The
best way to understand classical and Christian education is to experience
it in the classroom. We hope these stories and thoughts that have been sent to us
by parents and community leaders will help you gain a better understanding of the
classical and Christian difference.
PARENT'S COMMENTS
I volunteer on Mondays in the kindergarten class. One Monday while I was
working on a project in the back of the room the teacher said, "We’re
going to do some more art pictures." I was expecting to pull out the paint,
the glue, the scissors, etc., when I heard the class say, "ooh... that’s
Monet." I turned around to find that they were studying art, not just
painting pictures themselves.
They began to point out the texture, line, space, color, etc. of
that specific piece. Once again I was so impressed with the depth of
education my daughter is receiving. Every Monday brings me a new and
pleasant surprise. The students aren’t just learning how to get by in
life, they are learning how to enjoy creation and the Creator while
they create and learn.
Parents are often surprised at the depth and breadth of
education at Foundations.
We see the teachers at Foundations Academy cultivating
an interest in real knowledge, which has resulted in markedly different
habits in our children. Learning is both fun and challenging, and
they have enjoyed both aspects. For example, our son has broadened
his focus many times this year, from rats, to planets, to mythology,
to cardinal birds. He has spent hours making a complete map of Greece,
and delighted in listing new and interesting similes and metaphors.
Our daughter now can gracefully and responsibly complete homework,
sometimes a couple of hours of her day. She is consciously working
on positive and gracious attitudes toward schoolmates and teachers.
As for us old folks? We are committed to the necessary shuttling and
even learn a few Latin phrases along the way!
The parent of a 4th and 5th grader writes:
Every parent’s pride and joy is their child. Listening
to the children quizzing each other about Latin declensions and conjugations,
chants about Alaric the Visigoth, Atilla the Hun, Genseric the Vandal,
et al, inspire awe. Their poor parents don’t even know what they’re
talking about.
Latin is a noticeable feature of classical education.
Many parents have encountered the interesting insights afforded their
children because of their knowledge of Latin.
My [4th grade] son climbed in the car after his
soccer game. He announced in animated fashion, "I’ve just seen something
you don’t see every day. In fact, I’ve never seen it before in my
life!"
"What was it?" I asked with interest.
"A one-eyed dog," he responded. He then began to think and added,
pensively, "I wonder if his name is ‘Oculus Unus’?"
Another noticeable difference at Foundations Academy
is the order maintained in the classroom. One parent expresses her observations
about our classroom setting in this way.
After having my children in public school for over
5 years I became dismayed at the huge book of rules and code of respect
they had, yet no sense of order, respect or discipline. As I have
seen at Foundations, the place to start with order is in the heart.
The children are taught to respect their teachers, classmates and
learning. I have been so pleased at the fruit I have seen and the
peace they have when living in a school that is in order. They are
both growing and thriving emotionally, academically, and spiritually.
The public schools keep struggling to add more rules, homework and
discipline when the answer can be found in training the heart.
I was favorably impressed
by the students I met during the school tour. You probably hear
this quite a bit, but FA is clearly a cut above other schools, in terms
of rigor, pedagogy, and even school spirit. You should be very
proud.
COMMUNITY LEADERS
Former U.S. Representative Helen Chenoweth
Foundations Academy is a bright light of hope for the future
of our children. I have been impressed with the students’ knowledge,
the ability to reason and discuss complicated issues, and their Biblical
worldview. The Academy’s deep love for God and for children has resulted
in one of the finest educational institutions in Idaho.
Butch Otter,
Idaho State Governor
I came away from Foundations Academy with renewed hope and enthusiasm.
The children are positively bursting with excitement and pride at being
challenged by the classical curriculum and emphasis on discipline, respect,
and values. Freedom, individual responsibility, private property, and
an unfettered marketplace are once again being taught to our youth--and
not as dirty words. I'm proud to be a patron of the Academy!
Ron G. Crane, State Treasurer
I was so impressed with the teachers and students at Foundations
Academy. I have had occasion to be in and around private Christian school
all my life but never have I seen a curriculum more impressive or an
atmosphere more respectful than what I witnessed on my visit to Foundations.
These bright, articulate students and their dedicated instructors give
me hope to believe that America's future is bright. Outstanding! Truly
outstanding!
Senator Russell M.
Fulcher, Idaho State Senate, Education committee
I am impressed not only by the quality of the education at Foundations
Academy and St. Ambrose, but also by the emphasis placed on personal
character-building and community involvement. I believe these
attributes have been made possible by strong school leadership, and by
dedicated parental involvement in all aspects of school operations.
Dr. Orvil Stiles
I am so impressed with the Christian curriculum at Foundations
Academy. I was amazed at the students’ knowledge of world history and
the Bible. I believe God is using your school to raise up godly leaders
to help fulfill the Great Commission.
Larry Knapp, International Fellowship of Christian
Businessmen
I have known about Foundations Academy since it began in 1995.
This is a work committed to training the next generation of Christian
soldiers. The emphasis placed on honor, respect, and integrity will
bear great fruit in the students' lives and our community.
Dr. Anne Fox, Former Idaho State Superintendent of
Public Instruction
With over 30 years experience in education, as well as being
Superintendent of Public Instruction, I have literally visited thousands
of schools across the country. I am delighted to find one of the best
right here in Idaho! Children love to learn and the academic rigor at
Foundations is providing these students with the opportunity to succeed
wherever God directs them.
David Perkins, Professor at Albertson College of Idaho
As a college professor and member of the National Association of
Scholars, I am troubled with the nation-wide decline in educational and
moral standards. The future levels of prosperity and liberty that we enjoy
will be dependent largely on how successfully we develop critical thinking
skills and moral character in our children. The classical education offered
by Foundations Academy provides an exciting and rigorous curriculum that
nurtures and develops students' intellectual abilities. This education,
with its emphasis on developing critical thinking skills and moral character,
is important preparation for the trials and opportunities that children
are certain to face in the twenty first century. It is deserving of both
moral and financial support.
