America the Beautiful: A Celebration of God’s Providence and Idea of Liberty
Why This Summit?
The Biblical Classical Homeschool Summit is the premier summit offering speaking sessions with a thoroughly Christian Education—The Biblical Classical Approach—in each topic. It’s completely gospel-centric. Plus, it shows the flow of liberty from Creation to the Restoration Era.
June 23rd
Creation
“The Principles of Liberty: From Genesis to the Founding Era”
- Liberty is God’s Idea
- The Principles of Liberty
- Consequences
If the Bible doesn’t mention America, where do its ideas of liberty come from? Join Heather Hall as she traces God’s principles of liberty from Genesis to the foundations of America and shows how they apply today.
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Heather Hall is a homeschooling mother of ten, grandmother, speaker, author, and Christian education leader dedicated to helping families implement Biblical Classical homeschooling. She is the founder of PrincipledAcademy.com, the Biblical Classical Homeschool Experience membership, Biblical Classical Community, the Principles in Practice Podcast, and the Biblical Classical Homeschool Summits.
As a certified Master Teacher in the Principle Approach® and a certified teacher of America’s Christian form of government, Heather equips parents to simplify homeschooling, disciple their children through a biblical worldview, and cultivate confidence in God’s providence and truth. She also serves alongside her husband, Brian, in Biblical Classical education ministries and with the OCEANetwork Freedom Watch Team.
Heather Hall | Biblical Classical Teacher
Principled Academy
Regenerated. Renewing. Transforming.
Biblical Classical Homeschoolers
Starts at 2:00 PM (PST)
Christ
“Christ, the Turning Point in History”
- Nation-Making
- The Fullness of Time
- The Gospel and Liberty Spread
Why did liberty flourish in America? Join Heather Hall as she shares how Christ was the turning point in history and why that matters for understanding freedom today.
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Heather Hall is a homeschooling mother of ten, grandmother, speaker, author, and Christian education leader dedicated to helping families implement Biblical Classical homeschooling. She is the founder of Principled Academy, the Biblical Classical Homeschool Experience membership, Biblical Classical Community, the Principles in Practice Podcast, and the Biblical Classical Homeschool Summits.
As a certified Master Teacher in the Principle Approach® and a certified teacher of America’s Christian form of government, Heather equips parents to simplify homeschooling, disciple their children through a biblical worldview, and cultivate confidence in God’s providence and truth. She also serves alongside her husband, Brian, in Biblical Classical education ministries and with the OCEANetwork Freedom Watch Team.
Heather Hall | Biblical Classical Teacher
Principled Academy
Regenerated. Renewing. Transforming.
Biblical Classical Homeschoolers
Starts at 2:30 PM (PST)
The Medieval Era
“The Bible in English”
- Key Individuals
- The Value of the Bible
- The Impact of the Gospel
Do you know the story of the Bible in English? The history of the English Bible is a story of courage, sacrifice, and freedom. Join Dixie Thompson as she recounts this important story and explores its connection to liberty in America.
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Dixie Thompson is an experienced Christian educator, mentor, and speaker with nearly 30 years of administrative leadership in Christian schools, including helping found two schools. Her extensive training through Pilgrim Institute equipped her to develop and implement school programs grounded in an American Christian philosophy of education and the Principle Approach®.
Mrs. Thompson is passionate about mentoring homeschooling mothers and teachers, encouraging them to apply biblical principles in education while preserving and teaching America’s Providential history, individual liberty, and self-government. She serves as a Pilgrim Institute Field Associate in Florida and as a member of the Pilgrim Institute Board of Directors. She is also involved with the True North Academy Homeschool Co-op.
A devoted wife for more than 50 years to her late husband, Bob, Dixie is the mother of two children and grandmother of four.
Dixie Thompson | Biblical Classical Teacher
True North Academy Homeschool Co-op, FL
Starts at 3:00 PM (PST)
The Reformation Era
Enjoy our complimentary Providential History mini course, The Protestant Reformation in England.
The Pilgrim Era
Enjoy our complimentary Providential History mini course, The Pilgrims: a Model of Christian Character.
“God Made Seasons: Understanding God’s Providence in Creation, Life, and History”
- Key Events: Creation, Fall, Restoration
- An In-Depth Look at Seasons
- Historical Application: The Pilgrims
Have you ever done a topical study on seasons? Join Tauna Meyer as she shares her in-depth exploration of this fascinating topic using the Biblical Classical Approach to education.
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Tauna Meyer is a homeschooling mom of six, speaker, leader, and founder of ProverbialHomemaker.com. She helps Christian parents simplify homeschooling, build strong family discipleship habits, and find encouragement for the challenges of everyday life. Tauna also serves alongside her husband, Aaron, with OCEANetwork, advocating for homeschool freedom in Oregon.
