AMDG. “They are children of God and they are worthy of an education that reflects God’s beauty.” 

What does a classical education even look like in grades K-5? Curriculum Director Maggie Hayden and Principal Nicole O’Connor join the Kolbecast to answer just that question. Maggie and Nicole explain how they rebuilt the Kolbe elementary curriculum to reflect classical methodology and principles of Ignatian education. “We were looking at what things the little kids have to know in K-2 to be able to do third through fifth, then sixth through eighth grade, and up to high school,” Maggie explains. 

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Maggie and Nicole discuss what goals are appropriate at each grade level, and areas of concern to watch for; break down the reason behind the recent curriculum development and the Catholic, classical methodology that inspired Maggie and Nicole’s work; dismantle misconceptions about classical education; give sneak peeks at new materials coming soon; and pack in dozens of helpful tips for parents of K-5 students.  

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Kolbecast episodes mentioned & relevant

• 243 Drawing Distinctions – Classical Education, Liberal Arts, and Liberal Education

• 248 Intentionality & Purpose for Lent & Holy Week with Katie Bogner & Shari Van Vranken (guest cohost: Maggie Hayden)

• 100 In the Beginning with Kolbe Academy co-founder Mrs. Dianne Muth

• 247 Lightbulb Moments for Young Readers

• 197 Tools in a Toolbox: Student Support Services

• 203 Guided Freedom, a conversation about Classical Composition

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Other relevant links:

• Implementation of Ignatian Education in the Home by Kolbe Academy co-founder Francis Crotty

• Kolbe Academy’s Student Support Services

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Learn more about Kolbe’s early education programs by reading the posts below—and download a free week-long preview of each program to explore for yourself:

• Nurturing Little Hearts – Read about Kolbe Academy’s Preschool Program + Download the Preschool Preview: A Week to Explore
• Welcome to a Year of Wonder – Read about Kolbe Academy’s Kindergarten Curriculum + Download the Kindergarten Preview: A Week to Explore

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Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you’d like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to podcast@kolbe.org and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey.  

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We’d be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey!

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