In 2013, Madeline began 5th grade at The Academy of Classical Christian Studies in Oklahoma City. This new school offered a classical, Christian education where students could develop a lifelong love of learning while growing to appreciate the true, the good, and the beautiful for the benefit of man, and the glory of Jesus Christ. We were unfamiliar yet intrigued by the idea of a classical and collaborative approach to education.

This school was the first of its kind, merging a large homeschool cooperative with a 5-day Christian school. As part of this complex process to integrate two institutions with two distinctive educational models, administrators visited Coram Deo Academy to better understand its University-Model®. From these conversations, The Academy of Classical Christian Studies’ 2-day blended model was born. What is a classical education? Could one receive a quality education only attending classes twice a week? Would Madeline grow academically and spiritually in this environment? These questions and many others arose as we prayed about this new endeavor. 

As we stepped into classical education, we discovered a Christ centered curriculum rich with literature, philosophy, poetry, theology, and fine arts. Books, books, and more books! Less emphasis was placed on Common Core curriculum and standardized testing. Our historical biases of what we believed constituted an exceptional education were quickly transformed as this style of learning exceeded our expectations. Before our family ever stepped foot on CDA’s campus, its educational model and leadership had forever changed Madeline’s educational path.  As parents, we became educators with a vital role to play in Madeline’s daily schoolwork. Home days allowed us to see into the classroom. We read books together and worked on math problems and science projects. We watched Madeline learn to collect her thoughts and write meaningful essays. We enjoyed every extra hour together that the University-Model® afforded. Our entire family grew in Biblical knowledge, logical reasoning, and ability to see the beauty in literature. We even learned a little Latin!   

As Madeline progressed through middle school, she longed for a broader high school experience. Coram Deo Academy immediately came to mind. For years, CDA mentored our school, and we felt its influence first-hand. We decided to prayerfully consider this school in Texas that had played such a critical role in opening our eyes to classical, Christian education. We signed up for campus visits at both the Collin County and Flower Mound campuses, where we found knowledgeable faculty engaging students in deep discussions about challenging subjects. Taking a leap of faith, we enrolled Madeline in the 8th grade class for the fall of 2016. Trusting the Lord to direct our steps, we put a “for sale” sign in our yard, prepared resumes, and packed our bags. We believed in CDA’s vision so strongly that we left the familiar and stepped into the unknown.   

We found CDA to be a tight-knit community. Classes are small enough that Madeline knows each teacher personally. Teachers are accessible and willing to review essays, explain difficult concepts, or mentor her through day-to-day challenges. Most importantly, teachers pray for their students and care about their spiritual growth. The curriculum reaches beyond academics – great focus is placed on God’s sovereignty and how His perfect design exists in all subjects, from theology to chemistry to trigonometry. 

The CDA experience resulted in many “firsts” for our family. Madeline played on sports teams for the first time. Diving for volleyballs and performing cheerleading routines at football games provided opportunities for camaraderie and teamwork. The Logic Girls Mentoring program gave Madeline her first chance to lead Bible studies and mentor younger girls. Being an only child, she enjoyed this newfound “big sister” role. The flexible schedule also allowed Madeline to begin working at her first job. She tutors students in algebra, chemistry, and Latin, and loves helping younger CDA students succeed. Speech & Debate became Madeline’s first public speaking class. Informing and persuading students from all walks of life gives Madeline a platform to shape culture for God’s glory. She is a skilled communicator with confidence and poise. This year, Madeline is president for the House of Wright and is leading house meetings, organizing service projects, and directing pep rallies. Her leadership and organizational skills are being strengthened like never before. The journey hasn’t been easy, but the fruits of this labor are plentiful. We see spiritual growth, a curiosity for learning, and a compassion for others.  

We valued a high-quality education with a commitment to excellence that would help Madeline grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually. We desired a Christian-focused curriculum that employed classical methods and allowed us to walk alongside faculty. We hoped for meaningful schoolwork that challenged her and activities where she could try new things in a supportive environment. CDA provided these opportunities in a truly beautiful way.  

As Madeline prepares for college, she stands on a solid foundation rooted in Christ. She is well prepared to navigate the cultural influences that are typical of college life because she is equipped to articulate and defend her values. Self-discipline and a strong work ethic developed along this journey will help her succeed in the classroom and beyond. Craig Dunham, former Headmaster at The Academy of Classical Christian Studies, gave Madeline this advice: “The work, the doubts, the wonder if the weird looks and questions about your schooling will ever end -- they won’t, but they will bother you less as you hold to the hope of Daniel 1:17, ‘To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.’ May your visions and dreams come to bear as they are God’s for you!”