow, ID, spoke with Veritas juniors and seniors last year about the value of a college education...or, perhaps more accurately, the (often) lack of real value in today's typical college education.

His talk will give parents and students a new perspective on college, helping you rethink your reasons for investing in higher education and pulling back the curtain on what truly makes for a worthwhile college investment (according to employers).

It's one of the most essential, basic skills imparted in education - that is, the skill of reading. And when that skill is unlocked in a child, their world opens up, and their education expands with greater joy and success.

Kindergarten is where that happens for most kids, and while it is such a basic and crucial part of education, different methods for teaching kids to read have been championed over the years, often with mixed results.

The one method that has been tried and true for centuries – and, as you will learn in this podcast is scientifically proven to be effective for learning our language – is phonics.

In this episode, you'll hear from one of our kindergarten teachers, Mrs. Laurie Conrad, who has not only taught kindergarten for decades, but also earned her master's in education degree in reading and holds a PA Reading Specialist certificate.

If you have young children in preschool, kindergarten, or early elementary school, Mrs. Conrad's stories from the classroom and experience of how phonics works so well in growing kids' ability and confidence in reading will be enlightening and inspiring!

In our last episode on Logic, you may remember our guests defining Logic as "the art and science of reasoning well." In this episode, we're continuing that trend and talking about, well, art and science!

At Veritas, one of our science teachers has a unique background and set of skills that, at first glance, may seem like it doesn't all match up. Amanda Crooks teaches biology, anatomy and physiology, and earth science...and also served as an art teacher for many years.

Science and art - two disciplines that aren't too often discussed together - merge beautifully in Amanda's classrooms. In this episode, Mr. Fischer talks with her about how her perspective on both of these fields helps her students see God's glory and enjoy learning in a whole new way.

Hear about:

• The shared elements of beauty, observation, and creativity in both fields art and science.
• Unique classroom activities that naturally bridge artistic flair and scientific discovery together.
• The joys of integrating faith with art and science education, encouraging curiosity and critical thinking among students while grounding them in Biblical truth.
• The importance of preparing students for the world beyond school by instilling virtue and fostering a holistic appreciation of God's creation through.

Middle schoolers can be argumentative. And it can drive parents crazy. But they are blossoming into young adults who will need to communicate and sometimes argue ideas in the real world soon enough. How do we equip them with the tools to not only think through their own beliefs, but to critically process new ideas, and sift through arguments to find and promote TRUTH above all?

Enter the LOGIC phase of classical Christian education - the middle segment of our three-pronged Trivium. Right in the center of their education, students train their minds to know how to spot and construct sound, valid arguments and reason well, so that they can apply the facts they've learned and live as someone who listens and speaks well.

In this episode, we'll hear from our two Logic teachers at Veritas Academy - Stephen Darrenkamp (who also teaches Latin) and Adam Timmins (who also teaches Omnibus and Apologetics).

You'll listen in on a discussion covering:

• The role of logic in a student's education
• The integration with faith and reason
• How logic prepares students for rhetoric and effective communication
• Practical advice for parents of argumentative middle schoolers
• The broader implications of logic on students’ understanding of faith, culture, and morality.

One thing that many alumni and students will say upon reflecting on the merits of their Veritas education is: "I learned how to carry on a good conversation."

The art of conversing seems to be dwindling in our culture. Being able to relate to others well in a variety of situations - and engage thoughtfully on a breadth of topics - is a skill that is deeply appreciated by others, and beneficial for ourselves, too.

Especially now during the holidays – when we find ourselves in an array of social settings with family, friends, and even strangers – being equipped with the mindset and skills for good conversation will make Christmas gatherings all the more pleasant for everyone.

Our host, Head of School Ty Fischer, is joined in this episode by Veritas alumni Jesse Brooks and Dean of Students and Omnibus/Rhetoric teacher Graham Dennis to talk about what makes for a good conversation, and how we can help cultivate in ourselves and our children the desire and skill to carry on good conversation.

After all, that's a big part of what we're doing at Veritas – fostering students who can listen well and speak thoughtfully on topics that truly matter, and who excel at relating with one another in Christ because they've been trained regularly in talking around the table.

