Different by Design

In a world where anxiety and stress are impacting students more than ever before, how do we help children grow in resilience, confidence, and faith rather than fear?In this important conversation, Matt Dixon, Liz Caddow, and Kelly Bond discuss anxiety, parenting, productive struggle, emotional resilience, and what it looks like to raise children grounded in truth and identity in Christ.

S2E9 | From its inception, Trinity has sought to serve the whole body of Christ through its approach to education. Beyond our traditional programs, we have extended that mission to support families in a variety of contexts.As more parents desire greater freedom in how their children are taught and formed, Libertas Preparatory School provides that flexibility while remaining rooted in a Christian context.Libertas LIVE offers an on-campus experience for independent learners, blending at-home education with structured, relational classroom time that fosters both growth and community.To listen to The Classical Academy Podcast, visit ⁠https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com. To learn more about Trinity Classical Academy, visit ⁠https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com

S2E8 | Campus security looks different today than it did 20–30 years ago—but how should a classical Christian school approach it?In this episode of Different by Design, Matt Dixon and Liz Caddow are joined by Trinity's Security Coordinator, Blanca Aguila, to discuss how Trinity Classical Academy prioritizes safety with wisdom, stewardship, and trust in Christ—without creating a culture of fear.From behind-the-scenes security measures to the role of relationships on campus, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at what it means to create a secure and joyful learning environment.To listen to The Classical Academy Podcast, visit ⁠https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com. To learn more about Trinity Classical Academy, visit ⁠https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com

What does classical education actually look like in real life?In this new Different By Design episode, Dr. Chris Perrin breaks down the practical scaffolding of classical Christian education — helping parents understand how it works, why it matters, and how it carries into everyday family life.Listen to a practical demonstration of what a Trinity education produces: https://youtu.be/_j--YjoDJJkTo listen to The Classical Academy Podcast, visit ⁠https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com. To learn more about Trinity Classical Academy, visit ⁠https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com

S2E6 | In this episode of Different by Design, host Matt Dixon is joined by Trinity’s Founder & Head of School, Liz Caddow, and Director of Development, Dana Hendrickson, for a conversation on stewardship, faithful investment, and how generosity shapes both the daily experience of students and Trinity’s long-term mission.As we celebrate 25 years of God’s faithfulness, we explore the heart behind giving, the impact of Trinity’s Annual Fund, and the purpose of our upcoming 25th Anniversary Gala—looking back with gratitude and forward with hope.To listen to The Classical Academy Podcast, visit ⁠https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com. To learn more about Trinity Classical Academy, visit ⁠https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com

S2E5 | More than a decade after walking across Trinity’s graduation stage, this episode highlights James and Beth Brooks as they share how their time at Trinity continues to shape their faith, their family, their marriage, their work and even their parenting to this day. This is an episode about the long view. What lasts from a Trinity education once all the tests and deadlines and projects are grades are behind you. If you’ve ever wondered, “What kind of men and women do Trinity students become?” or “Is the investment really worth it in the long run?” this episode is for you.To listen to The Classical Academy Podcast, visit ⁠https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com. To learn more about Trinity Classical Academy, visit ⁠https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com

S2E4 | Our world is changing fast right before our eyes. As parents, we’re left wondering why our sons seem unmotivated and our daughters anxious. Screens, culture, and pressures from all around seem to be shaping our children’s hearts faster than we can. In this episode of Different by Design, Dr. Leonard Sax—physician, psychologist, and author of Boys Adrift and Girls on the Edge—joins us to unpack what’s really happening with kids today and what a true education really looks like to shape students in the things that truly matter. *A note that there are a couple of mature themes in this episode but they are brief and clinical in nature. To listen to The Classical Academy Podcast, visit ⁠https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com. To learn more about Trinity Classical Academy, visit ⁠https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com

S2E3 | As Trinity Classical Academy celebrates 25 years, we look back on the stories that helped shape our school’s legacy. In this episode, host Matt Dixon and Founder & Head of School Liz Caddow sit down with alumni parents Greg Wolf and Cathy MacAdam to reflect on Trinity’s early days, the decision to join the community, and how that choice continues to bear fruit decades later. To listen to The Classical Academy Podcast, visit ⁠https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com. To learn more about Trinity Classical Academy, visit ⁠https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com

S2E2 | This week on the Different by Design podcast, we’re talking about the littlest of the littles—Trinity’s Pre-K & TK programs. This year we launched our brand-new Pre-K class at Trinity, and we’re celebrating the joy these little learners have already brought to campus! Host Matt Dixon sits down with Liz Caddow, Elizabeth Hosmann, and Sarah Robertson to unpack why we invest in these earliest years, how we help parents discern readiness, and what it looks like to begin shaping a biblical worldview from day one. To listen to The Classical Academy Podcast, visit ⁠https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com. To learn more about Trinity Classical Academy, visit ⁠https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com

S2E1 | We’re kicking off Season 2 by celebrating Trinity Classical Academy’s 25th year! Host Matt Dixon sits down with Founder & Head of School Liz Caddow to look back on God’s faithfulness, the school’s founding vision, and the prayers and challenges that shaped Trinity’s first 25 years. As we look ahead, hear how Trinity remains Different by Design in today’s culture and what’s next for the year ahead. To listen to The Classical Academy Podcast, visit ⁠https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com. To learn more about Trinity Classical Academy, visit ⁠https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com

S1E10 | Raising the next generation is a God-given mandate entrusted, first and foremost, to parents and families. At Trinity Classical Academy, we partner with families in this important work, striving to cultivate students who not only think deeply and demonstrate strong academic abilities, but, more importantly, also know Christ and strive to make Him known in every aspect of their lives.In today’s episode, we sit down with two Trinity dads to hear their stories and experiences from partnering with Trinity while raising their children. Their experiences offer encouragement, wisdom, and a glimpse into the heart of our school and community. Welcome to Different by Design. To listen to The Classical Academy Podcast, visit ⁠https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.comTo learn more about Trinity Classical Academy, visit ⁠https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com

