Episode 28: Spreading the Feast of a Classical Education: A Conversation with Russ Gregg

In this episode, Jesse Hake speaks with ClassicalU presenter Russ Gregg who co-founded Hope Academy and the Spreading Hope Network. Drawing on decades of work bringing classical Christian education to under-resourced urban communities, Gregg reflects on his transition from leading a single school to enabling the launch of over twenty schools across the U.S., supported by both visionary founders and what he calls “gospel patrons.” He emphasizes the importance of viewing each student through the lens of the Imago Dei—offering not a “hot dog education” but a feast worthy of God’s children. The conversation highlights key principles of school success in difficult settings: high expectations, high accountability, and high support, all rooted in authentic relationships. Gregg also explores the spiritual and cultural enrichment that arises from diverse school communities and advocates for humility and forgiveness as the glue of gospel harmony. He closes by pointing to several organizations helping to sustain this growing movement: Society for Classical Learning and Classical Commons.