What Does a Classical Christian Education Classroom Look Like?

On April 14th at 6:30 PM, Christian Crossroads Academy invites parents and families to a special Practicum Workshop designed to bring clarity, confidence, and inspiration to the journey of classical Christian education.

This workshop comes as a direct response to the thoughtful questions raised during the Academy’s recent Information Night on March 26th. Many parents expressed enthusiasm for the philosophy of classical Christian education—but also voiced a very practical and important question: “This sounds wonderful philosophically—but what does it actually look like in the classroom for my 1st or 2nd grader? And why do those differences matter in shaping my child’s heart, mind, soul, and strength?”

To help answer that question, Christian Crossroads Academy is bringing in someone who has lived it, taught it, and seen its impact firsthand—Mr. Jim Langager.

Jim Langager is not just a speaker; he is a seasoned practitioner of classical Christian education. With 31 years of full-time teaching experience, he brings both depth and credibility to the conversation. Over the course of his career, Jim has taught students in grades 3 through 8 in both classical and traditional Christian schools across a wide range of settings—including the Seattle area, the Twin Cities, Montana, and North Dakota. He has also served in school leadership and helped launch a Christian school in Washington State.

Most recently, Jim taught at one of Minnesota’s top classical Christian academies, where he deepened his understanding of how classical methods shape not only academic excellence but also a student’s character and faith.

What makes Jim especially compelling is not just his experience—but his heart. His passion for Christian education is deeply rooted in a desire to see young people develop a genuine love for God and a strong biblical foundation for life.

As Jim shares:
“I’m looking forward to having a front row seat to watch God work in students’ lives, helping them develop a passionate love for Him and building a strong biblical foundation. What a privilege to partner with parents in preparing the next generation to impact the world for Jesus Christ!”

During the April 14th Practicum Workshop, Jim will provide a clear and practical window into what happens inside a classical classroom—especially at the Grammar Stage, which includes Kindergarten through 5th grade.

Rather than remaining in the realm of theory, Jim will walk parents through what they would actually see, hear, and experience if they stepped into a classroom. He will explain the methods of instruction used and how they align with the way God designed children to learn and grow.

Specifically, Jim will introduce the three stages of the Trivium—Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric—and explain how each stage corresponds to a child’s natural developmental progression. Parents will gain insight into why younger children thrive on memorization, repetition, and foundational knowledge—and how those early years set the stage for deeper reasoning and articulate expression later on.

He also brings a unique perspective on learning styles, emphasizing that classical education is not narrow or restrictive—but remarkably inclusive.

As Jim explains:
“I have a keen interest in learning styles—classical methodology meets every learning style. The beauty is that classical pedagogy is ‘classic’ and not trendy. It is tried and true!”

In a world where educational trends come and go, this workshop offers something refreshingly stable: a time-tested approach that has shaped thinkers, leaders, and faithful Christians for centuries.

Adding a personal dimension to the evening, Jim will also share his own journey—from being a traditional teacher to becoming a passionate advocate for classical education. With humility, he reflects:

“I am far from being an expert; however, I’ve seen firsthand the benefits of classical teaching and can speak to the impact it has on a child’s education.”

That authenticity resonates. Jim isn’t presenting theory from a distance—he is sharing a transformation he has lived.

Beyond his professional experience, Jim’s roots and story will feel familiar and meaningful to many in our region. Originally from Williston, he was raised on a cattle and grain farm near Epping. Today, he lives on a farm near Kenmare, where he often spots moose wandering through his backyard—a reminder of the beauty and rhythm of life in North Dakota. He recently traveled to Norway to visit his father’s birthplace on the island of Karmøy, deepening his appreciation for heritage and legacy.

That sense of legacy is, in many ways, what this workshop is all about.

For parents considering Christian Crossroads Academy, April 14th is an opportunity to move from curiosity to clarity—to see how educational philosophy translates into daily classroom practice, and why those methods matter in shaping not just what a child knows, but who they become.

If you’ve been wondering how classical Christian education nurtures your child’s heart, mind, soul, and strength—this evening is for you.

Join us on April 14th at 6:30 PM at River of Life. Childcare will be provided. Please RSVP to Kelly Patten at 701-628-2525 or Kelly@CCAnd.org.

Come ready to learn, to ask questions, and to take a meaningful step toward partnering in an education that is not only academically strong—but eternally significant.

Danita Bye

Danita Bye is a Leadership Futurist, Author, and Founding Board Member of Christian Crossroads Academy. She’s committed to restoring virtue-centered formation in education. Her work focuses on empowering leaders in an age of rapid technological change, where wisdom and discernment matter more than ever.

She partners with Christian leaders across education, business, and civic life who believe character ultimately determines impact. Danita serves on many boards in North Dakota and nationally that are focused on leadership and ethics. She is the author of Millennials Matter and the forthcoming Character Mandate, and a TEDx speaker passionate about forming leaders rooted in truth, courage, and faith.

Danita has a master’s in transformational leadership from Bethel University, MN. She currently lives near the TTT Ranch, in Stanley, North Dakota, where she grew up. She’s been married for 42 years and has six grandchildren.