Featured Items Teacher Appreciation Day Wednesday, April 5 See Details Below! Eighth Grade Tea Signups Now Open! Click Here to Register! Summer Camp Registration Is Open! Click Here to Register! Sacramental Moments Third Graders were so excited to see their Bird Projects on display in the Lobby for all to see! Former Third Graders were…
Featured Items Quarter Three Report Cards Were Posted Yesterday Teacher Workday Friday, March 24 No School Chamber Choir Homecoming Concert Sunday, March 26, at 6:00 P.M. Sacramental Moments The Logic School Drama cast and crew did an amazing job at the NCTC Middle School Play Festival over Spring Break! It was a beautiful performance which…
Featured Items First Day of Fourth Quarter Monday, March 20 Teacher Workday Friday, March 24 No School Summer Camp Information Now Available! Registration Opens March 20. Sacramental Moments Parent Perspective: An Eternal Value – We are so thankful for what God is doing at Cary Christian. As we focus our efforts on developing meaningful teacher-student…
Featured Items Logic School Drama Performance TONIGHT! March 2 at 6:30 P.M. Buy Your Tickets Now! Early Release and CCS Spirit Day Tomorrow, March 3! Spring Break March 6 – March 17 Enjoy Your Time Off! Sacramental Moments Third Graders were filled with wonder as they were able to observe up close and learn about…
Featured Items Last Chance to Order Your Yearbook! Tuesday, February 28 Logic School Drama Performance March 1 & March 2 at 6:30 P.M. Buy Your Tickets Now! Early Release & CCS Spirit Day Next Friday, March 3! Sacramental Moments The Swim Teams competed for the State Championship last week! The Men’s Team finished 3rd overall…
Featured Items Presidents’ Day Monday, February 20 No School! Firm Foundation Tuesday, February 21 8:00 – 9:30 A.M. Logic School Drama Performance March 1 & March 2 at 6:30 P.M. Buy Your Tickets Now! Sacramental Moments Upper School had so much fun during Knights’ Fest last week! Click here for pictures from the final day! …
Featured Items College Admissions Panel Wednesday, February 15 7:00 – 8:30 P.M. Firm Foundation Tuesday, February 21 8:00 – 9:30 A.M. Yearbook Ordering Closing February 28! Order Now! Sacramental Moments Upper School students and teachers are getting into character during Knights’ Fest! Our Kindergarteners had a great time last week on their field trip to…
A Letter from the Headmaster Battle for the American Mind Wednesday, February 8 7:00 P.M. – Discussion 8:00 P.M. – Book Signing “We need to train children to apply reason to find Truth, sourced in God, not themselves.” (pg. 81) Wednesday is a great opportunity for Cary Christian School. The President of our Accrediting Association…
Why I Play Sports When I interviewed with Mr. Hinton for the Athletic Director position at Westminster he asked me, “Why do you want to do this?” My kids were in the 6th grade at the time. My answer was, “What will my kids look like at 18 when they leave my house?” My…
Featured Items 24-Hour Play Festival Performance Saturday, January 28 7:00 P.M. Worship Night Wednesday, February 1 6:30 – 7:30 P.M. REGISTER NOW: Battle for the American Mind Lecture and Book Signing. February 8, 7:00 – 9:00 P.M. Sacramental Moments Last week, Seniors had the opportunity to “Dress Like A CCS Teacher.” The teachers didn’t let…
Grit: Quotes from the Special Forces I think I mentioned to you all that I am engrossed in the Fox reality series Special Forces (Wednesday nights). As one more week on grit, I thought you might find value in these quotes from the first two episodes. “Deep inside, everyone wants to know if they…
Featured Items Snow Ball Dance Saturday, January 21 7:00 P.M. Worship Night Wednesday, February 1 6:30 – 7:30 P.M. REGISTER NOW: Battle for the American Mind Lecture and Book Signing. February 8, 7:00 – 9:00 P.M. Sacramental Moments Lower School (Click Here) Important Dates Thursday, January 19 – Fourth Grade Community Night – Fourth…
Wednesday, February 8 7:00 P.M. – Featured Talk 8:00 P.M. – Book Signing Cary Christian School Gym (1330 Old Apex Road, Cary, NC 27513) This event is free and open to the public! Join us for an exciting evening with the president of the ACCS (Association of Classical Christian Schools), David Goodwin, and Fox Nation News Anchor, Pete…
Featured Items Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday, January 16 No School Friday, January 13 – Online Re-Enrollment for the 2023-2024 School Year Closes TOMORROW! Prospective Family Open House Wednesday, January 18. Invite Your Friends! Save the Date: Battle for the American Mind Lecture and Book Signing February 8, 7:00 – 9:00 P.M. Sacramental Moments Rhetoric…
Grit I watched a show the other night on FOX called Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test. Sixteen celebrities are put through 10 days of physical and mental tests in Jordan. You are only eliminated if you are medically disqualified or if you quit. The “winners” are those that finish. Here is the trailer. What…
Featured Items Report Cards Were Posted Yesterday Join Us for the Firm Foundation Kick-Off on January 10! All Parents Are Invited! Click for More Info! Friday, January 13 – Online Re-Enrollment for the 2023-2024 School Year Closes! Sacramental Moments Kindergarten Christmas Assembly First Grade Christmas Assembly Second Grade Christmas Assembly Third Grade Christmas Assembly Fourth Grade Christmas…
Strength in Gentleness This is from the latest edition of Wooden’s Wisdom (email I subscribe to): One of the core characteristics most identified with Coach Wooden was his calmness and quiet resolve. He could get others to do things with simple commands as opposed to yelling. He could interact with authority figures (mainly basketball…
A Letter from the Headmaster Dear Cary Christian Family, It is an honor and privilege to partner with you in the education of your children. Our prayer is that our students would be equipped to flourish in the world God has given them by finding their identity in Christ. We are in the third generation…
Strong in the Storm The title of this article caught my attention as I looked at the front page of the ESPN app on Sunday. It is an article written about the French World Cup team’s victory over England in the quarterfinals. Here are a few quotes from the article of note: “The difference…
Featured Items Annual Day of Giving Click Here to Donate Now! Band and Choral Arts Concerts December 8 & 10 Lower School Christmas Assemblies December 13 & 14 Sacramental Moments Senior Service Practicum Christmas at Cary Christian! (Click Here) Logic School Choral Arts Concert Thursday, December 8 All are welcome for this beautiful event. Click…
Respect I recently subscribed to WoodensWisdom.com. It is a weekly email where it discusses various aspects of teaching principles from the legacy of the legendary basketball coach at UCLA, John Wooden. It got me to thinking of some of the character building principles our Headmaster, Robbie Hinton, has been working on with staff for…
Featured Items Pray for Our Seniors As They Spend the Week in Tennessee Annual Day of Giving Thursday, December 8 Click Here to Donate Now! Toys for Tots Donation Collections December 2 – 8! Sacramental Moments Kindergarten Community Night! 5th Grade Ocean Days We Sent Our Seniors Off to Tennessee! Christmas at Cary Christian! (Click…
Team Building: When the Game Stands Tall I recently read When the Game Stands Tall by Neil Hayes. This is the story of Coach Bob Ladouceur and the De La Salle high school football program in California in the late 90’s and 00’s when they held the longest winning streak for a high school…
