The LadyK Podcast

An eighth grader came into class holding a handwritten letter from his grandparents, and told his teacher, happily, that his mom had typed it out so he could read it."That broke my heart," Katy McKinney says. She was the teacher. She's also the Founder and Head of School of Lafayette Classical Academy (LCA). It was at that moment that she stopped her eighth grade English class, got a fourth-grade handwriting book, and taught thirteen-year-olds cursive for five minutes a day for the rest of the year. By spring, students whose print was rough to read were writing script that was, in her word, gorgeous!In this episode, Katy gives seven reasons LCA teaches cursive while most schools have dropped it. It connects children to the past, to their grandparents' letters, and to the journals and documents of our founding, read without a translator. It's personal expression: handwriting is like a fingerprint. It builds the brain in ways typing doesn't. It teaches patience, and craftsmanship, and it's simply beautiful. And in a world of instant messages and AI-generated text, a handwritten note still says something no machine can: I took the time to do this for you.There are no iPads and no Chromebooks in LCA classrooms. There's no shortcut.So why does Lafayette Classical Academy teach cursive? Katy says the better question is the other one: What are we losing, in the name of efficiency, if we don't?If this episode encouraged you or gives you hope, share it with a friend – because great nations are not renewed in the courts or in the capitals, but in our classrooms, in our families, and in the hearts of our children. That’s how we help preserve the promise of America.For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/For Referenced Resources from the LadyK Podcast Click Here for Download

"Virtue is not theoretical. It is extremely real, practical, and usable."That is the claim Katy McKinney makes in this episode, and then she proves it out of the life of her school.When people first hear "classical education," she says, they think of Latin, the great books, history, and all of that matters deeply. But a classical education has never been only the filling of the mind. It is the formation of the whole person. So at Lafayette Classical Academy (LCA), two questions get asked instead of one: what does this student know, and who is this child becoming?Katy, LCA's Founder and Head of School, shares three stories from the school's own families. A seventh grader who came in behind and disengaged, and graduated having found that she loved the subject she liked least. A boy who used to dread getting out of bed for school, and now points to his recitations as the reason he can walk into an interview and speak. And a second grader who ended up in open water with the boat blown away from her, where the word that broke through her panic — fortitude — was one of the four cardinal virtues her class had been practicing all year. Her mother wrote to Katy afterward: if it had not been for Lafayette, neither my daughter nor I could be writing this.None of it happens accidentally. It is focused, disciplined work, daily habits, high expectations, the curriculum, coaching and correction. It is loving students enough, she says, to call them to go higher.She also names the temptation she sees in education today: to assume that when we love our children, we lower the bar. "That is not loving the child. That is a cop-out." Children are more capable than they know, and the job of the adults around them is to hold the bar high and walk beside them until they meet it.Lafayette Classical Academy is a classical school pursuing excellence in academics and excellence in character, together. If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend — because our nation is not renewed first in the courts or in the capitals, but in our classrooms, in our families, and in our children's hearts.For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/For Referenced Resources from the LadyK Podcast Click Here for Download

"They don't even know what they're saying — so what's the point?" It's the objection heard in non-classical schools about recitation. In this episode, Katy McKinney, founder and Head of School at Lafayette Classical Academy, makes the case that this isn't a flaw in classical education — it's the process itself.Katy explores what recitation actually trains beyond memory, the meaningful passages Lafayette students carry with them for life, and two stories — one from her own kitchen table, one from a middle school classroom — that reveal just how much is happening beneath the surface when a child memorizes words before fully grasping them.Recorded as the country marked the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it's a timely reminder of why some words are worth giving to children early — long before they understand them.For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/For Referenced Resources from the LadyK Podcast Click Here for Download

