Author: Laura Ruby

Is Virtue a Goal or a Byproduct of Your Classical Christian Curriculum?

12 Dec 2023

Virtue is a commonly touted aspiration of a classical education—for good reason. An education that forms virtuous students is desirable. What happens, though, when we make virtue the goal instead of a natural byproduct of the educational process? Overemphasizing virtue as a measurable outcome can become a dangerous path for classical Christian educators. If we only focus on producing outwardly moral students, we might miss a precious opportunity to impact future generations. More importantly, we

By Bob Donaldson | | In Word on the Hill | Read more

How to Retain the Integrity of a Classical Education in the Digital Age

29 Nov 2023

For many, the words “classical education” bring to mind medieval images: candlelit libraries with soaring ceilings enclosing shelves full of ancient (and dusty) leather-bound volumes; strange tales of ancient wars and mythical gods; deep philosophical treatises by Plato or Aristotle; or the ruins of antiquity in Athens and Rome. With the resurgence of classical Christian schools over the past 30 to 40 years, a new generation is learning to appreciate both the beauty and the

By Bob Donaldson | | In Word on the Hill | Read more

4 Strategies for Reclaiming Family Time in Your Homeschool Schedule

15 Nov 2023

Do your children spend all day working through their courses only to stay up late finishing schoolwork? Are too many weekends consumed with studying? And are family activities set aside to complete school projects? School at home promises more freedom and time together, but for many families, the boundaries between school work and family time become increasingly blurred. You can design and implement a thoughtful homeschool plan and still find yourself supervising schoolwork around the

By Wilson Hill Academy | | In Word on the Hill | Read more

Why Learning How to Write Will Prepare Your Student to Think Well

14 Sep 2023

Years ago, when I first began teaching, my headmaster gave me some invaluable advice on teaching writing. Quoting the poet and philosopher Walter Kaufmann, he told me, “Writing is thinking in slow motion.” In other words, learning how to write is not something separate from learning how to think.  His words continue to inform my instruction today and aptly express what we emphasize across our curriculum at Wilson Hill: writing is essential for learning how

By Dr. Tom Vierra, Instructor & Senior Thesis Coordinator | | In Word on the Hill | Read more

Classical Education Podcast Invites Wilson Hill Founders to Tell Their Story

Co-founders of Wilson Hill, Bob and Nancy Donaldson.20 Mar 2023

Wilson Hill co-founders, Nancy and Bob Donaldson, joined Davies Owens on the “BaseCamp Live” podcast in January to discuss their calling to classical Christian education almost thirty years ago and their exciting—and faith-building—journey to launch and shepherd Wilson Hill Academy. Part of that journey involved coming to the realization that they wanted their own children to experience the joy of classical Christian education.  Nancy explains, "Through Susan Schaeffer Macaulay and her book, For the Children’s

By Laura Ruby | | In Word on the Hill | Read more

A Most Precious and Unexpected Gift

10 Dec 2019

I remember the moment clearly, now several years past, when I clicked the “Buy now” button to secure my 7th grade son’s first seat in an online classroom. I was instantly fearful. I’d just spent a lot of money on what might be a total dud. A real teacher was going to teach my child “in-real-life” through the computer? How was that supposed to work? What if the teacher was boring, incompetent or unorganized? Was

By Shawna Barr | | In Word on the Hill | Read more

NASA’s Name the Rover Contest for Students, Grades K- 12!

Wilson Hill Academy Students! WHA science teacher, Mrs. Everett, is part of a NASA educator community, and NASA is currently holding a Name the Rover Contest for students in grades K- 12. She is encouraging all of her grammar science and life science students to enter the contest as it would be so exciting to have a WHA student name the 2020 Mars Rover! Go to NASA's Mars 2020 website, and watch the 45 second

By NASA's Name the Rover Contest for Students, Grades K- 12! | | In Word on the Hill | Read more

College 101 Series: Beginning the College Journey

Online Christian Homeschool graduating class8 Aug 2019

Thinking about college can lead to anxiety-provoking thoughts for parents and students alike. However, before beginning your journey, try to keep my very favorite Bible verse centered in your heart . . . “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a FUTURE.” Jeremiah 29:11 There is great hope in knowing that God has a specific

By Kati Butler, Wilson Hill Academy College Advisor | | In Word on the Hill | Read more

Wilson Hill Academy 2019 Valedictory Address

Online Christian homeschooling student's graduation celebrated by family11 Jun 2019

It’s hard to believe that it was just four years ago when I first started at Wilson Hill. Was there really a time when I was just a freshman in high school beginning this whole “online school” thing? A time when I didn’t know the incredible teachers and students whom I’ve learned from these past four years? Even a time when I didn’t yet know how many times Adobe would kick me out at precisely

By Annika Reynolds | | In Word on the Hill | Read more