Narrow the Focus I remember reading an article back when I was coaching football receivers regarding focus. The article had two stories. The first story was about Steve Largent. Steve, at the time, 1989, led the NFL for touchdown catches above notable receivers like Jerry Rice. Steve was asked how he had done this…
Body of Believers Club The Body of Believers Club has been creating devotionals to share with their peers, teachers, and families. Thank you to our Rhetoric School students who have put time and energy into encouraging our community in the faith. Love Above All Else Thursday, February 16 If I could speak all the languages…
Featured Items Tickets Still Available for This Weekend’s Fall Drama Production November 17 – 19 Choral Arts Christmas Concert Tickets Available! Free Admission. Thanksgiving Break November 23-25 We Pray You Enjoy a Restful Time! Sacramental Moments Student Devotional – The Body of Believers Club has been creating devotionals to share with their peers, teachers, and families.…
Dysfunctional Team or Functional Team? On Friday at our weekly leadership meeting Mr. Hinton talked about Patrick Lencioni’s book The 5 Dysfunctions of at Team. I think there are really good insights for us as you all begin to build YOUR teams for this Winter season. Lencioni presents these in a pyramid format as…
Featured Items POSTPONED: Movie Night: Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron More Information to Come Supply the Pie! Thanksgiving Pies for Our Staff. Sign-Up by Tomorrow! An Evening in the Tri-Light Zone November 17 – 19 Buy Tickets Now! Sacramental Moments Congratulations to the cast of Bloodlett, by Senior Evan Cameron, on an incredible performance at NCTC and receiving…
A Transformational Experience Mr. Hinton has been talking to administration and staff lately about the difference between a “transformational experience” versus a “transactional experience.” One of my dear friends, Mike, used to coach basketball at a private Christian school. He always had very disciplined teams that worked hard and they did really well in spite…
Featured Items Worship Night Wednesday, November 9 6:30 – 7:30 P.M. Movie Night: Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron Friday, Nov. 11 Gates Open at 5:00 P.M. Supply the Pie! Thanksgiving Pies for Our Staff. Click for More Info! SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, November 17 – Saturday, November 19 – An Evening in the Tri-Light Zone – Tickets Available…
Featured Items AP “Exam-Only” & Dual Credit Registration Closes TOMORROW An Evening of One Acts Fall Drama Production Tickets Are on Sale November 17-19 Worship Night Wednesday, November 9 6:30 – 8:00 P.M. PAST DUE: Corporate Membership Renewal – Click here to complete the form as soon as possible.CCS Corporate Membership must be renewed each year on a…
Featured Items Report Cards Were Posted Yesterday to Veracross Teacher Workday No Classes TOMORROW Red Cross Blood Drive Tomorrow 11:00 A.M. – 3:30 P.M. Class Picture Day/ Individual Retakes Dress Uniform Wednesday, October 26 Muffins for Moms Thursday, October 27 8:00 – 9:00 A.M. CCS Pavilion AP “Exam-Only” Registration Closes Friday, October 28 Corporate Membership Renewal – It…
Featured Items First Day of Second Quarter Monday, October 17 Order Your 2022-2023 Yearbook! Teacher Workday No Classes Friday, October 21 Corporate Membership Renewal Corporate Membership Renewal – It is time to re-affirm Corporate Membership for 2023! Please click here to complete the form by October 24. CCS Corporate Membership must be renewed each year on a calendar basis.…
Featured Items All School Spirit Day Tomorrow Click for Guidelines Last Day of First Quarter & Early Release Tomorrow Fall Break October 3 – 14 We Pray You Have a Restful Break! Don’t Forget to Order Your 2022-2023 Yearbook! Corporate Membership Renewal Corporate Membership Renewal – It is time to re-affirm Corporate Membership for 2023! Please click here to complete…
Featured Items Homecoming 2022 Friday, September 23 Games Start at 2:30! College Fair Wednesday, September 28 Click Here for More Info! Last Day to Register for the Annual Golf Classic Friday, September 23 Last Day of School All School Spirit Day & Early Release Friday, September 30 Fall Break October 3 – 14 We Pray You…
Featured Items Homecoming 2022 Friday, September 23 Games Start at 2:30! College Fair Wednesday, September 28 Click Here for More Info! All School Spirit Day Friday, September 23 Come to School in Your CCS Spirit Wear! SSP Donation Drive Winter Clothes Collections Are on Fridays! Bumper Crop Food Drive for Dorcas Ministry Last Day to Donate Is September…
Featured Items Movie Night: Rio 2 Saturday, September 10 Click Here to RSVP! Last Day to Sell GoPlaySave Books Is THIS Monday! Motor Voting Tuesday, September 13 Click Here for More Info! All Are Welcome! Wednesday, September 14 6:30 P.M. in the Theater Remember to Vote for CCS in Cary Living’s Diamond Awards Golf Tournament Spots…
Featured Items Labor Day No School Monday, September 5 Movie Night: Rio 2 Saturday, September 10 Click Here for More Info! Motor Voting Tuesday, September 13 Click Here for More Info! Sacramental Moments Senior Class Senior Citizens Day Senior Class Senior Citizens Day Retreat Recap: Student Perspective Retreat Recap: Teacher Perspective Lower School (Click Here)…
Featured Items Picture Days! Lower School – Aug. 31 Upper School – Sept. 1 Annual Golf Classic Registration Open Click Here for More Info! Tomorrow from 9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. K-2 Playground Canopy Sacramental Moments Freshmen Sophomores Juniors Seniors The Knights Podcast Tom McMahon – Stoicism and Christianity? We generally know what it means…
Featured Items Carpool Round-Up Music Video! An Explanation GoPlaySave Sales Open NOW Let the Games Begin! Picture Days! Lower School – Aug. 31 Upper School – Sept. 1 Sacramental Moments The Knights Podcast Dave Lederer & Micah Terhune – Connecting the Mind of Theology with the Heart Welcome back to the Knights Podcast!! We are…
Featured Items In Loving Memory of Taylor Burns Huston Taylor Anne Burns Huston went to be with the Lord on August 7, 2022 after a hard fought battle with cancer. She was born in Dallas, TX on April 23, 2015. Taylor brought light and love every where she went. Her smile sparkled, her eyes twinkled,…
Featured Items Rhetoric School Retreat August 17-19; Click to RSVP (yes or no) by August 5! Click Here to Order Lunch Through Your Parent Portal Board Meeting Tuesday, August 9 7:00 P.M. Sacramental Moments Lower School (Click Here) Important Dates Monday, August 8 – First Day of After School Care – K-8th Grade students who…
Featured Items Join Us for the Family Festival; August 1 from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. Meet the Teacher Day Tuesday, August 2 8:00 – 11:00 A.M. Rhetoric School Retreat August 17-19; Click Here to RSVP (yes or no) by August 3! Lower School (Click Here) Important Dates Monday, August 1 – Kindergarten Meet &…
Featured Items Join Us for the Family Festival; August 1 from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. Meet the Teacher Day Tuesday, August 2 8:00 – 11:00 A.M. Rhetoric School Retreat August 17-19; Click Here to RSVP by August 3! A Letter from the Headmaster (Click Here) Welcome back to School! We are ready. Summer is…
Cary Christian School’s class of 2022 graduated on May 19. This year our salutatorian was Lynn Kong and our valedictorian was Colin Massey. One of the highlights of every CCS graduation is the privilege of hearing the wise and eloquent words delivered by our valedictorian and salutatorian, and this year was no exception.