At Lafayette Classical Academy (LCA), we don't celebrate an eighth-grade graduation; we celebrate something even more important.In this episode, Katy McKinney shares the meaning behind LCA’s Eighth Grade Recognition Ceremony, one of the most memorable traditions at the school. More than an academic milestone, this evening reflects years of growth in virtue, courage, gratitude, humility, and character.Katy also tells the remarkable story of one eighth-grade student whose journey from fear and self-doubt to courage and confidence reminded everyone in the room why classical education is about far more than grades and test scores.If you've ever wondered what the long-term fruit of a classical education looks like, this episode offers a powerful answer.Whether you're a parent exploring private schools, considering classical education, or simply interested in raising children of strong character, this conversation will encourage and inspire you.Lafayette Classical Academy, a Hillsdale Curriculum school, is a K-12 classical school in Lake Saint Louis, Missouri, serving families throughout St. Charles County who desire an education that forms both the mind and the character.For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/For Referenced Resources from the LadyK Podcast Click Here for Download

This week, Katy McKinney shares the story behind founding Lafayette Academy: A Classical School,  and what it really takes to build a classical school from the ground up.Drawing from her experience as a public school teacher, homeschool mom, and founder of Lafayette Academy: A Classical School, Katy discusses the challenges, setbacks, and moments of faith that shaped the school's journey. She also explains how discovering the classical tradition—and the influence of Hillsdale College's K–12 education movement—helped shape Lafayette Academy's mission to cultivate wisdom, virtue, and a lifelong love of learning.Whether you're a parent exploring classical education, considering homeschooling, curious about the Hillsdale approach, or wondering if your community needs a classical school, this conversation offers practical encouragement and an honest look behind the scenes.In this episode you'll learn:Why Katy left traditional educationHow homeschooling led her to classical educationHow Hillsdale College's approach influenced Lafayette Academy: A Classical SchoolWhat it actually takes to start a classical schoolThe biggest challenges Lafayette Academy facedIf you've ever wondered whether a classical education is right for your family—or dreamed of starting a school rooted in truth, goodness, and beauty—this episode is for you.For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/For Referenced Resources from the LadyK Podcast Click Here for Download

Marin McKinney returns to the Lady K Podcast to share what has been a remarkable and transformative season. After completing her sophomore year at Hillsdale College, Marin devoted herself to training for USA Shooting selection matches and recently competed for the opportunity to represent the United States in international competition.But this conversation goes far beyond athletics. Marin reflects on the pressures of competition, the lessons learned through setbacks, and the importance of developing a calm and disciplined mind. Together, Katy and Marin discuss perseverance, confidence, and why failure is often one of our greatest teachers.Whether your child is an athlete, a student, or simply learning how to face challenges with courage, this episode offers practical wisdom and encouragement. It is a reminder that growth rarely comes without difficulty and that character is formed through the steady practice of beginning again.Topics discussed include:• USA Shooting and the selection match process• Competing under pressure and learning from setbacks• Developing mental discipline and confidence• The importance of positive self-talk and preparation• Why failure is a necessary part of growth• Lessons that apply far beyond athleticsAt Lafayette Academy: A Classical School, we believe education is about more than academics. It is about forming young men and women who are prepared to pursue excellence with humility, perseverance, and gratitude.For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/For Referenced Resources from the LadyK Podcast Click Here for Download

What draws someone to teaching, and what does it take to become a great teacher?In this episode, Head of School, Katy McKinney, welcomes Ms. Glidden, who spent the year serving as an intern at Lafayette Academy: A Classical School,  under the mentorship of master teacher Grace Leonard. Ms. Glidden shares what she learned from working alongside experienced educators, teaching young students, and stepping into the daily rhythms of a classical classroom.Their conversation explores the importance of humility, lifelong learning, mentorship, and the formation of both teacher and student. Ms. Glidden reflects on how her experiences, from teaching swim lessons and jiu-jitsu to working with elementary students, helped prepare her for the classroom and shaped her understanding of what it means to teach well.This episode offers an encouraging look at the next generation of educators and the kind of formation that helps teachers grow in wisdom, confidence, and love for their students.If you've ever wondered how great teachers are formed, this conversation provides a thoughtful and hopeful perspective.For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/For Referenced Resources from the LadyK Podcast Click Here for Download

