The Education Breakdown

Curious about the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education? In this episode, Sarah sits down with Jennie Ogden, a seasoned preschool teacher and director with 15 years of experience, to provide a primer on this child-centered philosophy. What makes Reggio Emilia unique? How does it encourage deep learning through play and exploration? Jennie breaks down the core principl

In this episode, Tom sits down with Sarah, who works as an Education Consultant, to explore why learning about different educational methods is essential for parents. They discuss the rapid pace of change in today’s world, what it really means for a child to be “successful,” and how parents can make informed choices about their child’s education. Sarah breaks down the impac

Join us as we learn from Maggie Connolly, an expert in early childhood education with nearly 50 years of experience! Maggie joins us to talk about what truly makes a great preschool environment and what parents should know when choosing the right fit for their child. In this episode you will hear: Best practices in early childhood education like hands-on learning, unstructured

In this episode of The Education Breakdown, Sarah sits down with Julie Ross, longtime educator, homeschooler, and founder of A Gentle Feast, to explore the revolutionary ideas of Charlotte Mason. They dive into Charlotte Mason’s emphasis on natural learning, rich literature, and real-world experiences. Julie explains the concept of living books—narrative, engaging stories that

What if there were a school that checked every box for your child’s education? A place where creativity, independence, and real-world skills take center stage? Your answer could be Acton Academy. In this episode of The Education Breakdown, we explore the innovative approach of Acton Academy, a global network of learner-driven schools that’s flipping traditional education on its

Recess might seem like a small part of the school day, but its impact on children’s physical health, cognitive development, and emotional well-being is profound. In this episode, we dive into the alarming decline of recess time in schools over the past 50 years, why this trend is happening, and what it means for our kids. From startling statistics about today’s recess averages

In this episode, we chat with Stephanie, a former middle school language arts teacher who is now a stay-at-home mom navigating the world of education for her rising kindergartner. Stephanie brings a unique perspective, blending her experiences as an educator with her current journey as a parent—just like many of our listeners—working to find the best school fit for her child. S

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Kallie, an insightful 13-year-old with firsthand experience in three progressive education models. Kallie shares her journey through a private day school, an Acton Academy, and now a hybrid school, offering a unique perspective on each approach. Together, we explore the pros and cons of these educational methods, the evolving role of tech

In this episode, we’re joined by Leah, Lindsay, and Serena as we explore how classical education, Charlotte Mason’s principles, and a Christian foundation come together to form the distinctive learning philosophy at the Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill. The team from Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill discusses their educational philosophy, which is built on Clas

In this episode, we dive into the dynamic world of game-based learning with longtime educator Meg Stone. With experience spanning public schools, gifted education, and hybrid learning, Meg brings a unique perspective on how games can transform the classroom into a vibrant, engaging, and highly effective learning environment. What you’ll learn in this episode: What is game-based