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/

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 stamp
• What colleges actually look for in applicants
• How Lafayette measures learning and character every week

Listen 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/

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/

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/

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/