What does a popular song have to do with economics?In this episode, Katy sits down with four Lafayette Academy students whose economics project was selected for publication by the Federal Reserve's Journal of Future Economists. Inspired by the classic essay I, Pencil, the students set out to answer an intriguing question: What does it actually take to bring a song to life?What they discovered was far more than a story about music. From songwriters and recording studios to instrument makers, streaming platforms, marketers, and countless others working behind the scenes, every song depends on an extraordinary network of people contributing their unique skills and talents. Together, they reveal a powerful economic principle often called the "invisible hand", the idea that people pursuing their own work and interests can create something valuable that benefits millions.Along the way, the students discuss their research process, what surprised them most, and why understanding economics is really about understanding human cooperation.For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/For Referenced Resources from the LadyK Podcast Click Here for Download

In this special episode, Head of School, Katy McKinney, sits down with one of Lafayette Academy’s students, Ellie Schweizer, who just completed her senior thesis exploring virtue, friendship, and the “good life” through the philosophy of Aristotle and the novels of Jane Austen. The senior thesis is a capstone that reflects years of reading deeply, writing with care, and learning to think with clarity.Through works such as Emma, Sense and Sensibility, and Pride and Prejudice, this conversation explores how relationships shape human character—for better or worse—and why virtuous friendships are essential to human flourishing.This conversation offers a rare look at what a student is capable of before graduation, when both intellect and character are taken seriously. If you have ever wondered what the end result of a classical education can be, this episode gives you a clear and compelling picture.At Lafayette Academy: A Classical Education, education is not only about knowledge, but about the formation of character and the cultivation of virtue. The senior thesis is one expression of that formation. It reveals a student’s ability to engage meaningful ideas, speak with confidence, and pursue truth with humility.  In the end, education is not merely the transfer of information; it is the formation of the whole person. 📚 Featured Works MentionedNicomachean Ethics — AristotleEmmaSense and SensibilityPride and PrejudiceFor more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/For Referenced Resources from the LadyK Podcast Click Here for Download

In this episode of the Lady K Podcast, Katy McKinney pulls back the curtain on how Lafayette Academy: A Classical School teaches history, and why it’s so much more than dates, battles, and tests.From kindergarten stories about George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette to tales of pioneers, Almanzo Wilder, and Benjamin Franklin, we explore how history is intentionally used to build moral imagination, shape character, and form future citizens who can sustain our Republic.Discover why we teach restraint through Washington’s refusal of kingship, patience and self-control through Farmer Boy, courage and justice through real historical dilemmas, and the dangers of resentment through Benedict Arnold. At Lafayette Academy, history isn’t just content, it’s formation.If you want your children to love what is good, recognize evil, and develop the virtues needed to be thoughtful participants in a free society, this episode reveals the deeper purpose behind our approach.Join Katy as she explains how we’re not just educating students, we’re forming citizens.For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/For Referenced Resources from the LadyK Podcast Click Here for Download

In a free nation, education is never neutral, it is always forming something.In this episode, Dr. Khalid Khan explores what it really means to educate a child for citizenship, not just academics. Through examples like the restraint of George Washington and the life of Benjamin Franklin, we consider how what children learn shapes the kind of people they become.At the center of this conversation is a simple but often misunderstood idea: you can’t teach a child to think without first giving them something to think about. Knowledge is the fuel for thinking, and without it, true understanding never takes root.You’ll hear how Lafayette Academy builds that foundation through rich historical study across each grade level, meaningful stories, and books like Why Not, Lafayette? that help form what we call moral imagination, a child’s ability to recognize virtue, responsibility, and truth.We also discuss why the school delays screens and technology in the early years, not to resist the modern world, but to protect attention, cultivate focus, and create real pathways for deep thinking.This isn’t about producing better students.It’s about forming future citizens.Not just what is my child learning, but who is my child becoming?For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/For Referenced Resources from the LadyK Podcast Click Here for Download

