Who We Are

The Classical Latin School Association (CLSA) is an association of elementary and secondary schools working to promote the transmission of the culture of the Christian West through the Classical Core Curriculum. The Classical Core Curriculum was developed at Highlands Latin School in Louisville, Kentucky. After teaching the mastery of basic skills and classical children’s literature in the primary grades, its dual focus is on the intellectual skills of the liberal arts and the cultural content of the great books from 3rd through 12th grade.


The Staff


Cheryl Lowe (1945–2017) | Founder

Cheryl Lowe was the founder of the Classical Latin School Association along with Martin Cothran. Mrs. Lowe was a Louisville native whose books and essays on Latin instruction have garnered a national reputation for excellence within the classical education renaissance. Yet, her own education was grounded initially in math and science. She held a B.S. in chemistry with honors from the University of Louisville, with minors in mathematics and history, and a master’s in biology from Western Kentucky University. In addition to writing Latina Christiana and the First Form Series, she also founded Memoria Press and Highlands Latin School. Mrs. Lowe passed away in June of 2017, yet her memory and example continue to daily inform the mission and vision of the Classical Latin School Association as we seek to pass on the culture of the Christian West.


Paul Schaeffer | Director

Paul Schaeffer is the Director of the Classical Latin School Association. He is a veteran teacher and administrator, having taught Latin, classical studies, and philosophy at Highlands Latin School, Memoria Academy, and other institutions. As the Head of School at Memoria Academy, Paul has navigated common challenges to all administrators. He has spent over 12 years consulting with school teachers and administrators on how to transition to classical education and hone the formation they impart to their students.


Kathy Becker | Assistant Director & School Representative, West

Kathy is a Schools Division Representative in the West for the Classical Latin School Association. Prior to her present role, she taught literature for the logic and rhetoric stages in a classical Christian school and then served on the school’s administrative team. As an educational consultant Kathy works with schools to promote the growth of classical education by meeting curricular and teacher training needs, while her college major in Biblical Studies informs her dedication to all things classical. 


Andy Sojourner | Director of Trademark Schools & School Representative, South

Andy is a Schools Division Representative in the Southeast for the Classical Latin School Association. After earning his B.A. in History from Florida State University and his M.A. in Educational Leadership from St. Leo University, Andy spent 15 years as a teacher and administrator in private schools with a brief interlude in ministry. Through supporting classical schools’ training and curricular needs, he is privileged to be a small participant in students’ encounters with truth, goodness, and beauty.


Sam Bankson | School Representative, Northeast

Sam is the Schools Division Northeast Representative for the Classical Latin School Association. During his time in seminary, Sam discovered Classical Education through the writings of Saint Augustine. As he continued his studies, Sam’s heart for education grew, and he began teaching at Highlands Latin School, where he teaches Roman History, Early Christianity, and The Aeneid. Sam is honored to work with schools around the country, and he hopes to assist Christian schools by pointing them toward the Great Tradition. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from North Greenville University, and his Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.


Thomas Jay | School Representative, West

Tom is a Schools Division Representative in the West for the Classical Latin School Association. Prior to joining the CLSA team Tom worked for many years as a teacher and administrator in private and charter schools. He is committed to the advancement of classical education and enjoys partnering with schools in developing curriculum and training teachers. Tom holds a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Humanities with a Concentration in Classical Education, both from the University of Dallas. 


Hunter Burnett | School Representative, Southeast

Hunter is the Schools Division Southeast Representative for the Classical Latin School Association. He taught history and logic at a Christian school in Watkinsville, Georgia before joining the CLSA team. Currently aside from his role with the CLSA, he teaches logic at the Highlands Latin Cottage School in Louisville, Kentucky. He is passionate about helping Christian schools to excel by upholding the rigor of a Classical education. He has a B.A. in History and a B.S.Ed. from the University of Georgia.


Jim Duncan | School Representative, Midwest

Jim is the Schools Division Midwest Representative for the Classical Latin School Association.  He served as a pastor for 31 years before joining the CLSA team. In 2015 he led Second Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, to start Coram Deo Classical School. Jim has a passion to help other churches yoke with Memoria Press and CLSA and start classical Christian schools as part of their community outreach. He has a B.S. in Biblical Studies from Mid-Continent Bible College, and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Covenant Seminary.


Cheryl Swope | School Representative, Special Needs

With a master’s degree in special education, Cheryl holds lifetime K-12 state teaching certifications in learning disabilities and behavior disorders. She has served in public and private schools, and is the author of the award winning curriculum and book, Simply Classical. Cheryl and her husband adopted boy/girl twins who have autism, learning disabilities, and schizophrenia. Now young adults, their love of literature, history, music, and Latin inspire Cheryl to share the hopeful message that a classical Christian education offers benefits to any child. Cheryl serves, supports, and equips families and classical Christian schools.


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