Matthew McKowen

At the heart of every person is a desire to know and to be known. We believe a truly human education addresses our deepest longings—to pursue knowledge, to have meaningful friendships, and to grow in wisdom and virtue. Valor Education exists to educate the whole person in authentic communities for a full human life. Through our classical charter schools and the Valor Institute, we build communities dedicated to wisdom, virtue, and friendship. Valor Classical Charter Schools Valor operates a network of the highest quality K-12 tuition-free classical charter schools. Our distinctive program offers students a full human education rooted in the classical liberal arts tradition, from the Great Books to fine arts to advanced math and science. In 2022-2023, Valor serves over 2,200 students in central Texas. Through Socratic teaching and a school culture filled with joy, respect, and deep engagement, our classical schools are forming students in wisdom and virtue so they can become fully alive and truly free. The Valor Institute Every civilization has its own unique challenges. The Valor Institute is a creative response to the challenges of our time: the degradation of civic discourse, a reductionist view of the natural world, and the fraying bonds of friendship and community. Through our centers in Austin and San Diego, the Institute offers a rich and personal counter-proposal to these challenges. Each of our initiatives is designed to cultivate wisdom, inspire gratitude, and deepen friendship.