As the holidays approach, it feels like the perfect moment to reflect on feasting. Many of our families will soon gather around tables filled with long-cherished traditions—rituals that bind us together in joy and gratitude.

In Classical Christian education, tradition isn’t just appreciated; it’s essential. Feasting is woven into the fabric of our school culture, shaping why families love Veritas and why students feel so deeply connected here.

In this lively conversation, Veritas teachers Rhonda Forbes and Caleb Ploutz, Director of Events Rona' Martin, and our Head of School Ty Fischer explore the heart behind our many feasts: what they look like, why we host them, and how beauty, celebration, and intentional effort mark a child’s education in profound ways. They unpack how these joyful, carefully crafted events help form students’ souls in virtue, truth, beauty, and goodness. Enjoy!

Does it give you pause when you see a photo, video, or story and you wonder "Is this real, or was it created by AI?"

Does it even matter anymore whether the art and information we're interacting with was created by human or machine?

And, how is classical Christian education - so deeply focused on cultivating well-read, well-written, and well-spoken students - still relevant in a world that is increasingly obsessed with the efficiency that artificial intelligence tools promise?

Our host, Veritas Head of School Ty Fischer is joined in this by two guests who are employed in various STEM fields and are in the thick of some of this AI usage - Jack DeWeese, a software developer and Veritas alumnus Zach Spykstra, a mechantronics engineer.

They will dive into:

• How most AI programs actually work (they're not actually intelligent).
• Thoughts on how (or even if) parents and Christians can use these tools rightly and with discernment.
• What kind of education will serve the next generation growing up in an AI-fueled world...and how kids can set themselves apart by maintaining their God-given abilities to reason, think, and create freely.
• Warnings on the use of too much AI.
• Why (or whether) it matters if humans or a machine created content that we use.

Graham Dennis, Dean of Students, and Adam Timmons, Director of Houses and secondary teacher at Veritas Academy, talk with Ty Fischer about the significance of relationships among students, and what parents can do to help their child foster relationships that honor God and honor each other.

Summer's here (well, at least officially for Veritas families as school is out for the year!), and so it's the perfect opportunity to close out our Cultivate season with some summer reading recommendations courtesy of a few recent graduates from the Class of 2025.

Get to know some of our seniors - Meghan Spanjer, Annika Martin, and Daniel Huang - as they share some of their favorite books that they have read here at Veritas (as well as books they've read outside of school that have impacted them). You'll see a theme in the works they've chosen (hint: these may not necessarily be considered "light beach reading"), and likely be inspired to check out some of these influential works of literature which will challenge your viewpoints, provoke deep thought, and perhaps spur you to greater action to advance God's kingdom here on earth wherever you are called!

Liberal arts education - like what we ascribe to at Veritas - can get the (wrongly assumed) reputation of being irrelevant for modern STEM fields, thanks to what is perceived as a humanities-heavy curriculum. We cry foul on that argument - and our alumni prove it invalid as well!

Hear a conversation with two Veritas alumni who are both flourishing as engineers - Zach Spykstra (class of 2012) and Aaron Lielbriedis (class of 2020). They'll share their stories of how classical Christian education uniquely prepared them for success in their STEM fields. The conversation turns to:

• What they most appreciated - and what they would most like to change - about their Veritas education.
• How each of them maintained their faith as they navigated college and secular science fields.
• How a liberal arts education specifically equipped them for college and their careers, giving them advantages of traditionally-educated peers.
• Fun discussions on automotive and power generation technologies, and more!

Did you know that students at Veritas (and other classical Christian schools) begin learning Latin in second grade? And, they continue it as a required part of their curriculum through 7th grade? And furthermore, some elect to study Latin as their language of choice in 9th - 12th grade, too?

And we know many parents might be saying:

"Um...why? Isn't it a dead language? Why would you spend so much time and effort on something that isn't even spoken aloud anymore?"

So glad you asked, because that's what this episode is all about, and we're about to make you a bona fide (see what we did there?) Latin enthusiast!

