What if the key to raising resilient, grounded children isn't found in more activities, more technology, or more structured programs—but in less? In this episode, William Durant—a father of seven and founder of St. John Paul II Independent School—shares how faith and family shape the way he lives and educates his children. He explains the principles behind his Catholic classical school and why simplicity matters at home. William also shares why his family chose a tech-free household—and how life without TV or cell phones has opened the door to more connection, creativity, and play.

Highlights

• How a group of seven families launched a classical Catholic school during COVID out of a desire to have a voice in their children's education
• Why William and his wife Katie chose a no-TV, no-phone household and how they protect family time over organized sports
• The hybrid school model: Monday-Thursday in-person learning with homeschool Fridays to keep parents integral in their children's education
• What "discipline out of love" really means and why clear boundaries help children become good human beings
• The three-legged stool of education: liberal arts (shaping the mind), fine arts (shaping the heart), and common arts (shaping the hands)
• Hands-on learning experiences at JP2: tapping maple trees, extracting honey from beehives, tanning deer hides, and growing vegetables in hoop houses
• How reading aloud as a family—from The Hobbit to Little House on the Prairie—creates lasting memories and models what matters
• Why knowing who you are in God's eyes is the ultimate goal of childhood formation

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Welcome

00:13 - Founding of St. John Paul II Independent School

01:37 - Educational Philosophy and Curriculum

05:18 - Balancing Homeschool and Traditional School

05:27 - Daily School Routine and Structure

07:58 - Family Values and Home Life

13:05 - Faith as the Foundation of Family Life

16:37 - Discipline and Parenting Approach

19:51 - The Role of Discipline in Parenting

24:41 - Intentional Parenting and Family Activities

26:20 - Classical Education and Its Importance

28:30 - Unique Aspects of J2 School

33:16 - Integrating Common Arts into Education

34:13 - Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

Resources Mentioned

Books:

• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
• The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

Schools & Organizations:

• St. John Paul II Independent School (JP2)
• Classical U
• Diocese of Wichita

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with a friend or leave a review to help others find the show.

Take the first step by downloading the VELA app in the App Store or Google Play.