Parents, teachers, philanthropists, and students aren’t waiting for American higher education to fix itself. They’re pioneering new colleges and universities now.
CASPER, Wyo. — In full view of Casper Mountain, a half-block of dirt vibrating with giant trucks slopes out from a single office building. Thousands of Christians are helping this dirt turn into Luther Classical College, part of a new generation of college startups founded by Americans whose kids can’t wait for existing institutions to reform.
The blue, gold, and violet palette of America’s mountain west is brighter this autumn day thanks to the cloudless sky. Releasing little puffs as they emerge from frosted vehicles, families trip into the low, brown Mount Hope Lutheran Church and School across the street. They fulfill many an American pastor’s dream amid a post-lockdown attendance deficit by filling two Sunday services with families full of children. …