Hear an interview with our Lower Grammar School Latin Teacher Miss Sarah Smith and our Upper School Latin Teacher Mr. Stephen Darrenkamp. They'll walk us through the myriad benefits that students reap from learning Latin at all phases, and give a you a glimpse into what studying Latin looks like at Veritas for our youngest students through our advanced high schoolers.

After all is said and done, you'll be so glad that your child is learning Latin...or, if you're not at Veritas currently, you just might consider this yet another excellent reason to enroll your child in a classical Christian school!

It may seem antiquated, and it's fallen out of fashion in most modern education circles, but memorization - once a staple of school - is very much alive (and awesome) here in the Veritas Academy Grammar School grades.

Why do we adhere to rote memorization as a primary learning tool for young kids? Two big reasons - because it works (really, really works), and because it's fun! And it may look quite differently from how you picture it.

In this episode, Veritas first grade teacher Mrs. Katie Thompson and third grade teacher Mrs. Judy Hermanovitch share their experience and stories that highlight how and why memorization is simply the best learning tool for younger children. You'll hear:

• Why (biologically) kids are truly designed as sponges.
• What memorization looks like during the school day at Veritas.
• How memorizing information, songs, and facts in grammar school is serving kids in their older years.

Their insights and stories may flip what you thought you knew about memorization in school on its head, replacing images of dry, monotone chants and information cramming with joyful, exuberant songs and a lifelong love of learning!

Teachers, school administrators, and parents alike can attest - this time of year can be pretty rough and active in terms of discipline needs for students. But we realize that discipline is a year-round endeavor, one that is both challenging and crucial in the spiritual development of our kids.

Veritas Head of School Ty Fischer, Principal Dr. Dan Spanjer, and Dean of Students Graham Dennis have been around the block and back a few times when it comes to dealing with discipline of kids from kindergarten through senior high - not just student discipline at school, mind you, but their own children as well. Their insights in this episode are encouraging to all Christian parents who are seeking to discipline not just their children's behavior, but really their hearts toward a more mature relationship with God.

In this episode, a follow up to our previous one, Ty, Graham, and Dan will bring their perspectives from their many years of serving in a disciplinary role at Veritas to discuss:

• How discipline - biblically speaking - is meant to be the way we are discipled to be more like Christ.

• Helping kids and parents alike deal with (and remove) the shame associated with discipline, and to see it as an opportunity for growth and training.
• How to handle common discipline struggles, including how to handle discipline when we're angry, and how to handle the inevitable "he said, she said" scenarios.
• How parents can best approach a situation when they find out their child has needed disciplinary action at school in a way that shepherds their kids' heart toward growth, love, and restoration.

• What does a visit to the Principal's office at Veritas look like for kids of all ages (and how might it differ from the dreaded Principal Office visits of pop culture or your own memory)?

The doldrums of Februrary are legendary for being something of a nightmare for teachers, school administrators, parents, and even kids. Cabin fever kicks in, and as the temperatures outside plummet, sometimes the tempers can rise. Many a school principal across the country can probably attest to the uptick in disciplinary issues that seems to present itself around this time of year.

So, it's an apropos time to talk about discipline, yes? As a classical Christian school, Veritas approaches discipline differently than your typical school. Recognizing the relationship between the words "discipline" and "discipleship," our teachers and administrators aim to use challenging behaviors and situations to help point children toward being more like Christ.

This episode is a conversation with our Pastoral Team - Principal Dan Spanjer, Dean of Students Graham Dennis, and School Counselor Rachel Kiehl - diving into the heart of discipline at Veritas and within the context of Christian parenting.

Learn how this team of school administrators applies Christ-centered discipline aimed at restoration, with a heart for the holistic development of students toward maturity in Christ. Hear a little about how you as a parent can help your child learn and grow from discipline issues that happen at school, what kinds of contemporary cultural views clash with biblical discipline, and how resilience and emotional intelligence factor into your child's ability to receive restorative discipline.

When you think of college entrance exams, the first one that almost certainly comes to mind is, of course, the SAT (with the ACT close behind), which has dominated the field for over a century. But there is a new test on the scene - The Classic Learning Test (CLT), honoring the enduring tradition of classical education. And, its catching on across the nation.

