A Hillsdale Education for Kids & Adults: Dr. Kathleen O'Toole on the value of classical education

Hillsdale College in Michigan was founded in 1844 by abolitionists, and gained widespread notoriety when it refused to accept any federal or state education funds, including indirect funds such as student loans and grants, so that it could retain its full independence.

It also has a reputation for academic excellence and cultural impact. Despite being a small liberal arts college with about 1,500 students, it is a leader in higher education and, now, in K-12 education as well. Hillsdale is expanding its affiliated classical charter school network into several states, as well as providing curriculum support and resources for homeschooling families and classroom teachers. 

Our guest today is Dr. Kathleen O’Toole, Assistant Provost for K-12 Education at Hillsdale College, where she leads Hillsdale’s work in K-12 Education. Prior to joining Hillsdale, she was the founding headmaster of Founders Classical Academy of Leander, TX, a classical charter school serving 700 students in grades K-12. Dr. O’Toole holds an M.A. and a Ph.D. in American Politics and Political Philosophy from Claremont Graduate University, and a B.A. in Politics from the University of Dallas. 

Hillsdale K-12 Education Resources

"A College Fights 'Leftist Academics' by Expanding Into Charter Schools," The New York Times