And we're back! We are entering Week 3 here in our local community, and Lily is going through Cycle 2 for the second time. She will go through Cycle 2 a total of three times before moving on to Challenge A. We are eager to see how much more she retains this year. Trey is starting his second year, and Jonah has begun talking a lot and picking up more words you can’t quite understand. So fun!

Our house is a little quieter this fall as we had to put our dog, Lyla, down in August. It was a sad day, but it was an opportunity to talk to the kids about life, death, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Lily has become quite concerned about the salvation of the people she interacts with. It reminds me of Jesus in Matthew 18:3 when he says, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (NKJV). I am glad she is around Christian parents in our community who will help us lead our children in the way they should go.

Yes, being in community can be messy, but it is a beautiful mess, and we are grateful for the Tutors and Directors who support our homeschooling journey.

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

International Community

With a brand-new look and all the timely content you’ve come to expect from Classical Conversations^®, we are pleased to share our updated CC International website! Here, you’ll find a quick link to our Global Homeschool Minute podcast, a list of our global locations, and current links to products and resources for our international CC members. Do you have friends and family abroad who would like to know more about CC? Please share CC International!

College Credit in Community

Together is the best way to learn! In Classical Conversations Plus, we want your family to belong to a close-knit group of like-minded parents and students who develop lifelong friendships and lasting skills. CC Plus supports local communities by providing the opportunity to earn college credit for the academic work that's already being completed at home and in community.

With CC Plus, there is:

• No "extra" time dedicated to an outside class
• No driving or other costs associated with enrollment in a community or regional college
• No extra curriculum or textbook expenses—the Challenge program's curriculum meets the need!

The CC Plus Assessor Network uses classical, Christian assessment to support parents and students in the upper Challenge years. Join us to receive help on the homeschool journey and to advance your child's academic skills!

Classical Parents in Community

Scribblers at Home Program

You may not have thought about it this way, but do you realize you’ve been homeschooling your child from day one? Whether you're helping them learn to tie their shoes, say please and thank you, or wait patiently for a snack—you’ve been imparting skills and knowledge for their growth and success. It’s no different with homeschooling, no matter the age! That’s why we’re so excited to share our new Scribblers at Home program. Coming late spring of 2023, this fun, interactive, planned resource will delight young and old as together they learn through play. Now available in limited digital format, log in to CC Connected^® to get your sneak peek and start playing!

New Podcast for Moms

Have you tuned in to our newest podcast presented by Classical Conversations, Blessings and Motherhood? Motherhood is challenging, but it's an enormous blessing. With a lineup of amazing guests, we have some inspiration and wisdom we can’t wait to share with you. Above all, we are dedicated to encouraging and building up mothers in all stages of parenthood while keeping our primary focus on Christ. In this podcast, let us come alongside you on the hard days and the good ones—because we believe you can hold tissues and confetti at the same time! 

Classical Conversations Blog

Just like the Bortins family, you’re all back in your local community, gathering once a week as like-minded classical parents. It is a rich blessing of togetherness to learn and hold meaningful discussion. A great conversation starter, our Classical Conversations blog is regularly updated with ideas, information, and thoughtful articles intended to enrich your community experiences and your role as a CC parent. In this season of back to school, you might enjoy: 

• "The Secret to Time Management: Tips for Homeschooling Families" 
• "Some Advice for a New School Year"
• "Three Reasons to Read Real (Paper) Books"