Classical School of Wichita

In the latest episode of the podcast, Dr. Dernlan sits down with fourth-grade teacher Jordan Dennis to talk about the path that led him to classical Christian education and what he loves about teaching fourth grade. Jordan shares about the joy of helping students make connections across subjects and the beauty of weaving history and the Bible throughout the curriculum. Tune in to hear why he believes an integrated approach to education helps students see the bigger picture and grow in wisdom and understanding.

In the latest episode of the podcast, Dr. Dernlan sits down with second-grade teacher Stephanie Neisler to talk about her Wichita roots, her theater and athletics experiences, and how they eventually led her to coaching and teaching. Stephanie shares stories from her years in the classroom, what she has learned along the way, and what she loves most about teaching at CSW.

In this week’s podcast, Dr. Tim Dernlan sits down with our new Activities Director, Tyler Busenitz, to get to know the newest member of the CSW leadership team. Mr. Busenitz brings a wealth of experience in school activities, athletics, and fine arts, along with a lifelong connection to Christian education.

Joining the CSW community this year, Tyler shares a little about his background, his passion for helping students thrive beyond the classroom, and his vision for athletics and fine arts at Classical School of Wichita. Get to know the man behind the new role and hear wh...

This week, Dr. Dernlan sits down with Benjamin Schmidt to discuss the path that led him to teaching Integrated Humanities. Ben reflects on growing up in a missionary family, studying history and communications in college, and later pursuing postgraduate studies focused on church history and theology. Along the way, he discovered a love for teaching and the unique role the humanities play in helping students think deeply about faith, culture, history, and what it means to live well. Together, they explore vocation, education, and the enduring value of the humanities classroom.

What happens when a chemist feels called to ministry and then to education? In this episode, Dr. Dernlan talks with Michael Bucy about his journey from the lab to seminary to the halls of CSW. Now serving as a science teacher, coach, and House Administrator, Mr. Bucy shares how each step prepared him to mentor students academically, spiritually, and personally.

In this episode of the CSW Podcast, Dr. Dernlan sits down with Upper School humanities teacher Kris Darrah, a true original Saint. Having taught at CSW since the very beginning, Kris has guided students in 6th grade, 7th–8th grade, and 11th–12th grade classrooms. Beyond academics, she has coached tennis, launched CSW’s cheer program, and left a lasting mark on our school culture. A new author and a beloved teacher, Kris reflects on her journey, her students, and what makes CSW such a special place.

What’s it like to serve CSW as both a leader and a parent? In this episode, CFO Ben Zickafoose and Head of School, Dr. Tim Dernlan, talk through Ben’s background, career, and life at CSW. From coaching on the court to managing finances and raising a family in the CSW community, Ben shares how the school has impacted his family and why he believes so strongly in its mission.

Head of School Dr. Timothy Dernlan sits down with Director of Admissions Julie Kice to discuss her journey to CSW and how classical Christian education has formed her family.

In this episode, our Head of School sits down with Classical School of Wichita’s Athletic Director for a conversation about his journey in athletics, coaching, and education, and how those experiences have shaped CSW’s athletic program.

Episode notes

Guests: Headmaster Josh Dyson, Upper School Principal Grant Bickell

Topic: Josh reads through out Philosophy of Modesty.

Guests: Headmaster Josh Dyson, Upper School Principal Grant Bickell, and Athletic Director Tim Dolloff

Topic: Hear from CSW Athletic Director Tim Dolloff about why sportsmanship matters for CSW.

Episode notes

Guests: Headmaster Josh Dyson, Upper School Principal Grant Bickell, and Athletic Director Tim Dolloff

Topic: Hear from CSW Athletic Director Tim Dolloff about why we do athletics at CSW.

Guests: Headmaster Josh Dyson and Upper School Principal Grant Bickell

Topic: Discussing the transcendentals of truth, goodness, and beauty.

Hosts: Headmaster Josh Dyson and Upper School Principal Grant Bickell

Guests: CSW Alumni Dad, Jim Logan

Topic: Jim's encouragement to CSW Dads

Guests: Headmaster Josh Dyson and Upper School Principal Grant Bickell

Topic: Discussing Homecoming week and all the activities involved.