Why would someone start a school from scratch?In this episode of the LadyK Podcast, Katy McKinney shares the real story behind founding Lafayette Academy: A Classical School, in Lake Saint Louis, Missouri. It wasn’t a business plan or a strategic move. It was a conviction.After years of teaching, homeschooling, and searching for the right environment for her own children, Katy kept running into the same problem: schools that offered strong academics often lacked character formation, and schools focused on character often fell short academically.So she asked a simple question:Why can’t a school do both well?This episode walks through the heart behind Lafayette Academy, the gap it was created to fill, and why classical education is resonating with so many families in St. Charles County and beyond.If you’re a parent exploring school options or curious about classical education, this episode will give you clarity on what makes it different—and why it matters.For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/For Referenced Resources from the LadyK Podcast Click Here for Download

What truly makes a student successful?Grades and test scores are only part of the story. In this episode of the LadyK Podcast, Katy McKinney, Founder and Head of School at Lafayette Academy, a classical school in Lake Saint Louis, Missouri, explores the often overlooked skills that shape strong and capable students.Katy discusses the importance of soft skills, executive functioning, and emotional intelligence—the abilities that help students read the room, manage responsibilities, lead well, and interact with others with maturity and confidence.While classical education is known for its rigorous academics, much of what forms exceptional young people happens in the margins: learning how to think clearly, interact wisely, and develop awareness of others.If you're a parent in Lake Saint Louis, O’Fallon, Wentzville, St. Charles County or St. Louis County exploring education options for your child, this episode will give you insight into the deeper formation that happens inside a classical school.Learn why the skills that are hardest to measure often have the greatest impact on a student’s future.Link to study mentioned:NATIONAL C-SUITE EXECUTIVE SURVEY ONCOLLEGE GRADUATES in the WORKFORCEhttps://www.highpoint.edu/lifeskills/c-suite-executive-survey/For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/For Referenced Resources from the LadyK Podcast Click Here for Download

Choosing a school can feel overwhelming, but, it doesn’t have to be.In this episode, Katy McKinney shares four specific questions every parent should ask when visiting or considering a school. These questions go deeper than academics and test scores, they uncover culture, expectations, leadership, and the overall health of a school community.She also explains the red flags and green flags to look for in the answers you receive.You’ll learn:The 4 questions that reveal more than a brochure ever willWhat strong schools confidently articulateWarning signs that parents often overlookHow to evaluate a school with clarity and confidenceIf you’re touring schools, considering private or classical education, or simply wanting to make a thoughtful decision for your family, this episode will give you a practical framework you can use immediately.For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/For Referenced Resources from the LadyK Podcast Click Here for Download

Choosing a school is one of the most significant investments a family will ever make, but, how do you evaluate the return?In this episode of the LadyK Podcast, host Katy McKinney, Head of School for Lafayette Academy, sits down with Joe DeLisi, a parent at Lafayette Academy and a financial advisor who helps families and business owners make thoughtful, long-term decisions.Together, they explore education through a financial lens, asking questions many parents are already thinking but rarely hear answered:How should families think about education as an investment?What does “return on investment” look like when it comes to schooling?Why did Joe and his wife choose a classical education for their children?How does long-term thinking in finance mirror long-term thinking in education?This conversation is especially valuable for parents weighing private school, classical education, or alternative education models and looking beyond test scores to outcomes like character, discipline, and lifelong thinking skills.If you’re navigating school decisions and wondering whether classical education is truly “worth it,” this episode will give you a calm, practical framework for thinking it through.For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/For Referenced Resources from the LadyK Podcast Click Here for Download