Featured Items Sacramental Moments The Knights Podcast – Our final edition of the Knights Podcast for this Season One invites you into a conversation with Mr. Halbrook, Mr. Terhune, Mrs. Clarkson, and Class of 2022 Graduate, Alaina Smith. They discuss the challenges, values, and outcomes of our Senior Academic Capstone, the Senior Thesis! Alaina gives…
Featured Items Sacramental Moments The Knights Podcast – One 8th Grade Capstone at Cary Christian is an interdisciplinary study of the Resurrection. The students dive into arguments for and against the Resurrection and engage in a lively debate. Our prayer is that this debate helps them see the Resurrection as truly reasonable and that it…
Featured Items Sacramental Moments The Knights Podcast – “Already, Not Yet.” How do you teach this beautiful truth of the coming Kingdom of God to 4th Graders? Mrs. Beth Latigue does a beautiful job explaining how the novel Prince Caspian can communicate this truth to our students. Hear how she points 4th Graders to Christ through literature!…
Featured Items Sacramental Moments The Knights Podcast – Flannery O’Connor is a southern Christian author who develops characters through short story to communicate deep truths about our reality. Her shocking writing may not be easy, but it is engaging and convicting. Kristen Clarkson does a great job showing her Seniors what it looks like to…
Featured Items Sacramental Moments SPECIAL EDITION of the Knights Podcast – Author and Pastor Chris Sasser discusses his book, Bags, and how parents and teachers can help support their students as they navigate life’s expectations and challenges. His humble perspective and research give great insight into how to care for our children and students. Ultimately, he…
Featured Items Sacramental Moments Seniors enjoyed Fish Day last week as their April Senior Day! The Juniors had a great time at the NC Museum of Art! It was the perfect day for a field trip. The Seniors kicked off their Thesis Presentations this week. They’re doing a great job so far! “Thank You” from the…
Featured Items Sacramental Moments As we approach Good Friday and Easter, Leah Baker’s podcast is timely! We discuss the themes of sacrifice and resurrection that are seen in the novel, A Tale of Two Cities. Listen to how Leah points her students to Christ through this classic novel! Click here to listen. Alumna, Katie Dixon, is…
Featured Items Sacramental Moments We so often ask our students the question, “Why?” In the classroom, Tom McMahon helps his students dig into these questions in meaningful ways. He wants the students to get to the “Ultimate ‘Why’?” of each question. Hear how Tom uses Aristotle’s Four Causes to help his students answer the “Why?”…
Featured Items Sacramental Moments Why is it so important that all subjects are integrated as part of a whole? What makes learning fruitful? Patrick Halbrook talks about the value of teaching our students to think about ideas through different lenses. In history class it is wonderful to hear, “We were just talking about this idea…
Featured Items The 3 Musketeers Tickets are NOW ON SALE Our Rhetoric School Drama students are excited to bring the action, adventure, and romance of The Three Musketeers to the stage (and perhaps into the audience!) of our brand-new Theater. Plan to join Athos, Porthos, and Aramis – as well as our young adventurer D’Artagnan and his sister Sabine -…
Featured Items Sacramental Moments LOWER SCHOOL Important Dates Sunday, March 20 – Last Day to Register for the Iron Knight Crucible – We hope to see parents, students, teachers, friends, neighbors, second cousins, etc. come out for our second annual Crucible Challenge on Friday, April 1. It will be a fun evening of fellowship…
Featured Items In Loving Memory of Grady Greene Grady Greene was a beloved student, friend, athlete, musician, brother, grandson, and son. Grady’s smile would light up a room. He had the incredible gift of talking to anyone and making them laugh. His laughter was contagious. He was adventurous, strong, and kind. He blessed everyone who…
Featured Items Sacramental Moments Student Spotlights Tea & Tessa Huang (6th & 8th Grade) have qualified for the USA Climbing Bouldering National Championship. Lauren Davis (4th Grade) played in a 54-hole College Prep Tournament at the Duke University Golf Course beating the 12- & 13-year-olds. Yeji Na (9th Grade) was a finalist in the NCDOT…
Featured Items Sacramental Moments The Rhetoric School Had So Much Fun At Snow Ball! What a Great Event! Some Friends from the NC Wildlife Refuge Came to Talk to Our 3rd Grade Classes! Check Out This Week’s Knights Podcast and Hear from Logic School Literature Teacher, Jack Adams! Being United in Christ, we are thankful…
Featured Items Sacramental Moments LOWER SCHOOL Important Dates Friday, February 11 – Tuition Assistance Application Closes – The application period for tuition assistance closes at 11:59 P.M. Please click here for more information. Monday, February 21 – Presidents’ Day – No School. Announcements Traffic flow on campus is ONE WAY around…
Featured Items Sacramental Moments On This Week’s Podcast, Micah Terhune Discusses the Book Delighting in the Trinity. Congratulations to Our Varsity Basketball Teams on a Triumphant Senior Night! Lower School Convocation Talked About What it Means to Be Kind. LOWER SCHOOL Important Dates Wednesday, February 2 – Quarter 3 Midterm Progress Reports Posted – You can access…
Featured Items Sacramental Moments On This Week’s Podcast Terri Covil Tells Us about Meaningful Truths we can Learn Through Stories! The Hundredth Day of School Is Always a Big Deal. Our Kindergartners Had So Much Fun! The Rhetoric School 11:11 Club Made Blankets for the Local Women’s Shelter! LOWER SCHOOL Important Dates Friday, January…
Featured Items Sacramental Moments Kristen Clarkson Discusses How We Can See Christ Through the Greek Tragedies on This Week’s Knights Podcast! Congratulations to Chloe Chan for Being Named The News & Observer’s Athlete of the Week! At Lower School Convocation, We Talked About What it Means to be Respectful. LOWER SCHOOL Important Dates Thursday,…
Featured Items Be sure to secure your child’s seat for next year. You can access re-enrollment on your Veracross Parent Portal. The re-enrollment fee is $165 per student. Students re-enrolling after January 14, 2022, will be required to pay the enrollment fee of $575 per student and may lose their class seat priority. Follow these…
Featured Items Be sure to secure your child’s seat for next year. You can access re-enrollment on your Veracross Parent Portal. The re-enrollment fee is $165 per student. Follow these steps to re-enroll (they must be done in order): Log into the Veracross CCS Parent Portal. Click on the “Re-Enrollment” button at the top of…
Featured Items Dear Cary Christian Family, God has blessed our school. For 26 years, Cary Christian has pursued the hearts and minds of students. This pursuit has created the great moment that we are enjoying today. When the world came to a screeching halt or became distracted by political agendas, our school kept moving forward.…
Featured Items Dear Cary Christian Family, Advent is a time of year that sparks a yearning for community. Throughout history, the Church has anticipated the ultimate community found in the return of Christ. We naturally respond in worship to the incarnate Messiah, praising him and praying for his swift return. Read more. Sacramental Moments First…
Featured Items Sacramental Moments Our Seniors had a great time serving together in Newport, Tennessee on their Senior Service Practicum. They impacted so many ministries and had an amazing opportunity to encourage and bless each other! CONGRATULATIONS to our Senior athletes who have committed to playing collegiately (Sarah Callery, Megan Hagan, Hensley Miller, and Marshall…
Featured Items Sacramental Moments Both the 7th and 3rd Graders have been learning about the Temple. The 7th Graders had so much fun teaching the 3rd Graders about what they have learned. CONGRATULATIONS to our Varsity Football State Champions! The 9th Graders shared their family trees entirely in Spanish after only 12 weeks of class.…
Featured Items Sacramental Moments 3rd Grade is studying Norman Rockwell: They discussed how they see Christ as their true Freedom from Want. Varsity Football is Heading to the State Championship! Wish them luck as they prepare for their game. The 10th graders recently read On the Incarnation by Athenasius, learning about the power of Christ coming…
Featured Items Sacramental Moments Sacramental Moments – As we approach Thanksgiving and Christmas we want to take a step back as a community to celebrate how we see Christ working in the lives of our students. Our goal is that our students consistently encounter Christ in our classes through what we are calling Sacramental Moments.…
Featured Items Corporate Membership Renewal Due TODAY – Corporate Membership renewal information updates are due! Please click here to complete the form. CCS Corporate Membership must be renewed each year on a calendar basis. You are being asked to update the information now. The Corporate Membership draft will take place on November 23 for the…
Featured Items Corporate Membership Renewal – Corporate Membership renewal information updates are due! Please click here to complete the form by October 28. CCS Corporate Membership must be renewed each year on a calendar basis. You are being asked to update the information now. The Corporate Membership draft will take place on November 23 for…
The Headmaster’s Desk Dear Cary Christian Family, God is blessing Cary Christian School. We are so thankful for the beautiful start to this year and what He is doing on our campus. The strength of our community comes from our families. Below we have sought to outline our vision for the future. We are looking…
Featured Items Meaningful Moments LOWER SCHOOL (CLICK TO EXPAND) Important Dates Thursday, September 30 – Last Day to Register for the Annual Golf Classic is TONIGHT – Don’t miss your opportunity to play in this year’s Cary Christian School Annual Golf Classic at Prestonwood Country Club on Monday, October 25. Click here to register! …
Featured Items Meaningful Moments LOWER SCHOOL (CLICK TO EXPAND) Important Dates Friday, September 24 – Lost and Found – All items from the Lost and Found bins will be outside. Any items remaining at 3:00 P.M. will be discarded. Please remind your students to check the bins regularly for any missing items. When: 9:00 A.M.…
Featured Items Meaningful Moments Lynn Kong (class of 2022) National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist Congratulations to Lynn Kong for being named a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist. Out of over 1.5 million Juniors who took the qualifying exam, Lynn scored in the top 16,000. This puts her in the top one percent nationally! Thank you to the…
Featured Items Meaningful Moments ALL SCHOOL Important Dates Friday, September 10 – Last Day for GoPlaySave – BOGO galore!!! Who doesn’t want to enjoy a few free meals? With favorites like Andia’s Ice Cream, Amberly Local, Randy’s Pizza, Wake Zone Coffee and so many more, it only takes using your book a few times…