In this conversation with Jeremy Tate, founder and CEO of the CLT, you'll hear the enlightening story of how Jeremy was inspired to implement an alternative to College Board's SAT behemoth. Jeremy explains the influence of classical education on his development and the pivotal points that led him to create CLT, prompting students to engage with classic and traditional texts rather than modern, often ideologically driven materials.

Discover this new exam on the old ways – the CLT, which now serves around 250,000 students and is accepted by approximately 300 colleges, including major institutions in Florida.

We realize that not every child is going to grow up to be a world class musician or standout singer. Or even be inclined to join their church's choir and go to the symphony every weekend. However, we wholeheartedly believe in music's important place in a child's education - both learning to make good music and learning to appreciate good music. Throughout history, the free societies of the world have valued music education, and for good reason.

As we approach our anticipated Christmas Concerts (and Christmas caroling season, of course) this is an excellent time to listen to a conversation with our three music teachers - Sarah Smith (K-2nd grade music), Lindsey Stauffer (upper grammar and secondary music and choir director) and Jennifer Petry (orchestra director) - about why music education enriches a student for life in their future families, churches, and communities at large.

Links for Further Listening

Here are links to some of the music pieces mentioned in this episode, for your family's further listening enjoyment:

This episode originally aired in May of 2023. During this season heading into a Presidential election - and all of the political news and discussions that permeate such a season - we believe this is a timely conversation to release as part of our summer hiatus time.

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:

This episode originally aired in Season 2 of Cultivate in February of 2023. During the summer months, between our seasons of new episodes, we'll be re-releasing one Season 2 episode each month.

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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:

Determined truth seekers and bold truth speakers.

If you would agree that those are the types of people we want our kids' generation to grow into, then you must listen to this podcast.

At first glance, many who begin exploring classical Christian education may assume that its proclivity for the humanities - the Great Books, history, philosophy, etc. - leads to weaker science and mathematics disciplines.

Hear from Rhonda Forbes, Veritas Dean of Math and Science, and Bill Lauris, beloved Veritas upper school science teacher, on why that assumption is in fact a gross misconception!

In this episode, we examine not only our culture's fascination with STEM, but the importance it plays in any student's education. Listen to hear how, specifically, a classical Christian education uniquely prepares students to thrive in STEM fields, thanks to the distinctive tenets which lead to critical thinking, problem solving, and an integrated view of subjects.

We'll touch on topics like:

• Advanced Placement courses and tests
• Using secular science and math textbooks
• A classical Christian view of STEM
• and more!

You'll not only get to know a couple of our STEM teachers a little better through this conversation, but you will appreciate and understand how a classical Christian school can offer one of the best platforms for students to develop a love and skillset in math and science.

Reading recommendations mentioned in this episode:

Dr. Weiling He, whose family was part of the Veritas Academy school community last year while she was on sabbatical from her position as a professor of architecture at Texas A & M, describes her family's experience living in China during the cultural revolution from 1966-1976.

In her conversation with our host and Head of School Mr. Ty Fischer, she offers not only harrowing stories from her parents' and grandparents' lives through her home country's upheaval, but also a word of caution to us in America. Her story and observations cause us to consider the markings of cultural revolution that are popping up in the Western world today, and the importance of keeping healthy debate and discourse alive in our schools, media, and culture.

View her PowerPoint with photos and quotes from Lawrence Liu's memoir Under The Scorching Sun (referenced in the podcast) here:

This episode will have you both laughing AND making a dash for the bookshelf or library to start digging into your literature bucket list!

Join this lively bunch - Veritas Head of School Ty Fischer, Principal Dr. Dan Spanjer, Dean of Humane Letters Bruce Etter, and Dean of Students Graham Dennis - as they examine how and why a Great Books education enriches the lives of students now and into adulthood.

Why do classical Christian schools like Veritas spend so much time reading - not just textbooks, but novels, poetry, epics, and more? What benefit can there be for students, and for parents who choose to pick up the great works of literature that have shaped societies of bygone eras - and today?

This conversation will enlighten and inspire you, and help you get to know the jovial spirits of some of the leaders of our school, who are passionate about discipline our youth and revealing God's truth through the ages and through the lens of great writers.

Links to select resources and books mentioned: