Brandon Strong Casts a Compelling Vision for Classical Christian Education
What if the key to reviving education—and restoring hope—lies not in something new, but something time-tested and true? Join Brandon Strong, Executive Director of Barry County Christian Schools, as he shares a bold vision for educational freedom and a Classical Christian revival across North Dakota and the Upper Midwest. In this powerful talk, Brandon challenges families to rethink their priorities, rediscover the purpose of education, and invest in what matters most: the hearts and minds of their children. Whether you're a parent, pastor, educator, or community leader, you’ll leave inspired to reclaim education for Christ—and for generations to come.
A Higher Standard: Reclaiming Education for Mind, Body & Soul
“Thank you for joining us today to learn more about your options for educational freedom here in Stanley and a spark of hope of what I believe will bring a Classical Christian eduction revival in North Dakota and the Upper Midwest.
From parents, I am often asked questions like, “How can I afford Christian education?” or “How can I homeschool my children and be unemployed?” My answer is fairly simple: How can you not?
Do you invest in your retirement? Remodel your home? Have hobbies? Take vacations? None of these are inherently wrong—many are good. But I would challenge you to rank them. What’s most important? What’s least? And do all of this before you consider your children. Now add your kids to the mix: your children, your retirement, your house, your hobbies, your vacations—five priorities. Does the ranking change? I’d wager that for every parent here, your children immediately take the top spot. They’re number one.
And if our children are truly our highest priority, then aligning everything else accordingly isn’t sacrifice—it’s stewardship. "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6, NKJV). Investing in your child’s formation isn’t something you “give up” to do—it’s simply what you do because it matters most. It’s not a burden. It’s a habit. And more than that, it’s your responsibility.
My wife Samantha and I have served at Barry County Christian Schools for the past 10 ½ years, alongside our five children—the oldest of whom graduated just last weekend. Before our time at BCCS, I was a high school principal, a college instructor and coach, and a public school teacher. And while I’ve seen many sides of education, I can tell you this: for many families, choosing a Christian education or stepping into homeschooling may feel like a sacrifice at first. But after experiencing the long-term impact of the so- called “free options,” it becomes clear that investing in your child’s formation is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
So what is Classical Christian Education?
C.S. Lewis in his preface of “The Great Divorce” said I do not think that all those who chose wrong roads parish, but their rescue consists in being put back on the right road.” And so is the case of education in today’s United State. We are currently lashed to an educational system that has not even been in existence for 150 years, and meanwhile desecrate the memory of how we educated our young throughout history.
Classical Christian education is not a new idea—it is a return to the way education was understood for centuries, long before modern systems reduced it to workforce training. It is a time-tested, historically grounded approach that shaped some of the greatest minds and leaders in Western civilization. And more importantly, it is an approach that sees your child as a whole person—mind, body, and soul—created in the image of God.
At the heart of this model is the Trivium, a three-part progression of learning that aligns with the natural development of a child.
But classical Christian education goes beyond academic achievement. At its core, it seeks to cultivate a deep love for what is true, a desire to live in alignment with what is good, and the ability to recognize and rejoice in what is beautiful. These ideals are not confined to art or philosophy—they are rooted in the nature and character of God Himself. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just… whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” (Philippians 4:8, NKJV)
Truth is not just a concept; it is found in Christ. Goodness is not merely ethical behavior; it is a life shaped by the fruit of the Spirit. Beauty is not shallow aesthetic—it is the reflection of God's order, creativity, and glory in the world around us.
Through every subject—whether literature, math, science, or language—students are being formed to love what is worthy of love. This is not education for the sake of information, but education for the sake of transformation.
Grammar Stage (Grades K–5):
The Grammar Stage is the foundation of a classical education. At this age, children are naturally gifted at memorization. They enjoy repetition, recitation, and song—and classical education harnesses that God-given ability. Importantly, this stage is not focused on educational depth; rather, it is focused on establishing building blocks of knowledge that future learning will be built upon.
Students engage in structured memory work across eight core areas of learning:
Bible
History
Science
English Grammar
Latin
Geography
Math
Timeline
Through daily recitations, songs, chants, and guided repetition, they begin to internalize the key facts and vocabulary that will later support deep understanding and critical thinking in the Logic and Rhetoric stages.
A unique and celebrated feature of this stage is the "Memory Master" program. Students who are able to demonstrate mastery by reciting all their memory work for the year—across all eight subjects—receive the title of Memory Master, a recognition of diligence, focus, and a joyful mastery of foundational knowledge.
This stage builds a mental framework—a rich reservoir of truth, language, and structure—so that when students reach the Logic and Rhetoric stages, they have the tools to analyze, argue, create, and lead with clarity and confidence.
Logic Stage (Grades 6–8):
As students grow into the middle school years, their minds begin to shift. They are no longer content with memorizing facts—they begin to ask questions, challenge ideas, and seek to understand how and why things work. This natural developmental stage is not resisted in classical education—it is embraced and shaped.
In the Logic Stage, we teach students how to think rightly. They begin to study formal logic, evaluate arguments, identify fallacies, and practice structured reasoning. But this stage is not just about winning debates or being clever with words. It’s about training young minds to pursue truth with humility and to evaluate ideas through the lens of Scripture.
Students are encouraged not just to get through textbooks or complete worksheets, but to dig deeper—to examine causes, to question assumptions, and to connect ideas across disciplines. We move beyond the “what” and begin to emphasize the “why.” Why does this historical event matter? Why do we believe this to be true? Why is this argument sound—or flawed?
We don’t suppress their questions—we welcome them. But we also train students to pursue answers through sound reasoning and biblical discernment. “The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” (Proverbs 18:15, NKJV)
In short, the Logic Stage is where a student’s love of truth becomes anchored in wisdom—and where the building blocks of the Grammar Stage begin to take shape into deeper understanding and discernment.
Rhetoric Stage (Grades 9–12):
In the final stage of a classical education, students learn to communicate with wisdom, clarity, and grace. The Rhetoric Stage is not simply about being well-spoken—it is about expressing truth in a way that is both beautiful and persuasive, rooted in the unchanging Word of God. This is the capstone of classical learning, where students are equipped not just to know what is right, but to articulate it compellingly in a culture of confusion.
Students in this stage are trained in advanced writing, formal rhetoric, public speaking, and biblical worldview analysis. They learn to synthesize ideas from theology, philosophy, literature, and history, and to speak into the world with both courage and humility. The aim is not merely to graduate articulate individuals, but to form wise, grounded, and gracious leaders who can serve their families, churches, and communities.
Two unique features define this stage at Barry County Christian Schools:
Junior Practicum:
At the conclusion of their sophomore year, each student begins the Junior Practicum process. They meet with staff mentors to identify strengths, interests, and possible vocational callings. During their junior year, students are placed in three different workplace environments, exposing them to a variety of fields—from business, ministry, and education to trades, healthcare, and nonprofit work. These placements provide firsthand experience and help students begin discerning how their gifts might serve the Lord in real-world settings.
Senior Thesis:
The culmination of the Rhetoric Stage is the Senior Thesis—a year-long capstone project that begins with the selection of a compelling, worldview-centered question. Students are paired with faculty advisors to conduct research, draft arguments, and refine their ideas through feedback and revision. In the spring of their senior year, each student presents and defends their thesis before a live panel of staff, community members, and local professionals. This rigorous process develops critical thinking, confident speech, and a deep ownership of truth, preparing them to speak with conviction in both the church and the public square.
The Rhetoric Stage represents the full flowering of the classical model. It takes all that was learned in the Grammar and Logic stages and brings it together in a student who not only knows truth but loves it, lives it, and can defend it with clarity and grace.
But let me be clear: Classical Christian education isn’t just about academic excellence—it’s about soul formation.
It’s about raising students who don’t just know facts, but love what is good. Who don’t just think critically, but live courageously. Who don’t just make a living, but make a difference for the Kingdom of God. “That the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:17, NKJV)
When parents ask me, “Why Classical Christian education?” I say this: Because it doesn’t just prepare your child for college. It prepares your child for life—and for eternity. As you consider a complete flip of script on education
But what they will receive is far more valuable than anything they may seem to miss: an education grounded in truth, shaped by biblical conviction, and centered on the formation of character, wisdom, and purpose. What they gain will last far beyond a transcript—it will shape the whole of who they become.”
Brandon Strong’s Bio
Brandon Strong is a seasoned Executive Director and educator with over 15 years of impactful leadership in Christian education. As Executive Director of Barry County Christian Schools, Brandon has led a transformative expansion from one campus to three, growing enrollment from 55 to over 250 students and increasing the operating budget from $210,000 to $1.3 million. His leadership has fostered the development of innovative educational initiatives, new revenue streams, and strong community partnerships. With a Master’s in K-12 Educational Leadership from South Dakota State University, Brandon brings expertise in servant leadership, enrollment strategy, and organizational development. He has also served as a school administrator, athletic director, and special education teacher, equipping him with broad insight into student development and educational operations. A dedicated community leader, Brandon has served on several boards and church elder teams, consistently modeling a heart for service, strategic growth, and Christian values in education.