Conversations Worth Having About Education, Faith, and Formation.
The Dean’s List is a podcast from The Habersham School exploring classical Christian education, parenting, faith, and the formation of young people.
Join us for thoughtful conversations with educators, parents, and leaders as we consider what it means to educate children well—and help them grow into wise, virtuous, and faithful people. Listen. Learn. Join the conversation.
Latest Episode
Episode 5: Raising Children, Raising Readers
Episode 5 · Two-Part Interview
How do we raise children who not only know how to read, but genuinely love to read?
Former Habersham parent, teacher, Academic Dean, and Interim Head Jacquie Miller joins Clay Hining for a two-part conversation about cultivating a lasting culture of reading at home.
Together, they explore what it means to read with attention and understanding, how parents can model a rich reading life, and practical ways to make books a natural and enjoyable part of family culture. The conversation also looks at choosing excellent literature, building a home library, setting thoughtful boundaries around screens, and using narration to strengthen comprehension, active listening, and meaningful conversation.
From the earliest years through adolescence, Jacquie offers practical encouragement for helping children grow into thoughtful readers while keeping reading rooted in curiosity, connection, and joy.
Listen to Part One →
Listen to Part Two →
Resources
- Ambleside Online
- How to Read a Book — Mortimer Adler
- On Reading Well — Karen Swallow Prior
- The Wingfeather Saga
- Honey for a Child’s Heart
- Books Children Love
- Let the Authors Speak
- Great Books of the Western World — Mortimer Adler
- Jared Seff Art
- Mariana Langley Art
Episode 1: A Timeless Choice: Classical Christian Education
August 7, 2026 · Interview · 53 min
What makes classical Christian education different—and why does this timeless approach matter today?
In the first episode of The Dean’s List, Brent Beaumont of The Habersham School sits down with Howe Whitman, founder of The Wilberforce School, to explore the heart of classical Christian education.
They discuss the purpose of education, the formation of character, the value of time-tested curriculum, the integration of faith and learning, and practical ways parents can partner in their children’s education at home.
They also consider the challenges of technology and AI—and why, in an age of constant change, some things are worth holding onto.
Resources
Explore the books, ideas, and organizations discussed in this episode.
- The Wilberforce School
- Andy Crouch — The Three Callings of a Christian
- Wendell Berry — Why I Am Not Going to Buy a Computer
- Justin Earley — Habits of the Household
- Justin Earley — Hang Ten Movement
Episode 2: Why Latin Isn’t Dead (and Why Your Kids Should Learn It)
September 1, 2026 · Interview · 43 min
Why study a language no one speaks anymore?
In this episode of The Dean’s List, host Clay Hining sits down with Sarah Traut, Latin Chair and Middle and Upper School Lead Teacher at The Habersham School, to explore why Latin still matters—and why Habersham continues to make it an important part of a classical education. Sarah’s role is confirmed on Habersham’s faculty page.
They discuss how Latin helps students understand the roots of Western civilization, recognize the structure and history of modern languages, and engage directly with the texts and ideas that have shaped our culture.
The conversation also explores the habits Latin develops in students: careful reading, precision, perseverance, logic, and disciplined thinking—and why those skills matter far beyond the Latin classroom.
Resources
Explore the books, ideas, and organizations discussed in this episode.
- The Habersham School — Classical Education
- The Habersham School — Portrait of a Graduate
- The Habersham School — Meet Our Faculty
- Virgil — referenced in the conversation in connection with Latin’s continuing presence in Western culture
Episode 3: Why Liturgy Matters: Shaping What We Love
September 22, 2026 · Interview · 40 min
What we repeat shapes what we love.
In this episode of The Dean’s List, Dr. Preston Atwood, Head of School at Westminster Academy, joins the conversation to explore the role of liturgy in classical Christian education and the ways repeated practices of scripture, prayer, and song can form students over time.
Dr. Atwood explains liturgy as “the work of the people” and considers how daily rhythms can help embed biblical truths, cultivate Christian virtues, and reorder our affections toward what is true, good, and beautiful. The conversation also explores the enduring value of historic hymns and the Psalms, and how these traditions connect students to a much larger Christian story.
For families, the episode offers practical encouragement as well: meaningful liturgy at home does not have to be complicated. Simple habits of reading scripture, praying together, and singing can gradually become a rich part of family life.
Resources
- Dr. Preston Atwood, Head of School — Westminster Academy
- Cantate Domino: A Liturgical Songbook for Classical Christian Schools
- Every Moment Holy
Episode 4: Can Classical Christian Students Go to College?
October 13, 2026 · Interview · 56 min
What does college preparation look like when college acceptance isn’t the ultimate goal of education?
In this episode of The Dean’s List, Amanda Ryan joins the conversation to explore The Habersham School’s approach to college guidance—one rooted not simply in admissions outcomes, but in character formation, virtue, vocation, and helping students understand who God has created them to be.
The conversation looks at the college decision process from both the student and parent perspective, including how families can distinguish vocation from occupation, what colleges are really looking for in applicants, and how parents can support students without allowing fear to drive the process.
The episode also goes beyond applications and acceptance letters. Through Habersham’s college road trip and conversations with Lucy and Hamilton from the Class of 2024, listeners hear what it looks like to choose a school and major, build meaningful community on campus, pursue leadership opportunities, and continue growing in faith after graduation.
Resources
Explore the books, ideas, and organizations discussed in this episode.
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