God-Given Growth
So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. ~1 Corinthians 3:7
The year 2024 gave me a deeper appreciation of God’s work in and through Redeemer School, personally and professionally. This fall, I was given the distinct gift of seeing the fruit of a Redeemer School education grow in my 9th-grade son as he began his high school journey and the life-giving seeds being planted in my TK son as he began his journey here. I’ve tried to assign words to this experience and my observations, but none seemed to honor my enhanced gratitude for Redeemer School!
Over winter break, I read The Story of Charlotte Mason (Essex Cholmondeley), which offered a detailed historical account of her life and shed light on the influences behind her enduring philosophy of education. I got to “meet” the school leaders that she inspired as her vision of “education for all” took root in Britain and around the world. One of those was Horace West Household, the Director of Education for Gloucestershire, who brought the Charlotte Mason method to more than 250 schools in his county. His words, written over a hundred years ago, have scratched the surface of what I have wanted to articulate about my experiences as a Head of School and as a Redeemer School parent:
“To the parent accustomed to the methods and results of the ordinary school the tale of it would be beyond belief. What the children become, what they do, must be seen to be believed. It is idle to talk, to those who have not seen it for themselves, of the freedom of expression, the copious vocabulary, the vigorous imagination, the new wealth of knowledge, the joy and pride in work. After all, the great books are the real education of mankind.”
The Story of Charlotte Mason, Cholmondeley, pg. 117
My 9th-grade son became more aware of his unique experiences here and how they prepared him not only academically, socially, and spiritually, but gave him a thirst for knowledge that has increased his enjoyment beyond his expectations. My TK son cannot wait to not only read God’s Word but also talk about it. He wants to read, count, narrate, and explore in ways I know are due to his experiences here. Both of my sons have also shared, in ways unique to their development and personalities, how much they appreciate the fact that they are seen, known, and loved here. They know that their teachers here see them as born persons, made in God’s image, which has already made a powerful impact on their lives.
1 Corinthians 3:7 tells us that “neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” We know that this incredible work is not because of our own power or ability but by God’s grace and amazing provision. Redeemer School has been given methods and processes born out of Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy which are purposeful and unmatched. Our Biblical worldview and foundation, the use of living books, nature studies, picture/composer studies, narration, subject integration, the depth of thought and discussion, and our parent partnership are just a few of the reasons I am thankful to call myself part of the Redeemer School family, and I am excited to see what 2025 holds for our precious school!