Parents are noticing something is off, shorter attention spans, constant distraction, and learning that feels harder than it should.In this episode of the Lady K Podcast, Katy McKinney, Founder and Head of School at Lafayette Academy: A Classical School, explores how screens are shaping attention, learning, and childhood, and why classical education takes a more intentional approach.This conversation is not about fear or extremes. It’s about understanding what children actually need in order to think deeply, learn well, and grow with confidence. Katy explains how constant digital stimulation impacts focus and formation, and why limiting screens during the school day creates space for meaningful learning, real relationships, and sustained attention.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why attention is foundational to learningHow screens quietly reshape the classroom and the childWhat a classical school approach protects, and why that mattersHow families can think more clearly about technology and childhoodWhether you’re a parent concerned about focus, a family exploring classical education, or simply someone sensing that modern learning has gone off course, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and a thoughtful path forward.For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/For Referenced Resources from the LadyK Podcast Click Here for Download

Life After Lafayette Academy, a Lake Saint Louis classical school, as alumna Marin McKinney shares how her education prepared her for high-level shooting at Hillsdale College.In this episode of the LadyK Podcast, KatyMcKinney sits down with Marin to reflect on her journey from Lafayette Academy to collegiate competition. Marin discusses how the habits formed through classical education, discipline, focus, self-command, and clear thinking played a direct role in her athletic preparation and performance.She also shares how two specific books helped shape her mindset, reinforcing the idea that intellectual formation and reading are not separate from athletics, but foundational to excellence under pressure.This conversation offers parents and students a meaningful alumni perspective on life after Lafayette Academy and how thoughtful preparation equips students for demanding academic and athletic paths.For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/For Referenced Resources from the LadyK Podcast Click Here for Download

At Lafayette Academy: A Classical School, manners and etiquette are not simply expectations, they are foundational to how the school day begins and how students are formed.In this episode, Katy McKinney explains why manners matter beyond social niceties and how classical education treats etiquette as a form of daily formation. From the first moments of the school day, students are taught how to carry themselves with respect, self-control, and attentiveness to others.Katy shares why these habits are intentionally taught, how they shape a child’s character over time, and why manners are essential preparation for life, not just for the classroom.For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/For Referenced Resources from the LadyK Podcast Click Here for Download

Classical education can feel unfamiliar to many parents, especially when they first walk into a school without computers, see students handwriting notes, or hear about things like the Paideia or a senior thesis. In this episode, Katy Mckinney breaks down the most common questions parents ask when touring Lafayette Academy and explains why classical education intentionally uses different tools, methods, and materials than modern schools.From cultural literacy to real books, from paper-and-pencil note-taking to the habits that form deep thinking, Katy shares what makes classical education uniquely powerful at training the mind, cultivating virtue, and preparing students for a life of wisdom and purpose.For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/For Referenced Resources from the LadyK Podcast Click Here for Download

Show summary here. Join Katy McKinney, founder of Lafayette Academy: A Classical School, as she shares the beginnings of a classical school that’s now home to over 125 children. From a single moment of wonder at the kitchen table to a decade of growth rooted in faith and the timeless Trivium, Katy reflects on what it really means to nurture minds and hearts with beauty, truth, and goodness.If you’ve ever sensed there’s a deeper, more joyful way to educate children, one that feels like coming home, this conversation is for you. Perfect for parents seeking peace in the midst of today’s education noise.For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/For Referenced Resources from the LadyK Podcast Click Here for Download

Founder and Head of School Katy McKinney shares “mission moments” from Lafayette Academy: A Classical School, real snapshots where students’ character shines. From a first‑year student who refuses to quit a body‑drag challenge, to a ninth‑grader choosing forgiveness after a creek‑side mishap, to a transfer student advancing four years of math in 18 months, to a spontaneous chorus of “America the Beautiful” in art class—this episode shows how temperance, courage, justice, and prudence form happy, resilient humans. If you’ve wondered how classical education weaves goodness and rigor into everyday life, this one’s for you.For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/For Referenced Resources from the LadyK Podcast Click Here for Download