Featured Items Meaningful Moments ALL SCHOOL Important Dates Friday, September 3 – All School Spirit Day – Students and Teachers K-12 are invited to wear their approved CCS Spirit Wear. Click here for the Non-Uniform Dress Day Guidelines. Friday, September 3 – Early Release – Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend. No hot lunch, no electives,…
Featured Items Meaningful Moments ALL SCHOOL Important Dates Friday, August 27 – Lost and Found – All items from the Lost and found bins will be outside. Any items remaining at 3:00 P.M. will be discarded. Please remind your students to check the bins regularly for any missing items. When: 9:00 A.M. – 3:00…
Featured Items Meaningful Moments ALL SCHOOL Important Dates Thursday, August 19 – Spirit Store Open When: 2:30 – 4:00 P.M. Where: Pavilion Concession Stand Tuesday, August 24 – Smile! It’s School Picture Day Dress Uniform is required for all students K-12 on August 24. (CLICK HERE for CCS Dress Uniform, Hair, Accessories Guidelines)…
Featured Items Meaningful Moments ALL SCHOOL Important Dates Friday, August 13 – Parent-Teacher Fellowship (PTF) Meeting – Join our parents as they fellowship together and work to support our teachers and students. When: 8:15 A.M. Where: CCS Pavilion Monday, August 16 – My Hot Lunchbox Begins – Be sure to get your orders…
Featured Items Meaningful Moments ALL SCHOOL Important Dates Thursday, August 5 – Parent Orientation Evening – Join the Administration in the gym tonight as we set out our plans for the year and share details about Academics, Student Life, and Communications. Lower School: 5:00 – 5:45 P.M. Logic School: 6:00 – 6:45 P.M. Rhetoric…
The Christian life is a life of transformation. God’s unconditional love transforms my heart, His word transforms my mind, and the gospel and the Holy Spirit have “invaded my days and my humanity” to transform my soul. Why? Because God created me to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever…and forever starts now!
Featured Items Meaningful Moments ALL SCHOOLImportant Dates Friday, July 30 – Class Schedules (6-12) and Classroom Teachers (K-5) will be posted on your Parent & Student Portals. Monday, August 2 – New Family Picnic – New Families, bring a picnic dinner to enjoy on our football field while we fellowship together. Dessert & drinks…
Featured Items Meaningful Moments ALL SCHOOLImportant Dates Friday, July 30 – Class Schedules (6-12) and Classroom Teachers (K-5) will be posted on your Parent & Student Portals. Monday, August 2 – New Family Picnic – New Families, bring a picnic dinner to enjoy on our football field while we fellowship together. Dessert will be provided…
Cary Christian School’s class of 2021 graduated on May 20. This year our salutatorian was Avery Hunter and our valedictorian was Robert Andrews. One of the highlights of every CCS graduation is the privilege of hearing the wise and eloquent words delivered by our valedictorian and salutatorian, and this year was no exception.
“The thesis is there to prove that we are no longer just students, absorbing information from other people. In the thesis project, we find our own sources and reach our own conclusions…we truly have to create something.” This, according to one of our graduates, was the highlight of Cary Christian School’s senior thesis project. After…
As a young girl growing up in a small North Carolina town, I loved playing school and having the complete and total attention of the many stuffed animal students that filled my living room classroom. I knew at seven years old that I wanted to be a teacher. God graciously allowed that dream to become…
As a lower school teacher, you must be an expert multitasker. In the span of one minute, you may be helping one student with a math problem, opening a thermos for another, and spelling a tough word on a scrap piece of paper, all while keeping an eye on an evolving argument at the back…
There is perhaps no more misunderstood or misused liberal art than rhetoric. As a “subject” taught in classical schools it is a mystery for those looking in from the outside. What could possibly even be taught in such a class? In a world where the term “empty rhetoric” is a redundancy, why would you ever…
The Association of Classical Christian Schools (ACCS) was started in 1994 to meet the growing demand for information and instruction for the thousands of families who began choosing classical Christian education for their children following the release in 1991 of Douglas Wilson’s book, Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning: An Approach to Distinctively Christian Education. This distinctively Christian education establishes a biblical foundation for all truth, teaches the skills that…
“You teach logic to middle schoolers???” This question is the most common response I receive when I tell people that I teach eighth grade logic. Others include, “Isn’t that a contradiction?” “They’re too young and wild to study logic!” and my favorite, “That’s got to be a fallacy.” The answer to these questions is another question. I am…
What is Knights’ Fest? Field Day? Spirit Week? A study of medieval history? A time of fellowship and fun? The answer is yes . . . all of the above! For about twenty years, Cary Christian School has celebrated Knights’ Fest with a week-long event that includes games and costumes. Knights’ Fest occurs during the…
The Presidents Song The Capacity Song As the introverted-est of introverts, I never once answered the question of “What do you want to be when you grow up?” with anything that would require me to do anything in front of anyone. I wanted to be a mailman or a librarian. Furthermore, the last thing I…
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” – John 13:35 One Building One of the first things people notice when they visit Cary Christian School is that all our students, from kindergartners to high school seniors, are in one building. As an alumna, the structure of our community is…
During my first year as a teacher, there was this moment. We were discussing The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and the students were trying to prove they were smarter than Edmund. They were adamant that they would not have fallen for the lies of the White Witch. They were all confident that her…
Did you love science class as a student? Or, did you find it tedious, difficult, or even just plain boring? I will admit, I did not always love science class as a student. I spent many an hour engaged in what felt like meaningless memorizing and busy work, but despite that, I continued to fall…
“The human impulse to create reflects our being created in the image of a Creator God.” – Francis Schaeffer Who we are and how we view the world is often shaped by unexpected struggles, interruptions to our life, things that remind us we are not in control. Our lives and our plans are in God’s…
The Senior Service Practicum has been a capstone of the Cary Christian School experience since 2005. Our desire is to give students an opportunity to step outside of their comfort zones, experience other cultures, serve others, and witness the body of Christ at work in our world. In the past, we have partnered with Churches in Missions in Costa Rica, the…
I would like to bet you a crisp fiver—if I were the kind of teacher who made bets—that you could walk into my classroom on any given day, ask “Would anyone like to volunteer to read aloud for us?,” and then see hands go up all over the classroom. Once the words, “Would any one…
Cary Christian School is not a college prep school. Wait, what? Now, before any of you begin to question the robustness and efficacy of our academic program here at Cary Christian School, let me explain. A plethora of college prep schools exist here in the Triangle area. Each of these institutions, through the implementation of…
At first glance you probably did a double take when you read the title. You may have said “Did he mean to put those words together in that sentence?” There is no doubt that this is a tremendous undertaking. My children were educated in a classical school, so I am very aware of the concept…
Something magical happens when our ladies and gentlemen arrive at school for Snowball, Protocol, and even Hoedown. As they trade their uniforms for formalwear (or western wear), they step into a tradition even older than Cary Christian School. Historically, dances were anticipated as a central social event. They fostered a sense of community, offering participants…
In half a dozen classrooms they gather then,—here to follow the love song of Dido, here to listen to the tale of Troy divine; there to wander among the stars, there to wander among men and nations,—and elsewhere other well-worn ways of knowing this queer world. Nothing new, no time-saving devices, simply old time-glorified methods…
Photo: Girls Varsity Tennis facing adversity drill (bear crawl and reverse bear crawl) “I want your child to fail. I actually want your child to fail a lot.” Those were some of the first words I spoke to an audience of parents who heard me speak for the first time. Without context or explanation…
A teacher was telling me about her class’s enthusiasm for learning. She said, “I announced it was time to classify a sentence, and the students responded with, ‘Yay!!!’ and ‘Hooray!’” New teachers to our school remark how extraordinary it is that the students genuinely love being in school and enjoy learning. It is my experience…
Partnership, by definition, is the relationship between two parties working toward a common interest. Merriam-Webster describes partnership as a business relationship. The teacher-parent partnership that Cary Christian School has nurtured for twenty-five years can be compared to a construction business. This partnership is a representation of a team of builders, hand-picked by a single, reigning…
Why can’t we just have all students sitting in front of computers, learning information through the internet? Surely it’s more efficient. There would be no teachers to pay and more students could be taught at once. Well, I can personally attest that that sounds like a terrible idea, especially for the younger students. In elementary…
Since the beginning of the classical Christian Education movement, Latin has been a distinctive of schools that seek to study God’s Word and the great tradition of learning in the West. As Dorothy Sayers claimed in her seminal essay “The Lost Tools of Learning,” “a rudimentary knowledge of Latin cuts down the labor and pains…
In 1994 a small group of Christian families, troubled by the fact that there were no Christian schools in Cary, decided they needed a better option for educating their children. Eager to provide an education that was both Christian and academically robust, they began meeting together to discuss the formation of a new school. Like…
Cary Christian School’s class of 2020 graduated on June 11. This year our salutatorian was Sua Cho and our valedictorian was Ryan Bishop. One of the highlights of every CCS graduation is the privilege of hearing the wise and eloquent words delivered by our valedictorian and salutatorian, and this year was no exception.
