This comprehension of the purpose of education differs from a viewpoint that views education mainly as preparation for college or careers. We undoubtedly desire our students to secure fulfilling employment, earn a livelihood, and provide for their families. However, that objective is not the primary focus. If we are graduating individuals who gain admission to prestigious universities and subsequently earn high salaries in their careers, yet they lack virtue, aren’t aspiring for holiness, and show no interest in seeking truth, we wouldn’t view that as a triumph. It undermines the potential of our students. They are destined for far greater things.

They are invited to be entirely thriving, with all their mental, emotional, and spiritual capacities liberated to understand what is real, cherish what is lovely, and act on what is virtuous. St. Irenaeus expressed that the splendor of God is humanity in its fullest existence. We aspire for our students to be completely vibrant so they can honor God.

Camosy: Would it be excessive to refer to the recent developments as a surge in traditional Catholic education? It appears that wherever I turn, there’s a new institution being established, a fresh conference on the subject, professional organizations gathering each year, an increasing number of conventional Catholic schools adopting classical methods, and much more. Could you provide us with a concise overview of the current situation?

Boren: I’m uncertain if it’s an explosion or not, yet it undeniably resembles a renaissance! New educational institutions are being established monthly across various parts of the nation. Each year, I converse with eight to ten individuals who are working on launching a new school. It’s truly exhilarating to learn about new initiatives being created within the Church and primarily by laypeople. The educational institutions were the initial focus, yet we are now witnessing numerous new projects being established to address the requirements of those institutions. The revival of classical education is additionally acting as an inventive means to unite devoted Catholics nationwide who are engaging in the revitalization of Catholic education.

These newly established schools are addressing a significant need that is present in the Church at this moment. Numerous parents sincerely seek a challenging classical education that is shaped by and rooted in genuine Catholicism. I believe this is certainly an important “moment” for the Church and for Catholic education. How we respond to this moment is our responsibility.

One of the aspects that thrills me the most about this movement is how it compels us to reconsider the Catholic school framework and truly challenges us to rethink the way we perceive Catholic education.

Numerous of these institutions were established by the laity. They are frequently operated and overseen by a lay board of trustees. They are transitioning from a model that relied significantly on religious orders. Determining how to operate its schools following the disappearance of those orders is an area where the Church in America has struggled. This is truly thrilling, as we are not merely dealing with a decline, but rather, we are creating something fresh that is vibrant and expanding. As our chaplain, Father Peter Stamm, states, “Healthy things grow.”

Camosy: You have individually contributed to this movement as the head of a new classical Catholic school. Could you share more about what you and your community have established?

Boren: This entire experience has been a tremendous gift and an extraordinarily thrilling opportunity to be involved in. Our institution is 12 years old, and I’ve been a part of it for 10 years. We have expanded from 60 learners when I started to more than 320 this year. A school that started in a shared office environment has recently transitioned into a stunningly beautiful, classically styled school facility.

However, as stunning as the schoolhouse may be, the greatest aspect of our institution is the community. We have families who travel an hour each way, passing numerous schools on their journey, to enroll their children in our school. Having a school that aligns with its mission throughout is incredibly rare and a true blessing. We have put in significant effort to guarantee that mission-aligned families who seek this form of education can access it, irrespective of their financial means to cover full costs. tuition. We have strived to maintain tuition at a reasonable level while also being committed to investing in a strong tuition assistance program. We intend to provide more than $1,000,000 in tuition assistance for the upcoming year.

I cherish all aspects of this school, yet the most significant feature, without a doubt, is the community. I frequently express that my absolute favorite part of this school is the friends of my daughters. It has been truly uplifting to witness the numerous families who seek this. education for their offspring and regard it as a valuable use of their time, effort, and resources.

Camosy: From your perspective on the ground, what steps can the larger church take to assist in fostering this movement within Catholic education? I am specifically considering how to assist in guiding and preparing new teachers and staff as they navigate what may seem like a confusing or even daunting path.

Boren: Every day, fresh initiatives are being established to address this moment. We belong to the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education. They were genuinely leading the way in developing programs to assist schools that were either altering their curricula or being established. Numerous dedicated colleges are now creating programs aimed at nurturing students who wish to work in these institutions.

Tom Carroll has established the Catholic Talent Project to assist in the recruitment and training of educators for these institutions. A lot of positive developments are taking place. I believe this momentum will persist and we will require additional initiatives to address this period. Numerous priests have backed our endeavors, and our regional seminary along with its seminarians have been incredibly supportive; I would like to witness an expansion of collaborations between seminaries and these emerging schools.

Moreover, from an even wider viewpoint, I trust that the Church will keep motivating and supporting the youth in exploring literature, history, philosophy — the liberal arts! And be assured that pursuing excellence in these esteemed fields at the highest tiers of education will certainly aid them in identifying both their personal and career callings.

We have recruited outstanding, skilled young educators who have not pursued formal education training but have nonetheless achieved success through attentive mentorship, professional growth and most crucially due to the profound insights they’ve acquired through their own learning, have managed to start off effectively as educators.