Dr. Paul Shrimpton on Newman and his Idea of a School

The most famous work of our newest Doctor of the Church is, of course, The Idea of a University—a collection that explores the essence of a Catholic university education. But fewer people know about St. John Henry Newman's extensive efforts in primary and secondary education: Newman's part was not just as an educational theorist, but a school founder, who played every nitty-gritty role from fundraising to parent relations, from essay grading to student mentoring, even processing repair orders and playing second violin to fill out the little school's orchestra. Dr. Paul Shrimpton has spent decades studying Newman's interest in education, from theory to practice. Today on HeightsCast, he invites us into Newman's vision for younger students, their teachers, and grammar schools as places of "grounding" and "a really liberal education." Chapters: 00:05:18 Co-patron of the Church's educational mission 00:07:50 Timeline of Newman as educator 00:20:25 Different models of student freedom 00:27:39 Methods of study for young people 00:34:11 Newman: a personal, hands-on educator 00:39:26 The role of a teacher 00:48:23 Partnership with parents 00:57:39 Forthcoming book on Newman: education and practice Links: "Drawing New Maps of Hope" apostolic letter by Pope Leo XIV The Idea of a University by John Henry Newman Historical Sketches, especially vol. 3, by John Henry Newman "Personal Influence: The Means of Propagating Truth" by John Henry Newman The Adeodatus Series on Catholic Education & Culture by The Catholic University of America Press (publisher for Dr. Shrimpton's forthcoming book, St. John Henry Newman and his Idea of a School, spring 2027) A Catholic Eton?: Newman's Oratory School by Paul Shrimpton The Making of Men: Idea and Reality of Newman's University in Oxford and Dublin by Paul Shrimpton The Most Dangerous Man in England: Newman and the Laity by Paul Shrimpton Also on the Forum: A Whole Education: Teaching Persons, Not Just Subjects featuring Michael Moynihan The Idea of a Catholic University featuring Dr. Peter Kilpatrick Featured Opportunities: Fall Open House at The Heights School (October 24, 2026) Convivium Conference for Teaching Men at The Heights School (November 11-13, 2026)