Formation that Bears Fruit

For Scott and Suzanne Teson, education has always been about more than academics; it has been about forming hearts, minds, and lives rooted in Christ. With seven children and years of experience in classical education, their journey to Coram Deo Academy (CDA) reflects a deep commitment to faithful learning, meaningful community, and raising children equipped to serve the Lord.

The Teson family includes Joseph (CDA Class of 2023), now a junior at the University of Dallas studying philosophy; Patrick and Luke (Class of 2024), both sophomores at the University of Notre Dame studying civil engineering and finance/business analytics; Andrew (Class of 2026), who will attend Texas A&M University in the Business Honors Program; Peter, currently in eighth grade at CDA; and Lucy and Anna, who attend a local classical hybrid school.

Before coming to CDA, the Tesons were already familiar with the classical, collaborative model. After moving to Texas in 2011, they transitioned from a traditional classical school to homeschooling during a season of change. While homeschooling served their family well, they soon sought additional structure and support, enrolling in a local hybrid program for several years. As their children approached high school, they began looking for something more—greater academic structure, expanded extracurricular opportunities, and continued Christ-centered formation.

Coram Deo Academy offered exactly that.

“We saw a school that seemed to offer the academic rigor we wanted,” they shared, “but also athletics, music, art, clubs, and a strong Christian community.” Already connected to families at CDA, including the Dolle family, the Tesons quickly recognized they had found a place where families shared similar values and goals.

Central to the Tesons’ experience has been the impact of Christ centered education. Through teachers, coaches, and classroom discussions, their children have been consistently encouraged to think deeply about their faith and take ownership of it. The collaborative model extended learning into the home, leading to meaningful family conversations about Scripture, classical texts, and life’s most important questions.

“We’ve had dinner table conversations about subjects that normally wouldn’t come up,” they shared. “It’s been a blessing to see their ideas challenged and their understanding grow.”

This kind of growth—intellectual, personal, and spiritual—has been a consistent theme for the Teson children. Through Socratic discussions, rigorous coursework, and diverse opportunities, they have learned not just what to think, but how to think. Whether tackling engineering courses, stepping onto a theater stage, or leading in college communities, they carry with them the skills and confidence developed at CDA.

Equally impactful have been the relationships formed along the way. Teachers and coaches have modeled lives of faith, integrity, and purpose, investing in students far beyond the classroom. The Tesons emphasize that growth has often come through challenges, difficult classes, setbacks in sports, and personal struggles, but always within a supportive, Christ-centered environment.

“Those bumps in the road have been really formative,” they reflected. “Having adults and families around who are invested in your child is an invaluable gift.”

Looking back, the Tesons are most grateful for the way CDA has helped shape their children into young men of faith and virtue. While no school is perfect, they have found that the overall impact far outweighs any individual challenge.

“CDA is about more than academics,” they said. “It’s about forming the whole character of the student.”

Today, they see that formation bearing fruit. Their children are serving in their churches, leading in their college communities, participating in mission work, and striving to be a positive influence wherever they go. In both big and small ways, they are living out CDA’s mission to be ethical servant leaders and wise thinkers who shape culture for the glory of God.