When our family relocated from Dallas to Frisco, we left behind a Montessori magnet school where our daughters had been thriving. We felt called to explore options beyond local public schools, and that’s when we first bumped into CDA—online. Initially, I (Shannon) was enthusiastic; Dad (Mark) was less so. We attended an informational meeting, and the presentation was so persuasive that Mark was ready to apply as soon as we left! What he found most compelling were the pragmatic measurements of student success. Our long association with Gifted and Talented programs and magnet schools had accustomed us to seeing students with high test scores and ability to excel; CDA demonstrated that students whose early test scores were average could improve dramatically over time. Those results, in combination with the vision for Christ-centered excellence in curricula, won us over.

Is there a particular insight about Christian, classical education which led you to enroll?

When we found CDA, we had already been parenting a long time and had experienced educational models ranging from standard public school to Montessori, an Arts magnet, a community-college/ high-school hybrid, and an all-boy Jesuit high school. We’d seen benefits in each setting. We’d also come to appreciate that a good student can thrive in almost any environment, and a student bent on mischief can cheat himself of an education anywhere. However, the classical model of education was new to us... and it hit us as the most logical system imaginable! The pedagogies described for each age level resonated as specifically appropriate to us, based on the six kiddos we’d already raised when we encountered CDA. Further, the complementarity of a classical quest for “truth and beauty” and Christian catechesis excited us.

Why have you continued to re-enroll?

We continue to re-enroll our daughters because we are thrilled with what we see happening in their lives – intellectually, socially, and spiritually – through school. CDA represents the best of both Christian community and academic excellence, and that’s a combination we’ve never encountered anywhere else.

What expectations did you have prior to enrolling? Did those change after becoming a part of the CDA community?

Our expectations prior to enrollment primarily focused on intellectual formation. We were excited for our girls to be shaped by good books and Christ-centered teaching. Those initial expectations have been exceeded, and we have been dazzled by other, unanticipated sources of blessing: athletic opportunities, musical opportunities, and peer groups who have blessed our girls with wonderful friendships (and supported them through the loss of three grandparents).

Has CDA made a difference in your family culture or schedule?

Absolutely! I (Shannon) cherish homeschool days with my girls. Sitting down to lunch together twice a week during the work week gives me sweet touch points with my girls, no matter how busy afternoons may be. Also, having Mondays at home has de-pressurized Sunday evenings, allowing us all to enjoy church activities without stressing about tests, etc. the next morning. CDA’s model facilitates a peaceful balance in our family routines, which is unique in all our years of parenting.

What impact has CDA’s collaborative teaching style had on you as a parent?

I LOVE being involved in my girls’ formation. Class assignments catalyze meaningful conversations; persevering through those hard crunch-days builds resilience in both student and parent—and also forges bonds of “shared triumph.” Being involved in the day-in, day-out work gives me a deep understanding of where my daughters’ strengths lie—as well as insight into which areas need more support.

What are the best and most challenging parts of this collaborative journey with your child?

The best parts of this collaborative journey are the together-times. The most challenging parts of this collaborative journey are also the together-times. Making memories together and learning together are truly delightful. Enforcing deadlines and holding students accountable are not. But at root, these are truths about parenting which exist no matter what the school setting—they are simply amplified by the collaborative model.

What elements of CDA make you thankful?

We are thankful for the common worldview held by all the teachers. We can be confident that our girls are hearing gospel truth from a variety of different perspectives and in a variety of different voices. We are thankful for an administration which prioritizes character formation. We are thankful for rigorous standards; in a culture of mediocrity and shortcuts, CDA is a refreshing reminder that excellence never goes out of style. We are thankful for the house system, which creates school spirit and a sense of joy, fun, and friendly competition. We are thankful for the sense of shared mission—that, as a school community, we are equipping the Church of the next generation to transform the world for Christ’s glory.

What advice or insight would you give to a family who is curious about CDA?

I would encourage any family to attend an informational session—it made all the difference to us. I would also encourage any family to think big picture and long term. It may not feel like it when all your children are young, but childhood is fleeting. And each of us only gets one childhood. So... what matters to you? What truths and experiences do you most want to shape your child? Who do you want to have on your team, contributing to your child’s formation and influencing his or her worldview and sense of identity? A decision to enroll at CDA is a decision to invest many hours of at-home teaching, mentoring, and cheerleading that would otherwise be hours free for other pursuits. But as a mother with grown children, I can testify that I do not regret any time spent with them during their growing up years. And I am deeply grateful for the greater quantity – and quality – of time with my CDA students.