“Children ought to love the Lord Jesus Christ above all things in the world.” These were the words of theologian Jonathan Edwards in a children’s sermon in 1740. As parents, pointing our children to the truth, goodness, and beauty of our loving Savior is our highest calling. Partnering with Coram Deo Academy gave my family a beautiful curriculum and time to shape our boys’ hearts for Christ.

In 2005, my husband, Rick, and I began looking for a school for our oldest child, Will. In addition to Will, we also had 2 younger boys (Ben and Ryan) who were 2 and 3 at that time. We were blessed to be living in a city with many options, but our hearts were drawn towards something other than a 5 day traditional school. We attended an information meeting for CDA and were excited to learn about this classical, Christian, and collaborative school that would incorporate sound biblical doctrine that supported what we were teaching in our home. Additionally, CDA would tailor instruction for each age-related stage of learning. However, the collaborative part of Coram Deo Academy is what drew us in immediately. As a mom, I wanted to be a part of Will’s education but knew that with 2 younger ones, trying to navigate curriculum decisions would be time-consuming and difficult. I also knew that I needed accountability for completing material on time because I’m the kind of mom who would have a school holiday at the drop of a hat. After much prayer, Will started school at CDA Carrollton that year, and we felt incredibly blessed to have found it. 

During that year we learned there were a few families who were trying to start a Dallas campus, and in 2006 we opened that campus with 25 families. Eventually, our other two boys began school at CDA. We loved being home for 2 days and on campus for 2 or 3 days. We have sweet memories of doing schoolwork in PJs, picnics in the backyard, reading literature in the tree fort, and field trips with friends. 

 I knew exactly what the boys were learning in the classroom by reinforcing it at home, and I got to celebrate the milestones with them. Math facts, reading, history timelines…I had a part in my boys’ learning, and all of these included a Christian worldview. As the boys grew older, it was encouraging to see them own their education. They were blossoming into young men, and we enjoyed conversations about their studies as a family. However, not all days were easy. At times there were tears, frustration, defiance, and so on. There was beauty in those times, however. I wouldn’t trade the opportunities I had as a mom to shepherd the hearts of our boys, and for the Lord to convict me and show me my areas of growth. Those were priceless! God was doing work in their heart and mine at the same time.   In 2009 I joined the faculty of the Dallas campus as the 3rd grade teacher. The Lord gave me a passion to teach from a young age, and I truly enjoyed watching the children grow from August to May as we discovered new concepts together. I also enjoyed getting to collaborate and encourage parents as they worked at home with their children. Furthermore, working with other godly men and women who are on a mission at CDA was such a gift. We are dedicated to our mission– striving  to train ethical servant-leaders and wise thinkers who will shape culture for the glory of God.

 In addition to teaching 3rd grade, I joined the Admissions team in 2018. I was thrilled to meet with prospective families and share my love for our school. God was using that to prepare me for the next role, Grammar School Principal. Rev. Jon Jordan and I moved into our new roles together with a new team in the Summer of 2019.

  Rev. Jordan has been such a gift to work with along with our staff in Dallas and across the district. It has been quite a ride to learn a new role during a pandemic, but the leadership of CDA has taught me so much. Sharing the love of Christ and discipling families is a passion of mine. This summer I am thrilled to be starting my master’s program at Gordon College in Leadership for Classical Christian Schools. It is an exciting time to be part of the Dallas campus as more families join us to educate their children.

 The Lord has used CDA in so many ways to bless our family.  I am incredibly humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve the Dallas campus. May the Lord continue to bless our efforts at CDA, and may He bless the efforts of our families as we show our children the love of Christ.