Accreditation sounds reassuring—but it doesn’t always mean better learning. In this episode, Katy McKinney shares why Lafayette Academy chose not to pursue accreditation and how the school measures excellence instead. She explains what colleges really care about, how accreditation can distract teachers from their mission, and the practical data Lafayette tracks weekly to stay accountable.You’ll learn:Why mission alignment matters more than a stampWhat colleges actually look for in applicantsHow Lafayette measures learning and character every weekListen if you’ve ever wondered: Is accreditation proof of quality or just paperwork?For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/For Referenced Resources from the LadyK Podcast Click Here for Download

The LadyK Podcast invites parents, teachers, and community leaders to rediscover the timeless truths that shape strong minds and hearts. Hosted from Lafayette Academy in St. Charles County, Missouri, each episode explores topics like classical education, virtue formation, family culture, and the moral foundations of freedom.Through stories, history, and faith-filled reflection, LadyK shares how classical learning—rooted in truth, goodness, and beauty—transforms both students and communities. Whether you’re a parent in Lake Saint Louis, Wentzville, or greater St. Louis, or simply seeking a deeper vision for education and family life, this podcast offers wisdom, encouragement, and real-world application.Join us as we cultivate gratitude, character, and purpose in the next generation—one conversation at a time.For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/For Referenced Resources from the LadyK Podcast Click Here for Download

In a culture that often fuels comparison and entitlement, what if the real key to joy is something far simpler — gratitude?In this episode, LadyK explores how practicing thankfulness can transform families, classrooms, and communities. With stories from The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder and insights from The Entitlement Trap by Richard & Linda Eyre, she unpacks why gratitude isn’t just a good habit — it’s a safeguard for freedom and flourishing.You’ll discover:•Why gratitude builds resilience and character in children.•How entitlement robs us of joy — and what to do about it.•Practical ways to bring gratitude into daily life.•Timeless wisdom from Scripture and classic literature that point us back to gratitude as the antidote to entitlement.Listen in and be inspired to plant seeds of gratitude that grow into stronger families and a freer society.For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/For Referenced Resources from the LadyK Podcast Click Here for Download

Join host Katy McKinney, founder of Lafayette Academy, for a compelling conversation with Mr. Keith Preston, a dedicated U.S. history teacher with seven years at the school. In this episode of the Lady K Podcast, Keith shares his journey from investor to educator, revealing why he’s passionate about teaching history through a classical lens. From the emotional impact of a Civil War soldier’s letter to the unforgettable recitation of the Gettysburg Address at its historic site, Keith discusses how primary sources and field trips bring history to life for students. Explore the power of classical education, the importance of understanding America’s compromises, and how history shapes future citizens. Tune in for an inspiring look at teaching the best and worst of humanity to ignite the next generation.For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/For Referenced Resources from the LadyK Podcast Click Here for Download

Ever wonder how your family’s daily efforts could shape a thriving, virtuous future? In this captivating episode of the Lady K Podcast, Katy McKinney, Founder and Head of School of Lafayette Academy: A Classical School, unveils key practices to building resilient families that strengthen communities and beyond. Using the powerful metaphor of prairie plants’ deep, intertwined roots, Katy hints at how a classical education can anchor your children with wisdom and character. What sparks kids to embrace high ideals, like Katy’s daughter did with To Kill a Mockingbird? How do you nurture a "root system" that helps your family weather life’s toughest storms?With four intriguing insights about prairie plants, Katy teases a blueprint for raising independent, unflappable kids who contribute to a flourishing society. Curious about fostering self-governing, virtuous children who uplift your family and community? Tune in to discover how small, intentional steps at home can create a ripple effect of strength and purpose. Don’t miss this inspiring episode—listen now to unlock the keys to a stronger family legacy!For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/For Referenced Resources from the LadyK Podcast Click Here for Download

