News Headlines
Growing Christian School Starts New Campus
By GENE LIECHTY
For the third year in a row, Cary Christian School's enrollment has increased by 70 students. What is the secret to the success of this school tucked in the heart of Cary? Larry Stephenson, Superintendent of Cary Christian School, states that the answer to this question lies in the name of the school. "We are a classical school, relying on a proven methodology of teaching, and we get results. Our average freshman tests 200 points higher on the national S.A.T. (Scholastic Aptitude Test) than most college-bound seniors. Parents are looking for outcomes like this in an increasingly competitive college admissions environment."
"The other thing that obviously sets our school apart is the fact that we are a Christian school," says Stephenson. "The bar is not only raised here academically, but spiritually and behaviorally, as well. We aim to graduate young men and women who are socially graceful and spiritually gracious; able to view their entire range of experience with a biblical worldview."
So what type of methodology/curriculum gets these impressive results? "We offer a viable alternative to what is currently being served up in the educational buffet," said Teena Armstrong, principal of the grammar school. "Classical education is a time-proved approach to teaching that structures learning according to the God-given stages of child development."
Classical education consists of three distinct stages. The Grammar Stage (Kindergarten through grade 5), provides students with the necessary tools and facts of learning in a variety of subjects. The goal is to equip young students with the foundational building blocks of education early in life while their minds are most receptive to memorization and observation.
Students then move on to the Logic Stage (grades 6-8), where information learned in the Grammar State is brought into ordered relationships. They learn to view information critically with a discerning mind and apply logic to assess the validity of arguments. And finally, in the Rhetoric Stage (grades 9-12), students learn to articulate eloquently and persuasively. This is the point at which the strength of a classical education is made fully visible.
Since opening its doors in 1996, the school has grown to more than 500 students on three campuses. In August, the school purchased 21 acres in the heart of Cary and the building process is underway. "We plan to open our doors to the new campus in August of next year," states Gene Liechty, Director of Development. "We are grateful to God for the permanent home He has provided for our school in this town. Support for the building campaign has been very strong."
The new $7.6 million campus will house 800 students in Kindergarten through grade 12. It will include a computer lab, a science lab, a library, a full-size gymnasium and several sporting fields.
"I am so thankful that my children are part of such a wonderful Christian school," said Renee Mitchell. "They are receiving an education I wish I was able to have as a child. It's a true answer to prayer."