S1E9 | Subjects like math and science seem to rule the day in modern culture. But, how can we approach and understand these subjects, as God intended, from a Christian worldview? And where do they fit in the overall scope of a Trinity education? In today’s episode, we’re joined by members of Trinity’s science and mathematics faculty for a thought-provoking discussion that continually points us to the Creator in our exploration of these subjects, with an inside look at what students receive in the classroom on a daily basis. Welcome to Different by Design. To listen to The Classical Academy Podcast, visit ⁠https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.comTo learn more about Trinity Classical Academy, visit ⁠https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com

S1E8 | What kind of student can a Trinity education produce? Where does it take them and what are they doing now? For us, education is more than getting into “that college” or securing “that job” but truly looks at the kind of person they have become—and are becoming. Living lives of purpose, devoted to Christ, always matters more than external outcomes. In the first installment of our Alumni Series, we sit down with two Trinity alums to hear more about their time at Trinity and learn about the fruits of their education. Welcome to Different by Design.To listen to The Classical Academy Podcast, visit https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.c...To learn more about Trinity Classical Academy, visit https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com

S1E7 | We’ve often heard it said that anything worth doing is probably going to be hard. And, when it comes to educational pursuits, we know that getting those grades, pursuing those goals, and accomplishing the tasks ahead are not only difficult but often come with unforeseen challenges. We push ourselves, along with our students and children, because we know we’re capable of more and we want to be prepared and useful to all that the Lord has for us. And yet, the Lord uses things like school life and educational processes to shape more than just our minds, but our hearts and affections as well. On today’s episode, we get to hear first-hand testimonies from Trinity seniors who have pushed through, stayed the course, and have only begun to find the benefit on the other side. Welcome to Different by Design.To listen to The Classical Academy Podcast, visit https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com/about/podcastTo learn more about Trinity Classical Academy, visit https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com

S1E6 | God doesn’t make mistakes—even in the hard things. Every child we serve at Trinity is made in His image, with unique gifts and challenges. In this episode, we’re joined by Megan Howell, Principal of Special Education, and Dana Hendrickson, Trinity mom and Director of Development, to talk about The Imago Dei School and how we serve students with special needs. Tune in for an encouraging look at what’s possible for all of God’s children in their academic journey. Welcome to Different by Design. To listen to The Classical Academy Podcast, visit https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com/about/podcast To learn more about Trinity Classical Academy, visit https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com

S1E5 | God created beauty—and through music and the arts, we get to experience it daily. But how can we use these gifts to shape students who not only appreciate beauty but know their Creator more deeply? We sit down with Trinity’s Director of Fine Arts, Tom Brown, and Choral Director, Elissa Butler, to explore how the arts can be a powerful tool for discipleship and formation. Welcome to Different by Design.To listen to The Classical Academy Podcast, visit https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com/about/podcastTo learn more about Trinity Classical Academy, visit https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com

S1E4 | What role do athletics play at a classical, Christian school? Does participation in sports detract from the pursuit of a true education? On this episode of Different by Design, we tackle this very question, examining the proper role of athletics in shaping students’ development and formation as true disciples of Christ—using sports for purposes far greater than personal accolades or the score on a scoreboard. Welcome to Different by Design.To listen to The Classical Academy Podcast, visit https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com/about/podcastTo learn more about Trinity Classical Academy, visit https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com

S1E3 | 12,000 to 15,000 hours. That’s the average amount of time a typical student spends at school from Kindergarten to 12th grade! Inevitably, this time in school comes with bumps and challenges, but how can we help students learn and grow through these…all while making them an intentional part of their academic journey? Join us today as we sit down with Trinity’s Upper School Principal, Wendy Massetto, and Head of School, Liz Caddow, to discuss the typical pain points of a student's journey and provide ways to stay the course and help students and parents alike in the process. Welcome to Different by Design. To listen to The Classical Academy Podcast, visit https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com/about/podcast To learn more about Trinity Classical Academy, visit https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com

S1E2: Is your child ready for Kindergarten? How can you be sure? Starting school is a big step, and choosing the right school can feel overwhelming. At Trinity Classical Academy, we believe readiness goes beyond academics—it’s about laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning and developing godly character. On this episode of Different by Design, join Trinity’s Kindergarten faculty as they share practical insights on what truly matters when preparing your child for this exciting milestone.The Different by Design Podcast serves as a resource for Trinity Classical Academy families, exploring how Trinity’s approach to education and school life equips students and parents to live purposefully and differently in today’s world. Through discussions on education, parenting, community, and culture—all rooted in a Biblical worldview—the podcast inspires families to pursue wisdom, virtue, and a life of faith that will glorify God and transform culture. Welcome to Different by Design.To listen to The Classical Academy Podcast, visit https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com/about/podcastTo learn more about Trinity Classical Academy, visit https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com/

S1E1: Origins show the heart, the vision. But after two decades, does it remain? In today's episode, we sit down with Trinity's Head of School and Founder, Liz Caddow to discuss Trinity's past, present, and future.The Different by Design Podcast serves as a resource for Trinity Classical Academy families, exploring how Trinity’s approach to education and school life equips students and parents to live purposefully and differently in today’s world. Through discussions on education, parenting, community, and culture—all rooted in a Biblical worldview—the podcast inspires families to pursue wisdom, virtue, and a life of faith that will glorify God and transform culture. Welcome to Different by Design.To learn more about Trinity Classical Academy, visit https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com/To listen to The Classical Academy Podcast, visit https://www.trinityclassicalacademy.com/about/podcast