Hi, there! My name is Mala Cross, and I am a Classical Conversations homeschool graduate. I wanted to share a little of my journey with Classical Conversations and why I would encourage homeschool students and families to homeschool with CC from start to finish of high school.
My Homeschool Journey through High School
I first began Classical Conversations in Foundations at age seven, continued to Essentials around age nine, and then moved on to Challenge at age twelve. I have loved my journey with CC. Although I am sad to be done with CC, I am so excited about the plans God has waiting for me.
Throughout this incredible journey, Classical Conversations has enabled me to grow in leadership, excel in my academics, and make lifelong friendships.
Growing in Leadership
Classical Conversations is set apart from many school programs because kids and teens are encouraged to step up as leaders.
As you know, throughout the Challenge program, students are given countless opportunities to lead strands and walk alongside each other while working on various projects and assignments.
I remember stepping up to the whiteboard as a twelve-year-old in Challenge A and leading my classmates through a math problem. Little did I know that this would equip and prepare me to lead strands in Challenge III and IV. In Challenge I–III, students participate in Policy Debate and the Lincoln Douglas Debate.
Although I was not a fan of Debate, I quickly discovered that the skills I was learning would help me flourish in my public speaking skills, confidence, and willingness to lead others.
Read: “The Purpose of Challenge I Debates”
Excelling in Academics
Classical Conversations led me to excel in my academics.
At the age of twelve, in Challenge A, I had the opportunity to study and learn about the world. My classmates and I all practiced sketching different countries and continents, and eventually, we could draw the world from memory.
Throughout Challenge A–IV, students are taught how to write papers and essays. I will be honest and say that I was not a huge fan of writing papers for the longest time. It wasn’t until I wrote a short story in Challenge B that I fell in love with writing.
CC Plus
Something I love about Classical Conversations is the CC Plus Program through Southeastern University. This program allowed me to take classes for college through concurrent enrollment.
The nice part about CC+ is that the classes align with the assignments you have in Challenge. For example, I took English Composition 1 in Challenge III and English Composition 2 in Challenge IV through CC+, and I was able to refine my writing skills in many ways. Thanks to the feedback from my college professors, I am now able to write papers and essays with ease. And because of the CC+ Program, I was able to complete twelve hours of college classes.
Learn more about CC Plus
CC Plus Program | Master of Arts in Classical Studies | Odyssey Program
Creating Lifelong Friendships
Last but not least, Classical Conversations provided me with lifelong friendships.
I am so thankful for all the friends God blessed me with through Classical Conversations. I am grateful for the Directors and Tutors who have walked this journey with me. They truly have mentored and led me well over the years. I am overwhelmed by their love for the students and their hard work to support and encourage us. I also know I could not have done this without the help of my amazing classmates and my homeschool community.
What a joy it has been to embark on this exciting journey alongside my community and my family!
Homeschooling through High School
If you and your family are uncertain as to what your plans are for your Challenge student, I would encourage you to continue your time with Classical Conversations. Your student will continue growing in their leadership, improving in their education, and making those lifelong friendships.
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