Cary Christian School is always seeking to broaden its students’ perspectives and give them a taste for careers that align with personal interests and giftings. Does your student have an affinity for the health industry? Is he or she considering a career in medicine? If so, chiropractic care may be a wonderful fit. Chiropractors are licensed physicians and take great care to educate their patients on wellness and healthy living. What is the history…
Family & friends! This is your mid-week motivational message from me to you, just to lift your spirits during these difficult days. POINT 2 PONDER: “STRUCTURE IS A WAY OF ORGANIZING YOUR LIFE SO THAT IT MAKES SENSE TO YOU.” Well, here we are, weeks into house hibernation, and this loosey-goosey lifestyle has me constantly…
How are you holding up, emotionally? Financially? I believe that next to God, the human spirit is the strongest, and I have faith in it. We will recover, we always do. We can choose to operate in faith—or in fear—of the future. Optimism is the only long-term reality, and it’s based on trust in our…
In my last post, I discussed the value of winning. Now, I would like to talk about the value of competition. The simple fact is one cannot win if one will not compete. To compete, or to engage in the battle, reminds me of a scene from one of my favorite movies, Top Gun. In…
As a teacher, I sometimes feel like I have the opportunity to be an observer of human nature. Like a tourist in an anthropological zoo, I have a front row seat into the natural habitat of the American teenager. It is certainly an interesting show. One thing I’ve noticed is that people will make a…
Most students spend no more than thirteen years at CCS, after which it’s time to go on to college and a career. For some, that career involves a return to their alma mater to teach. This year, five of our alumni are teaching and serving the next generation of students here at CCS. You can…
One of my favorite Bible stories is found in Luke 18:35-43. It is the story of the blind man who cries out to Jesus to have mercy on him. What I find fascinating is that when they brought the man to Him, Jesus could obviously see that the man was blind, yet He still asks him, “What do you…
“But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.” – 1 Corinthians 12:18-20 At the age of six, I put together…
“Education is teaching our children to desire the right things,” Plato asserted millennia ago. Classical Christian educators, faculty, and parents herald this idea, yet struggle to identify the “right things.” As college applications and standardized tests loom over the Upper School, it’s easy to buy in to the cultural norm that tells us these are…
As a four-year-old in preschool, our third daughter, Bentley, already believed she could “pass” over the parts of life she hoped to avoid. One day, the PE teacher led the students outside to play soccer when he noticed Bentley sitting against the wall of the school, contentedly watching. He approached her and said, “Bentley, it…
An entrepreneur’s journey is never easy. You take risks; the buck stops with you; you are never “off the clock”; and sometimes you lose sleep. But as the grandson, son, and son-in-law of entrepreneurs, and as an entrepreneur myself, I know firsthand that the benefits of being your own boss can far outweigh the challenges.…
“Dear Lord: please help my son to make all A’s, ace the SAT, pass his AP exams with flying colors, and get accepted into a prestigious university. Amen.” What do you think of a prayer like this? Would you pray it for your son or daughter? Some might find it to be asking too much.…
What do you get when you combine a tireless work ethic with a passion for treating customers like family? You get Dr. Todd Bovenizer. Dr. Bovenizer grew up in rural Virginia in a family of pharmacists. By way of working in his father’s independent family drugstore, he developed his exemplary work ethic and commitment to treating each and every customer…
“Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” – James 3:1 Both the most important responsibility and the greatest privilege we have been given as teachers is to present everything we teach from a biblical worldview. Our hearts long to praise…
We are one year into our CCS journey, and we are so thankful for the community we have found here. How can that be after only one year? Well, I’m glad you asked! Let me explain. My husband and I both went to Christian schools growing up. (In fact, we met in high school and…
Recently, I attended a workshop at the national conference of the Association of Classical Christian Schools entitled “Raising Sturdy Children.” The name of the workshop intrigued me, and the speaker, Keith McCurdy, did not disappoint. His workshop inspired me so much that I feel compelled to share the highlights with you here. I will not…
“Jim, NASA is sending over the final De-Orbit Guidance Targets for the first space shuttle mission this morning. Run them in our flight simulator and validate they are good to go for flight. NASA wants IBM’s assurance on these targets before we fly. Document the simulation set-up, procedures, and results in a white paper and…
Good Evening CCS Board, administration, faculty and staff, parents and families, students, and to you, the class of 2019. In Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, the return of Sauron was possible because the creatures and men who peopled Middle Earth had forgotten the great evil and destruction that he brought…
Cary Christian School’s class of 2019 graduated on May 16. This year our salutatorian was Matthew Stikeleather and our valedictorian was Zoe Vestal. One of the highlights of every CCS graduation is the privilege of hearing the wise and eloquent words delivered by our valedictorian and salutatorian, and this year was no exception…
I teach logic to eighth graders. If ever there seemed to be a fallacious statement, wouldn’t that be it? But really, what better time to teach students how to argue well and effectively than when they are in the “Pert Stage”? If ever there is something fourteen-year-olds as a group can do well, it’s argue!…
“Try to exclude the possibility of suffering,” wrote C.S. Lewis in The Problem of Pain, “and you find that you have excluded life itself.” Man has always suffered, and we have always tried to cope. The urge to understand suffering is what’s behind one of humanity’s richest literary traditions: tragedy. Whenever we see the term…
“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.” – Romans 12:6 For my entire life, I’ve been surrounded by the arts. My mom started teaching me piano almost as soon as I could walk, and I spent most of my childhood listening to her teach students from upstairs.…
What do China, Washington, D.C., and Cary, North Carolina, have in common? All three places have played a prominent role in the life of CCS alumna Lauren Greenwood. Lauren recently took a few moments away from her job in the U.S. Senate to share where God has led her over the past eight years and…
If someone asked you to define classical, Christian education, what would you say? I think most of us could provide a fairly decent definition of Christian education; well, at least I would hope so. But I fear that many of us would struggle to define classical education. Subsequently, our own children, the ones receiving this…
A reflection written in May 2018, a few days before graduation: One afternoon I was sitting at my kitchen table when my parents received a phone call that would change my life forever. There was an open spot in the seventh grade class at Cary Christian School, a private school they had enrolled me in…
We’ve all seen them. Maybe you’ve even posted a few yourself: memes and hashtags declaring the endless difficulties that plague our modern lives. Out of coffee! The struggle is real. The power went out for a whole hour! The struggle is real. You want a beach body, but you want tacos more? The struggle is…
When you think about it, what memories do you have related to music? What songs have impacted your life? I have many distinct memories associated with music. For example, my earliest musical memories are of singing “Jesus Loves Me” and “This Little Light of Mine” at church. As the daughter of a pastor…
When I was a child, I learned about God at church and in Sunday school. My parents talked about Jesus (“He’s the reason for the season!”), and my family always said a blessing before eating a meal. It was clear God was at church and at home. When I was at school, God’s name was…
“If I had to give up preaching and my other duties,” wrote Martin Luther, “there is no office I would rather have than that of school-teacher. For I know that next to the ministry it is the most useful, greatest, and best…Therefore let it be considered one of the highest virtues on earth faithfully to train the children of others…”
In order to honor our teachers’ desire to grow in their craft and their desire to prepare students for a life of learning, we are improving our teacher development program. It is our desire that the program function as a society where collegiality and friendship drives our efforts to learn. Leadership will participate in the…
We are all familiar with the curve around the bend of the school entrance drive. Rain, fog, frost, sunshine, and even the occasional white snowflakes adorn the awe-inspiring oak tree we see each day at CCS. Yes, morning and afternoon carpool afford us the opportunity to behold this giant beauty. What strong, sturdy branches stretch…
As I listen to parents, most seem convinced that Cary Christian School is a really good school. It offers children a degree of knowledge, a set of tools, and a code of conduct with which few schools can compete. All the same, most parents would still argue that we could and that we should be…
