It has been nearly fourteen years since I first sat in an Essentials seminar in my mid-twenties, immersing myself in the program for my initial work for Classical Conversations, Inc. Fast forward to the 2024–2025 academic year, and my daughter, Lily, is beginning her first experience in the Essentials program, with my wife as the Tutor. April and I are excited for this new stage in our homeschooling journey. By the end of the year, I expect we’ll be happily astonished at how much we all learned together.

Lily wrapped up this season in gymnastics by finishing first in the Southeast region on vault, second on floor, and fourth all-around. We’re very proud of her hard work. Homeschoolers are often asked, “What about sports?” Well, what about them? Many homeschoolers excel in the competitive athletic arena.

Trey is getting much better at reading. Although he still struggles with b, d, and p, he is persevering. Jonah, our third-born, is being ignored (just kidding!). He recently turned four, and we plan to up our game with his learning this summer.

I have been taking a class on using X (formerly Twitter), and I would appreciate connecting with you there. I’m taking a much more proactive approach on this platform in sharing my stories, educational news, classical tips, and more. I invite you to follow me here: Robert the Homeschooler.

I’m really looking forward to Practicum this summer. I hope to see you at one of our events!

Robert Bortins
Husband to April, son to Leigh, first CC graduate
Father of three, ages nine and under
Chief Executive Officer

CC members who enrolled by May 15:

Use your enrollment incentive discount today!

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International Community

Raising Up CC Leaders in South and Central America

Earlier this year, the Classical Conversations International Team met with a dozen leaders from Mexico, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela to discuss the growth of classical, Christian education in their countries.

The theme of the event was “Growing a Culture of Heritage and Hope,” based on Romans 15:13:

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. (KJV)

Here are a few testimonies from those who attended the event:

It’s a gift to be here, and I thank God for the beautiful opportunity to learn lots about classical education. . . . I thank God for His love, provision, and His creation and . . . the possibility of knowing in person the CC International Team, whom I only knew by photographs or videos. It’s a gift from God to hug them! Thank God for the gift that means the life in Christ and to be here.

—Andrea, Chile

I feel so thankful to be a Classical Conversations Team Leader in Peru. I’m so happy to be learning a lot at the Panama Learning Forum. I feel so blessed! . . . I will take as much as I can to my country. Thank you for what you are doing, CC USA. God bless you!

—Janett, Peru

I’m very thankful to know these beautiful educating mothers who have a lot more experience than me. It is an inspiration to me in my CC role. May our Lord add more grace to your lives, CC International Team! Many hugs!

—Daniela, Chile

For myself, CC has been an answer to prayer because I prayed to meet people that have the same vision, a Christ-centered worldview, and a Christian community. So when I found CC, it was a tremendous blessing. And because CC is classical also, it is helping strengthen my teaching tools as a mother and is taking away my fears, understanding that God has given me the opportunity to educate my children by using classical tools. I love CC!

—Lorena, Chile

In the time since this event, Peru, Chile, and Colombia have more than doubled in communities. Please pray for more leaders in these countries!

Corporate Community

Greetings from the Classical Conversations Strategy and Corporate Affairs team (SCA). We share the mission of Classical Conversations, “To know God and to make Him known.”

How do we fulfill this purpose? We do it by building relationships beyond education into local civic communities. We advocate for policies that uphold family, religious, and educational freedom. We expand our impact through strategic partnerships and work to create robust public relations. And we lead initiatives that embolden classical, Christian leaders on a global scale.

Visit Homeschool Freedom Action Center to learn more about our team. We post updates on our website, and CC members can find more information in the discussion forums of CC Connected: Forums > Benefits and Services > “Homeschool Freedom Action Center Blog.”

Classical Parents in Community

Election Year Resources

As Independence Day in the United States approaches and the 2024 election is around the corner, we want to provide resources for your family to be well equipped for summer learning and informed citizenship:

• “Educational Freedom—Let’s Protect It Together”
• “Electoral College—The Purpose and Process”
• “How to Be an American Citizen”
• “9 Resources for Learning about the U.S. Constitution”

Parental Rights

What does the term “parental rights” mean? Is it important to enshrine parental rights in an amendment to the U.S. Constitution? From the Refining Rhetoric podcast archives, consider with us “Parental Rights vs. Government Responsibility—Where to Draw the Line.”

Educational Freedom Internationally

The global homeschool landscape is sometimes unpredictable. Listen to the personal journey of Emese Tolgyez-Busz, who shares her perspective as a lawyer, homeschool parent, and advocate for educational freedom in Hungary: “Advocating for Educational Freedom.”

National Events Weekend Recap

Congratulations, Classical Conversations graduates! Well done, National Memory Masters! Thank you to all who came from far and wide for National Events Weekend. It is a privilege to serve homeschooling families and to gather together to celebrate a job well done!

The Math Map

CC members: Remember to pay all tuition and fees to receive full access to member benefits in CC Connected, including The Math Map Companion and more.