First Things Podcast Classical Education Keeps Growing
Jun 17, 2025
Martin Cothran, co-founder of a classical school in Kentucky and leader in the classical education movement, shares his insights into the rise of classical education in America. He discusses the journey of founding Memoria Press and the significance of homeschooling mothers in its growing popularity. Cothran also addresses the challenges faced in Catholic education, including the frustrations with material that mirrors public school content. The conversation highlights the revitalization of classical education in Protestant schools and the promising momentum for its future.
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Founding Highlands Latin School
- Martin Cothran shared how dissatisfaction with progressive public education led him and Cheryl Lowe to found Highlands Latin School and create classical materials.
- Their Latin and logic programs quickly gained popularity, fueling the growth of classical education nationwide.
Homeschooling Powers Growth
- Homeschooling families have strongly propelled the classical education movement's expansion over the last decade.
- Many homeschooling parents self-educate classically and then seek formal classical teaching roles as schools grow.
Catholic School Closure Story
- Cothran recounted a case where a Catholic diocese reversed plans to reinvigorate a classical school and instead closed it, selling the grounds to public schools.
- This illustrates resistance and inertia within Catholic school leadership despite parent support for classical education.