“Influence of the Pilgrims on the Colonies”
- America: How it Became the Sole Bastion of Liberty and Justice in the World
- The Puritans and Their Role in Education
- The Pilgrims and Their Influence
How do minority convictions turn into a movement of God? Join Ron Kirk for an insightful and encouraging session for kingdom and mission-minded individuals.
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Ron Kirk studied The Principle Approach® under its founding leaders, developed curriculum, built schools, and taught every school subject and grade since 1980. Ron’s passion is sharing applied Biblical faith with adults and educating children. Ron has worked for Nordskog Publishing Christian book publisher as manuscript review, theology, and newsletter editor. He’s a contributing teacher via Biblical Classical Community’s Biblical Classical Homeschool Summit (online).
June 24th
The Pilgrim Era, Continued
“Plymouth Beyond the First Thanksgiving”
- The Root of Compassion
- The Root of the Gospel
- The Root of Peaceful Co-Existence
Most people know about the “Pilgrims” up to the Harvest Festival (Thanksgiving Feast) in the fall of 1621. They may know about the 66-day voyage, the deadly first winter, Squanto and Chief Massasoit. That’s about where their knowledge ends.
We want to do better. The first 50 years in America were critical years. They set the course for what became the United States. Despite the tragic events at the end of 50 years (King Phillip’s War), the roots of liberty were planted and still remain. This seminar will deal with three of those roots.
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Dave Lucas is a researcher and a teacher. He helped his wife Leanne Lucas with the research for her book The Reluctant Pilgrim.
Dave Lucas | Teacher at Westside Church
LeanneLucas.com
The Reluctant Pilgrim by Leanne and David Lucas
Read the review here!
Session Start Time 2:00 PM (PST)
“Forgotten Allies of the American Revolution”
- God Used Lesser Known Allies
- Military Officers and Engineers
- Financial and Logistical Support
The American Revolution wasn’t won alone. Join Ted Lamb as he uncovers the forgotten allies whose support proved crucial to the cause of liberty.
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Ted Lamb is a career teacher and a lover of history. He—along with his best friend and wife of 27 years—has two children which both were homeschooled during their education careers. He has taught students on three different continents as a Teaching English as a Second Language teacher, as well as a history and government educator in the United States. Additionaly, he is a teacher at Biblical Classical Community. Ted is certified as a Master Teacher in The Principle Approach® through The Foundation for American Christian Education. He also has a master’s degree in special education from Bowling Green State University.
“250 Years of Private Property”
- Private Property from Creation
- The Pilgrims: A Historical Example of Private Property
- Trusting and Glorifying God
Is private property a biblical principle—and how did America’s founders view it? Join JanetSue Whetzel as she uncovers the biblical and historical foundations of private property, explores pivotal challenges to property rights in America, and discusses what it takes to sustain them today.
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JanetSue Whetzel taught with Clair Boettcher, Reading Class, for 19 years at Christian Heritage School at YWAM in Tyler, Texas. She helped Mr. Kilkenny start the Teachers for the Nations School, with the goal to start a Teacher for the Nations school on a Jamaica YWAM missions base in the future. Additionally, she taught part of the day in kindergarten and in elementary grades for music. Part of her career involved starting a Teachers for the Nations 9-month school in Jamaica. JanetSue continues teaching through missions and via BiblicalClassicalCommunity.com.
JanetSue Whetzel | Biblical Classical Teacher
Biblical Classical Community
Session Start Time: 3:30 PM (PST)
The Founding Era
“The Life and Character of George Washington”
- Why George Washington is an American Hero
- What propelled George Washington’s Bravery
- His Education, Curriculum, Habits, and Faith
- God’s Providence in Washington’s Life
What’s so special about George Washington? Join Max Lyons as he portrays George Washington and shares the true story of his life and leadership. This engaging presentation is especially well-suited for young students and life-long learners!
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Dr. Max Lyons is a veteran Christian educator, administrator, author, and speaker with more than four decades of experience in Christian education. Since 1979, he has served in numerous leadership roles, including principal, head administrator, CFO, and director of guidance in Christian schools. He holds degrees in Mathematics, Christian School Administration, and Christian Education.
From 2014–2025, Dr. Lyons served as Director of Teaching Services for the Foundation for American Christian Education (FACE), where he specialized in Biblical worldview education, the Principle Approach®, teacher training, curriculum development, and educational consulting. He is a frequent conference speaker, coach, and curriculum writer in the areas of Bible, history, government, economics, and Christian education.
Dr. Lyons is the author or co-author of numerous books and educational resources, including Student Worldview Dictionary, Guardians of Liberty, Free Men and Free Markets, and Thinking and Acting Like Jesus. His work has been translated and used internationally, including in Brazil and Spanish-speaking countries.
He currently serves as President of The Biblical Thinker and continues to write, teach, and mentor educators while enjoying family life with his wife, Margie, their four children, and eight grandchildren.