In this episode of The Lady K Podcast, host Katy McKinney, Founder and Head of School for Lafayette Academy: A Classical School, a Hillsdale College Curriculum School  in Lake St. Louis, MO, dedicated to shaping knowledgeable, virtuous, and independent thinkers, sits down with John Schweizer—Lafayette’s PE teacher and upper-level math instructor—to talk about the transformative power of physical education.Located in St. Charles County, Missouri, Lafayette Academy serves families from Lake St. Louis, Wentzville, O’Fallon, St. Peters, and the Greater St. Louis area. John shares his family’s journey from public school to classical education, the impact of losing focus on character education, and the surprising role that a daily fitness habit can play in academic success, emotional resilience, and lifelong well-being.From ancient Greek gymnasiums to JFK’s call for an American fitness revival, John draws connections between history, research, and real-life results. He also reveals Lafayette Academy’s exciting new plan: 20 minutes of intentional, ability-based physical activity every single morning—for students, faculty, and maybe even parents.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How John first discovered classical education—and why it changed everything for his family.How his childhood PE teacher inspired a lifelong passion for fitness.What ancient Greeks, La Sierra High School in the 1960s, and modern neuroscience have in common.How daily exercise affects attention, mood, and learning speed.The details of Lafayette Academy’s new daily PE initiative for K–12 students in St. Charles County.For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/For Referenced Resources from the LadyK Podcast Click Here for Download

In this episode of The Lady K Show, Katy McKinney, founder of Lafayette Academy: A Classical School, shares her passion for preserving American values through classical education. Inspired by Thomas Jefferson Education and Cultural Literacy, she discusses how modern schools are failing kids and families by softening curriculums and pushing divisive ideologies. Referencing The Naked Communist’s 45 goals, Katy reveals threats to our Judeo-Christian roots and freedoms. Tune in to learn how Lafayette Academy fosters wisdom, truth, and strong citizens to safeguard our republic.For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/For Referenced Resources from the LadyK Podcast Click Here for Download

In this episode of the Lady K Podcast, Katy McKinney reflects on her journey from business to education, emphasizing the importance of enabling students to adopt a victor mentality rather than a victim mentality. She shares her personal experiences and teaching philosophy, which focuses on building confidence and resilience in children. Through anecdotes and practical strategies, Katy illustrates how fostering a culture of responsibility and self-governance can lead to significant personal growth and success for students.  In the end, our families, communities, and country are blessed.For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/For Referenced Resources from the LadyK Podcast Click Here for Download

In this conversation, Katy McKinney discusses the critical role of religion in democracy, emphasizing how it fosters a culture of voluntary law obedience. She explores the importance of teaching virtues and character in education, particularly at Lafayette Academy: A Classical School, where faculty and staff help nurture self-governance and personal responsibility within each student. McKinney shares anecdotes illustrating how children can learn to govern themselves and express gratitude – even at a very young age.  She highlights the need for families and schools to work together in nurturing these values for the betterment of the nation.For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/For Referenced Resources from the LadyK Podcast Click Here for Download

In this conversation, Katy McKinney, founder of Lafayette Academy, shares her journey into the world of history education, sparked by a profound lecture she experienced on American history. She discusses the importance of teaching history in schools on a daily basis, emphasizing its role if we want to cultivate informed, free-thinking citizens. McKinney highlights the value of experiential learning through field trips, which enhance students' appreciation for history. She believes that understanding history fosters family unity and civic responsibility, ultimately contributing to the preservation of the Republic.For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/For Referenced Resources from the LadyK Podcast Click Here for Download

In this conversation, Katy McKinney "LadyK" discusses the current crisis in American education, highlighting the mediocrity in both public and private schools. She shares how her journey of founding Lafayette Academy: A Classical School, is aimed at providing a high-quality education that fosters independent and critical thinking. LadyK emphasizes the importance of seeking out classical education options and the role of family engagement in the educational process.For more information about Lafayette Academy, A Classical School please visit https://lafayetteacademy.org/For Referenced Resources from the LadyK Podcast Click Here for Download