Mars Hill Headmaster: Classical Christian Ed, Verbal Exams & Why CLT Just Works

Anchored by the Classic Learning Test

Anchored by the Classic Learning Test
Mars Hill Headmaster: Classical Christian Ed, Verbal Exams & Why CLT Just Works
Jan 15, 2026
Classic Learning Test

The conversation with Mike McKenna provides insights into the world of Classical Christian Education and the shift away from school rankings to celebrate partner schools.

Takeaways

  • Classical Christian education emphasizes the development of the whole person in Christ
  • The CLT is moving away from school rankings to highlight and celebrate partner schools

Chapters

  • 00:29 Introduction to Mike McKenna and Classical Christian Education

  • 03:17 Mike McKenna's Educational Journey

  • 06:09 Mars Hill Academy Strengths and Community

  • 09:36 Mission Preservation in Education

  • 12:16 Adopting CLT Assessments

  • 15:43 Engagement and Preparation for Success

  • 18:35 Impactful Texts and Closing Thoughts
Episode Artwork Mars Hill Headmaster: Classical Christian Ed, Verbal Exams & Why CLT Just Works 35:58 Episode Artwork AI and Classical Education CLT’s Next Decade, Formation, and the Future of Learning #ai #classical 1:33:01 Episode Artwork "Towards a Common Language at CLT" Featuring Dr. Timothy Wiens, Laura Berquist, Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson, Dr. Daniel Peterson, and Dr. Justin Smith 46:41 Episode Artwork "Truth Matters" with Cornel West and Robert P. George 1:11:16 Episode Artwork Escaping Nazi Germany to Become an American Polymath - Blouke Carus 25:08 Episode Artwork Molecular Biologist to Homeschooling Champion | Susan Morrow, PhD 32:37 Episode Artwork Reimagining College Through Customized Learning | Shannon Johnston 27:21 Episode Artwork The Renewal of Public Christianity in the West | Chad Pecknold 26:42 Episode Artwork Mission as the Measure of Success | Semi Park 34:35 Episode Artwork Putting Education Policy Into Practice | Michael Bileca 30:50 Episode Artwork Stone Carving and Its Enduring Significance | Tim Feist 27:46 Episode Artwork The Demand for School Choice | Joseph Magaña and Leslie Hiner 47:22 Episode Artwork Rebuilding the Church Through the Trades | Kent Lasnoski 29:00 Episode Artwork The Merits of a Deviceless School | John DeJak 29:45 Episode Artwork Faith, Reason, and the Great Books | Deacon Harrison Garlick 29:58 Episode Artwork How Phonics Saved British Primary Education | Sir Nick Gibb 29:11 Episode Artwork A Catholic, Classical Approach to Homeschooling | Laura Berquist 33:14 Episode Artwork CLT to Launch AP Alternative | Sarah Novlan 28:56 Episode Artwork Cultivating Discipleship in the Classroom | Andrew Smalley 35:21 Episode Artwork Classical Skills for the Modern World | Todd Bates 26:04 Episode Artwork Bringing Liberal Arts Education To Prison | Jennifer Berkshire 27:43 Episode Artwork Embodying the Classical Tradition | Mandi Gerth 34:36 Episode Artwork Reintroducing Classical Higher Education in Europe | Cornelis J. Schilt 46:11 Episode Artwork Guiding Students Toward Goodness | Jeff Brown 30:07 Episode Artwork A Revolutionary Return to Education | Jovia Godfrey 34:02