June 25th
The Founding Era, Continued
“Patrick Henry, the Founders, and Liberty”
- Liberty is God’s Gift
- Liberty Has Boundaries
- Liberty Requires Virtue
- Liberty Requires Self-Government
- Liberty is Threatened by Disorder and Chaos
- Liberty is Must be Taught
What is liberty, really? Join Jill White as she explores this important question and examines how virtue, responsibility, and self-government form the foundation of lasting liberty.
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Jill White is a national and international speaker, audiences of every age find Jill’s delivery to be engaging, humorous, and purposeful. She’s a noted Top Ten speaker with several organizations. No group is too large or too small. All speaking engagements are custom tailored to fit the needs of your organization or group. You can learn about her coaching and consulting business here. Jill is also a certified teacher in the Principle Approach® through the Foundation for American Christian Education.
Jill White | Biblical Classical Teacher
Jill White Coaching and Consulting
Session Time: 2:00 PM (PST)
The Expansion Era
“The Lewis and Clark Expedition”
- The Only Known Visible Evidence of Their Expedition
- A Double-Edged Sword for America
- Expansion and the Louisiana Purchase
- The Corps of Discovery
- The Curious Thomas Jefferson
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Patrick Nurre is a Christian geologist, educator, and author who teaches geology from a young-earth creationist perspective. After shifting from secular geology following his conversion to Christianity, he became an advocate for Biblical creation. He founded Northwest Treasures and The Geology Learning Center in Yakima, Washington, and has authored 17 geology books for PreK–12 students. Nurre teaches classes, leads field trips, and speaks at conferences, integrating geology, Scripture, and history in his educational work.
The Restoration Era
“Foundation of Biblical Government”
- John Wycliffe: Conceptualized Self-government
- View of Sovereignty
- Source of Government
Many people have strong opinions about government, faith, and freedom. Join Bill Burtness as he addresses the question: What is the biblical worldview of government? How do you think biblical principles should influence government today?
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Bill Burtness has a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and is a YWAM missionary. He has taught with an educational approach with Biblical Reasoning, Principles of Liberty, and a Providential Worldview internationally and in America. Bill and his wife Susan and their four children have been missionaries with Youth with a Mission since 1974. Their children are Rachael (Piercey), Rebekah (Frost), John, and Mark – all of whom are excited about Jesus and serving Him with their families. He is a contributing course and summit teacher through Biblical Classical Community. Bill is the author of: The Judah Bible Curriculum (K-12), a Bible class curriculum, designed to be an entry-level in The Principle Approach® philosophy and method. Also, he has authored The Third Alternative: Christian Self-Government and Self-Evident Truths.
Session Time: 3:30 PM (PST)
“Restoring American Christian Education”
- Rousseau’s Road to Learning
- Progressive Problems
- Biblical Truth and Teaching
- Reformation and Restoration
Was education in America always the way it is today? Join Heather Hall as she explores the history of American education and the role of biblical education in shaping learning and character.
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Heather Hall is a homeschooling mother of ten, grandmother, speaker, author, and Christian education leader dedicated to helping families implement Biblical Classical homeschooling. She is the founder of Principled Academy, the Biblical Classical Homeschool Experience membership, Biblical Classical Community, the Principles in Practice Podcast, and the Biblical Classical Homeschool Summits.
As a certified Master Teacher in the Principle Approach® and a certified teacher of America’s Christian form of government, Heather equips parents to simplify homeschooling, disciple their children through a biblical worldview, and cultivate confidence in God’s providence and truth. She also serves alongside her husband, Brian, in Biblical Classical education ministries and with the OCEANetwork Freedom Watch Team.
Heather Hall | Biblical Classical Teacher
Principled Academy
Regenerated. Renewing. Transforming.
Biblical Classical Homeschoolers
Session Start Time: 4:45PM (PST)
“Calling This Generation”
- To Hear and Remember
- To Commit
- To Walk in Our Individual Calling
How is God calling this generation to walk in the truth that brings liberty? Join Jeanette Whittaker for encouragement and practical ways to equip the next generation to stand fast on the solid foundation of God’s Word.
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Mrs. Jeanette Whittaker inspires both children and adults with her interest in Biblical thinking and her passion for literature and learning. As a young teenager, she was challenged by her pastor to a conviction that the Word of God speaks to every aspect of life–including both individuals and institutions. This conviction prompts her to encourage others in the practice of Biblical research and reasoning regarding educational disciplines, topics of interest, qualities of character, and more. Her own education from an American Christian philosophy, combined with her ability as a captivating story-teller, makes her a welcome speaker on both historic and literary subjects. She currently serves in leadership for Pilgrim Institute, a ministry she has been part of since 1983. In addition to 10 years of classroom teaching at both elementary and secondary levels, she currently educates her two children at home. She is also a contributing author to The Mighty Works of God Providential history series for children, and is the co-author of An American Christian Approach for Teaching Christopher Columbus in the Primary Grades.
- The Principle Approach® is a registered trademark of the Foundation for American Christian Education.