My intrigue with classical and Christian education began just over 25 years ago. Convinced that the modern approach to education was a failed experiment, I had started looking for a different answer when I stumbled across Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning. The argument in the book to use an ancient tool called the…
Last year the board launched a five-year strategic plan: Called to Cultivate. We would break the soil, remove hindrances, and nurture strength and beauty. We would prepare for growth and improvements in our classrooms, culture, and campus. Well, if I used the metaphor of cultivating to process my first six months in Cary, I would…
Scott Pechacek graduated from Cary Christian School in 2015 and now attends Barton College, where he plays golf. The following is a letter he wrote earlier this month. We are proud of all of our alumni who, like Scott, are pursuing excellence by cultivating the gifts God has given them. THANK YOU all for taking…
A reflection written in May, 2018, a few days before graduation: One question I was asked recently was, “What will you miss most about CCS?” This is a difficult question for me, because CCS is all I’ve ever known. I’ve been here since kindergarten, learning many concepts during my time here. There are many things…
To Whom it May Concern: My name is Kylie Anne Ragsdale, and I am from the Cary Christian School class of 2018. I came to Cary Christian in the 8th grade. In high school, I was on the board of the InterACT Club, and I lettered in three varsity sports. My goal in this letter…
Is your child an excellent student? How did you answer that question? If you’re like most, your mind immediately evaluated your children’s report card grades and arrived at a response. You probably answered in the affirmative if your child receives mostly high marks, A’s and B’s, and perhaps you answered in the negative if your…
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord…” (Jeremiah 29:11). This is the truth we clung to as doctors spat out words like “blind,” “disabled,” “malignant tumors,” and “developmental delay.” Our first child had been perfectly healthy and easy, but our newest baby girl had not been a normal newborn. She…
Cary Christian School’s class of 2018 graduated on May 17. This year our salutatorian was Marie Thompson and our valedictorian was Christy Dickman. One of the highlights of every CCS graduation is the privilege of hearing the wise and eloquent words delivered by our valedictorian and salutatorian, and this year was no exception. Thank you…
If a high school student asked you to recommend a college where the Bible is faithfully taught, Christian moral principles are held in high esteem, and knowledge of God is understood to be the foundation of all knowledge, what would you suggest? A number of colleges may come to mind, but it is highly unlikely…
Cary Christian School is a three-part story! It has a beginning, a middle and an end. Don’t put the book down. Please read it all the way through. I know you will be blessed, as we have been! I sit here today two months away from the graduation of my first child from this amazing…
I enjoy having my students answer and write about very open-ended questions: What is virtue? What is a role-model? How can we engage in dialogue with those with whom we vehemently disagree? These can be deeply philosophical questions, but also ones with practical ramifications. The 9th grade engaged in one of these questions recently: Who…
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15) Today, there is a tremendous need for young people (and all Christians, for that matter)…
This handbook is to help walk you through college admissions. It covers useful information for all Rhetoric school students, but especially for seniors and juniors and their parents. 2017-18 CCS College and Career Handbook
Willard Dix , CONTRIBUTOR to Forbes This list is not something you want to just throw together hoping for the best. The verb “to curate” shouldn’t be used outside of museums or specialized collections of valuable objects, especially when applied to mundane things like coffee, magazines or interior decoration. A curator has esoteric knowledge gained…
It is time for some “Test Talk.” Juniors and Seniors, you should have the ACT and SAT registration and test dates on your radar. They are at the bottom of this post. I am not endorsing Higher Scores Test Prep, but rather, I find the format they use in compiling the dates to be helpful…
How should you present yourself in an essay? Jeff Brenzel, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, Yale University An admission officer shares tips on writing an essay that reflects who you really are. Video Transcript When you apply to college, you’ll need to complete an essay as part of your application. This is your opportunity to show…
In this technology-driven world, children quickly become used to the instant gratification afforded by video games and television. According to a 2015 study from Microsoft Corp., people generally lose concentration after eight seconds, a second less than the proverbial non-focused goldfish. How does this affect Johnny and Jane and their apparent disdain for reading? Reading at…
Cary Christian School’s class of 2017 graduated on May 18. This year our salutatorian was Casey Fitzgerald and our valedictorian was Ryan Stikeleather. These two students exemplify the kind of young men and women that a classical Christian education strives to cultivate. I would like to begin by thanking some of the many people who have…
Shark Tank has made Mark Cuban a sort of Svengali on any number of matters these days, not the least of which are the future of higher education, finance and economics, and employment. On the topic of jobs, he has most recently spoken in an interview with Bloomberg’s Corey Johnson. In that interview, Cuban was…
As part of our history unit on immigration, fourth graders learn about what brought people to America and the rich heritage of our country. This unit integrates history with reading, writing, research, family traditions, and a biblical worldview. We see how God in his sovereignty has delivered families through trials and circumstances to bring them…
If you are the parent of a student in high school, I don’t have to tell you that college is expensive. Maybe you have spoken with your kids about paying for college themselves, or perhaps you have been putting money away since they were babies. Wherever you are on the spectrum, the burden of paying…
Find Community Finding a community in which you feel comfortable is one of the most important things you can do, not just in college but for the rest of your life. The friends you make in college have the potential to be your lifelong friends, and your college will do everything it can to help…
Wait?!? The students do what?!? That is the common response that I get when I explain the Senior Thesis here at CCS. When I describe the 16-20 page paper, with a minimum of 12 sources, written in the 6 Parts of Discourse, then delivered in a 5-8 minute speech to an audience comprised of about…
A recent study made the unsurprising observation that men open doors for women less frequently than they used to in years past. It used to be, of course, that opening a door for a lady, giving up one’s seat for her, and similar actions were considered signs of respect and chivalry, key aspects of how…
Many times as a parent and as an elementary educator, I have been asked the question, “Does penmanship really matter?” As I considered the question and developed an apologetic, I sought answers not only from God’s Word but also from the world of science. In this era of electronic communication, the use of handwriting is…
“The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard…
If you’re like me, you remember high school as a time when you were slightly involved in a few activities such as ladling soup at a shelter or swimming for the YMCA. Your week was busy, but it pales in comparison to the extreme involvement of your current high school (or middle school) student. You…
I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of going to Cary Christian School and appreciated all of the love, help, and support offered by my teachers, advisors, and peers, but I did not truly appreciate the type of students this environment produced until I started college. Compared to what I have seen in my fellow college students,…
The Smyrski Family shares with fourth graders about congenital heart defects. The interactive whiteboard displays a diagram of the heart and X-rays from their own son’s surgery. As a classical school, we understand the benefits of utilizing the timeless methods proposed by Dorothy Sayers and the Trivium. Though our approach is classical, it is not antiquated. …
Cary Christian School is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Over the years, we have developed a reputation in our community, and across the country, as a school known for excellence in academics with God’s word at the center. We are also known to have structured and disciplined classrooms, so as a teacher at Cary Christian School,…
“I hate math.” “I’m bad at math.” “I can’t do math.” These are all phrases that I’ve heard over the years from students, and these phrases are all now banned from my classroom. It is not because I’m not interested in hearing what my students have to say, nor is it because I think that…
“I believe God made me for a purpose. He also made me fast, and when I run, I feel his pleasure.” Ever since I can remember, Eric Liddell, the Scottish Olympic runner and Christian missionary, has been my personal hero. His perseverance, courage, and enduring joyfulness have inspired and guided my life in a multitude…