Guests: Headmaster Josh Dyson and Upper School Principal Grant Bickell

Topic: The upcoming Dad's Connection event and its importance for fostering community and connection among current and alumni dads.

Guests: Headmaster Josh Dyson and Upper School Principal Grant Bickell

Topic: The importance of the Liberal Arts, with a focus on the trivium (grammar, logic, and rhetoric).

Episode Title: Helping Your Student SOAR

Guests: Headmaster Josh Dyson and Upper School Principal Grant Bickell

Topic: The SOAR binder system and its impact on student organization and academic success.

Join us as Josh and Grant chat with Jarrod Richey from Geneva School in Louisiana.

This episode was originally recorded in January when Mr. Richey was here to help lead our winter dance.

JARROD RICHEY has been teaching general music and choir classes at Geneva Academy in West Monroe, LA, since 2008. He received his Master of Music degree from the University of Louisiana Monroe. Mr. Richey completed his Kodály music teacher certification from Wichita State University. He is pursuing a Ph.D. in Church Music and Worship at Southwestern Baptist T...

January 29, 2024

Hosted by Guillito

Guests: Noah and Grayson

January 22, 2024

Hosted by Grant Bickell and Heidi Wilkey

Guests: Daisy and Amayah

January 8, 2024

Hosted by Grant Bickell and Heidi Wilkey

Guests: Jacob and Kate

Join Coby Dolloff, Joshua Dyson, and Grant Bickell as Coby shares about G.K. Chesterton's poem "The House of Christmas."

December 11, 2023

Hosted by Grant Bickell and Heidi Wilkey

Guests: Emma, Addie, Graham, and Claire

Monday, December 4, 2023

Join Coby Dolloff and Grant Bickell as Coby shares about Gerard Manley Hopkins' poem, "As Kingfishers Catch Fire."

Date: November 6, 2023

Hosts: Sam Wilkey

Guests: Marcee Cosby, Isaac, Isaac, Blane, and Andrew

Date: October 30, 2023Hosts: Sam Wilkey, Heidi WilkeyGuests: Cael, Graham, and some Grammar students.

Date: October 16, 2023Hosts: Grant Bickell, Heidi WilkeyGuests: Some Grammar students.

Upper School Principal Grant Bickell talks with Headmaster Josh Dyson about one of the most common questions we get from parents - "What are you reading?"

Join Josh and Grant as they talk about the things they have been reading recently.Check out our website - www.cswsaints.com.

Recorded on campus in September of 2023.

Intro song written and produced by CSW Senior Isaac McConeghey.

Date: October 16, 2023Hosts: Sam Wilkey, Heidi WilkeyGuests: Evan Adams, Grant Bickell, and some Grammar students.

Date: October 9, 2023

Host: Sam Wilkey

Guests: Abe, Graeme, and some Grammar School Kiddos

Date: October 2, 2023

Hosts: Sam Wilkey

Guests: Adonaia, Ailee

Introduction:

Join Sam, Adonaia, Ailee, and some 2nd Graders as they chat through the most important things this week.

Join Josh, Heidi, and Grant as they expand on some of the topics from our Mandatory Parent Meeting.

Podcast: Homecoming Week Top 5!

Date: September 25, 2023

Host: Sam Wilkey

Guests: Charlotte, Elise, and Some Grammar Schoolers

Join Mr. Bickell and Mrs. Wilkey as they sit down with CSW students to discuss things you should know this week and listen until the end for some Grammar Schoolers sharing jokes. Truth, Beauty, and Good News#monday

Upper School Principal Grant Bickell talks with Headmaster Josh Dyson about why CSW wanted to prioritize getting a podcast off the ground. Join Josh and Grant as they begin our newest way to keep our parents informed.

Check out our website - www.cswsaints.com.

CSW's Mission and Vision - https://cswichita.com/vision/mission-vision/

Recorded on campus in September of 2023.

Intro song written and produced by CSW Senior Isaac McConeghey.