How classical Christian education came to Fargo, North Dakota

02/10/25 • 35 min

Welcome to this podcast conversation about how a group of people worked together to open Capstone Classical Academy in Fargo, North Dakota. Two of the school's founding board members, Larry and June Nygard, talk with Tom Tucker, Capstone's Director of Advancement, about what motivated them to open a new school. They also talk about the vision, purpose, and future of this innovative educational institution.

In this video, you'll learn about:

**The Birth of Capstone Classical Academy** (00:00): Discover the story behind the creation of this unique academy.
- **Vision and Purpose Behind Classical Christian Education** (03:17): Understand the core principles driving classical Christian education and how it shapes students' development.
- **The Unique Approach of Classical Christian Education** (10:39): Dive into what makes Capstone’s educational method different from others.
- **Recruiting the Right Leadership** (12:55): Learn about the importance of strong leadership in building a successful educational community.
- **Community Support and Engagement** (17:01): See how Capstone connects with and is supported by its local community.
- **Hope and Accessibility in Education** (20:15): Explore the academy’s commitment to making education accessible to all families.
- **Inspiring Other Communities** (23:28): Hear how Capstone is inspiring other communities to embrace this model of education.
- **Future Aspirations for Capstone Classical Academy** (27:45): Get a glimpse into the future goals and ambitions for the academy’s growth and impact.

In this video, you'll learn about:

Previous Episode

School update with Capstone Classical Academy Headmaster Paul Fisher | Jan 23, 2025 001

In this podcast, Tom Tucker interviews Paul Fisher, headmaster of Capstone Classical Academy, discussing the exciting developments at the school, including the new facility, enrollment trends, scholarship initiatives, and future goals. The conversation highlights the school's commitment to community engagement and the unique educational model it offers, supported by partnerships with organizations like Hillsdale College.

takeaways

The new facility allows for a unified community experience.
Enrollment numbers are the strongest in the school's history.
The Golden Gryphon Fund supports accessibility for families in need.
Capstone aims to reach over 300 students for sustainability.
The partnership with Hillsdale College enhances faculty training.
Hiring local talent is a priority for the school.
The chapel and library symbolize the school's mission.
Community engagement is essential for Capstone's vision.
The school is focused on developing a robust high school program.
Capstone is open to building relationships with the community.

00:00
Introduction to Capstone Classical Academy

01:01
Celebrating the New Facility

04:35
Construction Updates and Future Plans

08:02
Enrollment Season Insights

11:12
Scholarships and Community Support

14:01
Goals for the Upcoming Year

15:01
Partnership with Hillsdale College

17:09
Hiring and Recruitment Strategies

19:23
Community Engagement and Closing Thoughts

Next Episode

Howard Dahl on Stewardship and Support for Capstone Classical Academy

In this conversation, Howard Dahl discusses the concept of stewardship, emphasizing the importance of time, talent, and treasure in giving. He reflects on his personal journey of generosity, the impact of classical Christian education, and the role of philanthropy in community engagement. Dahl also shares insights on global giving, particularly in relation to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and explores the relationship between business success and philanthropy.

Takeaways