If you walked down the hallways of CCS this week, you probably noticed that something felt different. Ask any upper school student if they sensed a slight void among the student body. Thankfully, this change in the air was due to a good thing. CCS Seniors are away on their Senior Service Practicum (SSP) trip. While CCS…
What makes a woman fearful? Snakes, mice, bats, a potential assault…absolutely! But perhaps the daily, unsuspected assailant that strikes fear in many women is the fear of failing to measure up. If you’re a guy, this may come as a surprise. If you’re a woman you may be breathing a sigh of relief that someone…
During your time in high school, you’ll learn a whole bunch of facts. For example, there’s Newton’s Second Law of Motion, when and where the Edict of Worms was decreed (HINT: it was in Worms!), and when to use an Oxford comma. Looking back on my years in high school and college, one thing stands out…
After enrolling my sixth homeschooled child in middle school at CCS, I received an invitation to write this blog post. I assume that the eternal question of how and why to transition a homeschool child to a classroom setting is on a lot of people’s minds, and it should be. Statistics show that there are more…
Webster’s Dictionary defines a bully as someone who is a blustering, browbeating person that is especially and habitually cruel to others who are weaker or perceived to be weaker. It is a person who increases in joy and feels empowered when they cause another person pain and anguish. I bet you are thinking right now…
It’s that time of year when parents and teachers have opportunity to communicate and collaborate on their students’ academic progress. Here are five important components that are part of every great parent/teacher conference: Eyes – Have eyes on the information.Both parent and teacher should have good information and data with respect to performance on tests,…
In 3 Principles to Aid Healthy Communication in a Christian School we stressed the need to bring concerns and share needed feedback with those of us who serve you at Cary Christian School. How do we bring concerns and feedback in a manner that leads to success? Step 1: Seek to Understand as to be…
On June 12, 1987, in one of the defining moments of recent world history, US President Ronald Reagan stood at the Brandenburg Gate along the Berlin Wall and called upon the leader of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, to “tear down this wall!” The eventual removal of that wall would end years of divide between…
As a second grade teacher at Cary Christian School, I have the privilege of teaching and guiding students toward their full academic potential. I share with my students that Jesus gave His life to show His love for us. May we also give our lives in service to Him as an expression of our love…
It happened every year in fifth grade, with every novel, without fail. Either the boys would moan, “Why do we have to read another GIRL book?!,” or the girls would groan, “Not another BOY novel!” Admittedly, at the outset, some books naturally seem to appeal more to boys than to girls, and vice versa; why…
If you are anything like me, being a parent is probably the most humbling part of your life. As a young father, I remember disciplining my children primarily because of how I wanted to be perceived by other parents around me. I felt despair when my children would act out in public, particularly when my…
Believe it or not, it is already time to think about back to school! The building is freshly painted, and the floors are shining. The teachers are busily arranging their rooms to ensure another successful year in the classroom. Now is also the time to evaluate your home study space – an important factor in…
Summer Fun, Part 1, by Maxine Geil, Kindergarten Teacher “How many more days until summer break?” This question is asked frequently around our house. We love our school and are so thankful for the opportunity to study and to learn new things each school year, but we are ready to embrace summer break and enjoy…
On a windy January day long ago, I walked along the Atlantic Ocean’s shore. Impressed by the expanse, I breathed in the cold, salty air. Seashells sat. I always look for what my son once called a “beauty keep,” something precious. I saw one. Impressed by the Lord, I bent down and picked it up,…
Cary Christian School’s class of 2016 graduated on May 19. One of the highlights of every CCS graduation is the privilege of hearing the wise and eloquent words delivered by our valedictorian and salutatorian. This year our salutatorian was Evangeline Liauw and our valedictorian was Brandon Padgett. These two students exemplify the kind of young…
Imagine walking down the grocery store aisle looking for snack options for your kids. Boxes with colorful characters vie for your attention. Words like “natural,” “good source of fiber,” and “fortified with vitamins and minerals” lure you to buy their particular product. What do you believe? Which one do you buy? Let’s look at some…
When folks ask, “Do you have a Prom?” the answer is “No, we have Protocol…” Why does this catch their attention? Maybe it is because we are bold enough to do something different from what the world is doing. We are proud of our event and the apologetic behind it. Protocol gives the opportunity to…
“You are now entering the Mission Field,” reads the sign in the church parking lot. I am sure this idea had intrigued and challenged many more than me. It raises the question, “Am I serving in a mission field?” Cary Christian School (CCS) offers many opportunities to serve both internally and externally in ways you may…
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” – James 1:12 The fourth quarter of 2015-2016 has come. Teachers, staff, parents, and students can see the end of duties assigned to them, and…
It’s Friday afternoon. Anxious to escape an exhausting week of tests, quizzes, projects, and reading assignments, you open your locker with reflexes honed from years of experience and quickly block the books and papers that tumble out before they hit the floor. Thoughtlessly tossing items into your backpack, you race out the door only to…
“What does my child need to know to be ready for kindergarten?” “My child can read, so will he be bored?” These are a couple of the questions I have been asked repeatedly over the years as a kindergarten teacher. Now, while these are good questions, there are better ones to ask when researching schools…
Setting aside time for devotions can be challenging in today’s busy culture. How many times have you and I come to the end of our day and realized that we didn’t make time to pray or open our Bible? We go to bed, vowing that tomorrow will be different. And yet, the next day we…
In late August of 1837, Ralph Waldo Emerson delivered an address entitled “The American Scholar” at The First Parish in Cambridge, MA, calling for America to declare literary independence from England and the European literary tradition. In “The American Scholar” Emerson criticizes American society for having come to think of itself-the whole society, that is-as…
“Science brings men nearer to God.” – Louis Pasteur Some of the fastest growing and highest paid careers with the greatest projected demand require specialized training and/or degrees in science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics (STEM). Thus, the demand for STEM enrichment programs has exploded. One of the biggest challenges for students entering STEM programs is…
The only proper way to begin this post is to share with you all that many CCS graduates are doing incredible things today, and I am very humbled to share with you where I have been the past four years, as well as where God has placed me for this season of life! My career…
When our first son was born, we lived by the promise, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). In the blink of an eye, Scott had graduated from college and married his precious, Christ-loving wife, Stephanie. How thrilled we…
Looking back over the last twenty-two years or more, many memories flood my mind. There was a small group of single-minded parents desiring to open a Christian school in Cary, North Carolina. There was no private school in Cary, only a church with a preschool and a kindergarten program tucked away in their basement! We…
The SSP trip is seen as the capstone of a Christian and classical education at CCS. It was proposed in 2004 as the brainchild of a full-time missionary dad, a founding board member, and a wise superintendent who together wanted to capture the essence of a Christian worldview with feet and hands! SSP allows seniors…
I’ll admit it, I’m a perfectionist. I enjoy the thrill of seeing that “A” on the top of any assignment I have submitted or assessment I have completed. And there’s this feeling of sadness that accompanies letter grades less than an “A.” Why? What makes me feel this way? Well, sure, an “A” represents excellence…
Emily Ficken could be described as an engaging, vivacious kindergartner. Her easy smile and desire to learn made her an active student whom both teachers and students liked. Emily graduated Cary Christian School (CCS) in 2011 and received a degree in Elementary Education at North Carolina State University with a concentration in STEM (science, technology,…
“Good luck today, girls. Make it a good race. Ready, 1-2-3 Go Lions!” Butterflies fill my stomach as I approach the start line. I spot a trash can out of the corner of my eye and for a moment, contemplate heading in that direction. “It will be okay,” I tell myself. I still feel like…
