SS#176: Prudence, the Queen of the Virtues

What is virtue—and why does it matter for homeschool moms? In this episode, we introduce our new retreat series on the virtues of the homeschool mother and explain why education cannot stop at avoiding vice. If education is truly for virtue, then we need a clearer picture of what virtue actually is.

We also discuss why prudence comes first. Far from being mere caution, prudence is the practical wisdom that helps us see reality clearly, choose well, and act with foresight. Drawing from Charlotte Mason, Aristotle, Aquinas, Alasdair MacIntyre, and other voices in the classical Christian tradition, we begin laying the groundwork for a richer, more practical understanding of virtue in everyday life.

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Announcing the 2026 Retreat!

[XX-XX] Scholé Every Day segment
[XX] Who’s idea was this?
[XX] Virtue v. Morality
[XX] Definitions of Virtue
[XX] Theological and Cardinal Virtues
[XX] Pursuing Virtue Is Biblical
[XX] What Is Prudence?
[XX] Our retreats are not for eggheads
[XX] We’re encouraging deflation!

Early bird registration is now open! Get the best price now until August 7!

Get the retreat details here

Today’s Hosts

Brandy Vencel

Mystie Winckler

Abby Wahl

New Retreat Series on Virtue

For years, we have said that education is for virtue—but virtue can remain one of those grand ideas everyone affirms without being quite sure what it means in ordinary life. Our new retreat series will slow down and take the virtues seriously, not as abstract ideals, but as habits of thought and action that shape the women, mothers, and teachers we are becoming.

Each retreat will focus on one virtue, drawing from the classical and Christian tradition while keeping the conversation practical. We want to understand what the virtue is, how its corresponding vices distort it, and what it looks like to practice it in the real work of homeschooling, homemaking, friendship, and family life.

We are beginning with prudence because prudence helps us see clearly, judge wisely, and choose the right action at the right time. It is the virtue that turns good intentions into faithful decisions—and homeschool moms make a lot of decisions.

What Is Prudence?

Prudence has been weakened in modern usage until it sounds like mere caution: hold back, avoid mistakes, and do nothing foolish. But in the classical Christian tradition, prudence is active. It is the habit of seeing reality clearly, judging what should be done, and choosing the right course of action.

Prudence is not timidity, indecision, or self-protection. It requires foresight, attention, and the willingness to act. It takes what is true and good and applies it to this person, this circumstance, and this moment.

That is why prudence comes first among the cardinal virtues. Good intentions are not enough; virtue must become action. Prudence is what helps us choose wisely and faithfully in the ordinary decisions that shape our homes, our children, and ourselves.

Retreat Details

The Prudence Retreat will stream live on October 10, but the retreat is designed to work with real life. Every registration includes lifetime access, so you can participate live, watch later, or return to the sessions when your schedule allows.

You may register as an individual or host a local group. Individual participants can join the live Zoom conversations and receive access to all the replays. Group hosts receive permission to stream the retreat for a local gathering, giving homeschool moms a ready-made way to build thoughtful conversation and community in a co-op, church, or group of friends.

Early-bird pricing ends August 7, and both individual and host registration are available at scholesisters.com/prudence. The retreat is meant to be practical, approachable, and useful whether or not everyone in your group already listens to the podcast or shares the same educational background.

This retreat is for homeschool moms who want more than fresh techniques or temporary motivation. It is for women who want to grow in wisdom, strengthen their judgment, and become more faithful in the ordinary decisions that shape their homes and families.

You do not need a background in classical education or moral philosophy—only a willingness to think carefully, discuss honestly, and put what you learn into practice.