“Why are we learning a dead language, Mrs. Baker?” I smile and then take a moment to pause for a deep breath, because I have heard this same question repeated many times before. As I gaze around the classroom at the sweet, upturned faces eagerly awaiting my response, it becomes clear to me that the…
Are you looking to connect and build community within CCS? Check out Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) at CCS! As PTF president, I often hear comments such as: “I would like to get involved at CCS but I don’t know how,” “I want to be involved, but I don’t want to be in charge,” or “Opportunities…
ACCS teacher certification is only available to ACCS accredited schools. Accredited by the ACCS since May of 2002, we are privileged to guide the professional training and development of our teachers as we certify them. The certification process is divided into three levels of accomplishment: provisional, permanent, and masters. All of our teachers are required…
Much heat and a little light have been shed abroad of late about the newest educational initiative called the Common Core. This latest in the assembly line of educational reform proposals has been hailed as the savior of the future of America by some and pilloried as a Marxist over-reach by others. The prevalence of…
Cary Christian School’s class of 2015 graduated on May 21st. One of the highlights of every CCS graduation is the privilege of hearing the wise and eloquent words delivered by our valedictorian and salutatorian. This year two students shared the title of salutatorian—Garrett Finnegan and Juliana Hoover. Our valedictorian was Jason Thompson. These three students…
A short stroll through any school hallway or a cursory look into any school classroom will quickly give one ample evidence that God doesn’t use cookie cutters in His creative act. A class of 20 students yields 20 different fingerprints, 20 different perspectives on the world and at least 20 different ways of eating an…
Every society educates its children. It may not always occur in classrooms or schools as we generally conceive of them, but every culture, every nation, every tribe, every group of people passes skills and concepts to the next generation in some form or another. At the center of this activity, wherever and however it may…
As was mentioned in part one of this series, Christianity has something unique to say about the world we inhabit. The Christian church’s unique ideas about the world are grounded in her unique ideas about the nature and work of the God who created it. Regarding God’s nature, the Scriptures describe God as a Trinity. …
A good bit has been said and written over the last twenty years espousing the concept of distinctively Christian education. The idea is essentially that if the God of Christianity exists (and He does), and if He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things (and He is), then all things are best known and…
A recent article by Rick Newman, author of Rebounders: How Winners Pivot From Setback To Success, describes a panel discussion hosted by the McKinsey Global Institute that dealt with the question of “Automation, Jobs, and the Future of Work.” In the article, Newman highlights a common thread through the discussion that highlights what he calls the “uberskill that will…
If there is one thing we learn from observing the biblical narrative from start to finish, it’s this: God never really tells a story in a straight line. He loves unexpected twists, turns and ironies. He loves to confound the wisdom of the wise. He loves to do the big things with the little things.…
There are those nights as a parent when the monsters must be expelled and defeated. A shadow, a sound, an uneasy feeling takes up residence in the little one’s room and it’s time for Mom or Dad to go into action. The mission, should you choose to accept it, is to discern the location and…
Two thoughts from the Apostle Paul regarding the nature and the work of Jesus Christ (who He is and what He does) give us some profound insight into our nature and purpose (who we are and what we are created to do). In Colossians 1:16, while describing the preeminence of Christ, Paul says, “He is…
“Amo!” “Amas!” “Amat!” “Amamus!” “Amatis!” “Amant!” No, these are not incantations. This is a conjugation of the phrase “I love” in Latin. Students in classical and Christian schools around the country perform this chant and others like it as they learn a language that no one speaks anymore. What a waste of time, right? This…
“Human beings used to be …” he hesitated; the blood rushed to his cheeks. “Well, they used to be viviparous.” Aldous Huxley’s dystopian novel Brave New World describes a future society where children are “decanted,” not born, and the concept of “father” and “mother” are unpleasant historical facts best forgotten. It may be easy to write this…
There’s an old saying that “the pen is mightier than the sword.” Our present environment of texting, Siri, and keyboards may very well soon make this phrase an anachronism. Who uses a pen anymore (or a sword, for that matter)? As we move further down the path of ubiquitous electronic technology, the use of and…
We all woke up this morning in comfortable beds, had a good breakfast, got into incredible works of transportational technology, and began our day. In addition, when our children came to school today, they most likely began the day with a prayer and reading of Scripture. At some point, they probably sang a hymn. As…
Having taught at Cary Christian School for fourteen years, I have had the pleasure of teaching, at one point or another, almost every graduate of CCS. As the number of alumni increases each year, and as I get to see them return for homecoming games, breaks and weekends, I love to hear their stories of…
The term “kindergarten” is a German word meaning “children’s garden” in reference to Friedrich Frobel’s philosophy of early childhood education. Frobel coined the term in 1840 to describe his methods, stating, “How does the gardener treat his plants? He studies their individual natures, and puts them into such circumstances of soil and atmosphere as to…
One of the highlights of every CCS graduation is the valedictorian’s and salutatorian’s speeches. This year our salutatorian was Polly Payne and our valedictorian was Lee Dickinson. These two students exemplify the kind of young men and women that a classical Christian education strives to cultivate. Seniors, today is the day. Today is the day when we…
Many high school students read about bacterial transformation in their biology textbooks, but most do not get a chance to actually make bacteria transform. That type of lab work is typically reserved for a university level microbiology course. However, sophomore biology students at CCS recently did just that. So, what is bacterial transformation and why…
Last year, MSNBC host and Tulane University political science professor Melissa Harris-Perry sparked a controversy when she remarked, “We have to break through our kind of private idea that kids belong to their parents, or kids belong to their families, and recognize that kids belong to whole communities.” Clarifying her comments a few days later,…
“Whether or not it draws on new scientific research, technology is a branch of moral philosophy, not of science.” — Paul Goodman, New Reformation Last school year, I found myself privileged to participate in a brutally honest conversation between a group of senior boys in my classroom. These young men were discussing how they felt they…
For today’s post, we feature the text of our 2013 Valedictorian speech, written and delivered by Ben Hoover. Ben’s words faithfully express the kind of eloquence and spiritual maturity we try to cultivate in our students at Cary Christian School. I never, not for one second, thought I could be standing here as valedictorian of…
In The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey wrote that anyone who wants to succeed in an endeavor must “begin with the end in mind.” What then should be the ultimate end, or goal, of education? Today, the answer to this question is far from self-evident, but it is as consequential as ever. Theologian…
It has become commonplace and expected that schools that are worth their salt field some sort of athletics program. The reasoning for the inclusion of sports in the life of a school generally revolves around health and fitness, character development, and the like. This is all well and good, but are these good enough reasons…
While strolling down the K-2 hallway, you may hear singing or chanting, usually with lots of motion and very enthusiastic voices! Why are the students doing this? Shouldn’t learning be quiet so the students can listen to the teacher’s every captivating word? According to the Trivium, listening in the Grammar Stage may not be the…
This post features our 2012 valedictorian, Maggie Miller. The following is the speech she delivered at CCS’s graduation. When I started writing my speech, I began to write across the top, “Valedictorian Speech,” and realized that I couldn’t spell “Valedictorian.” Not the most promising start. So, I’m not the best public speaker, and I obviously can’t…
Reading actively requires some work on your part. It requires you to be alert and, if not well-rested, at least well-fed! To read actively means that you, the reader, are actively engaging with another human being, with voices from the past. Many of the words and even ideas in the books we read will be…
God approaches His people through story. Redemptive history is story unfolding and in the making. It is no wonder, then, why Jesus taught through story as well. Jesus’ words resonate through the Gospels as He unpacks the Kingdom of God through parable. And how many people missed these parables? How many did not understand Jesus’…