Christian, Classical Education...

There are so many facets to this thing we call Christian, classical education. How do we unpack it? How do we describe it to others in the Roanoke Valley? How do we demonstrate its significance in the lives of Faith Christian School students and their families?

As the Director of Admissions, I have the joy of introducing many families not only to our unique model of education but also to the men and women who will come alongside your children and teach them, pray with them, mentor them, and love them. There are so many distinctive components of our school—far too many to share in a short tour. It is my hope that our blog, written by our faculty, administration, board, students, and parents, will provide a deeper look into our model of education, our traditions, and student life. I invite you to come along for a journey through Faith. Our goal is to post a couple of times a month, so please check back periodically to gain a greater insight into Faith Christian School.

- Cathi Weber, Director of Admissions

How Volunteering at School Benefits Everyone

At Faith Christian School, the Parent Volunteer Organization (PVO) has set its aim, not on adding more busyness to our lives, but rather on doing a few things well and in a way that brings honor to God.

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

The Benefits of Good Penmanship and Cursive Writing

Penmanship and cursive handwriting are still vital to education because it improves students’ fine motor skills, writing speed, retention of material learned, and self-discipline. Writing in cursive helps improve neural connections between the right and left sides of the brain and can create new neural pathways.

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Athletics For Image-Bearers Blog Header

The Faith Christian School athletic department desires to honor God and create a memorable experience for all involved in sporting events. Greg Miller, our Athletic Director, shares how we do so.

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Selecting and Training Faculty Blog Header

These are some of the many ways in which we invest in our faculty.  A wonderful aspect of being a teacher here at Faith Christian School is being surrounded by like-minded individuals who all engage in the pursuit to grow in their craft of teaching and their love for Christ.

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

The Society For Classical Learning | FCS Blog Post

The Society For Classical Learning is an organization based in Richmond that helps Christian classical schools thrive. Faith Christian School is an active member and beneficiary of SCL’s work.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Gala | FCS Blog Post

Faith Christian School’s annual Gala is one of the most anticipated events of the school year and is intended to honor the senior class.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

College Guidance | FCS Blog Post

The college guidance process at Faith Christian School helps make it less daunting for parents and students.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

The Gift Of Time | FCS Blog

Gala is about good food, lots of laughter, and more than a few tears of heartfelt nostalgia and joy. When the evening concludes with a heartfelt toast and benediction, seniors continue through their last month of exams, senior trip, and graduation, knowing they are loved and prepared to face the challenges of the coming years.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Teaching a Child to Read | FCS Blog

Faith Christian School takes the classical, time-tested, proven method approach to teaching students to read, ensuring they not only learn to read but also LOVE to read!

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

The Young Peacemaker - A Plan for Solving Classroom Conflict

Conflict between students does arise, but in the Classical Christian world, these are learning moments for students who are practicing Biblical, peacemaking resolutions.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Music Within The Context of a Christian Classical Education  |  Blog Heading

Our Music Teacher, Abbi French, shares how music is an important part of who God created our students to be and what He created our students to do.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Skills & Training Through Works  |  Blog Heading

For parents not familiar with the term "Works" in Junior Kindergarten, Ashley Glaze explains how this part of our program trains students in new skills and good habits.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

The Math Meeting Board  |  Blog Heading

In this blog post, Millie Anderson, our Kindergarten teacher walks us through an interactive and engaging part of the daily routine for Kindergarten students called the Math Meeting Board. 

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Fundamental Understandings  |  Blog Heading

In this blog post, Peter Baur, our Head of School, shares the philosophy—or fundamental understandings—that drive our teachers and administration. 

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Lower School Literature  |  Blog Heading

In this blog post, Karla Bower (Teacher, 3rd Grade) shares with parents the joy of reading and being read to, as well as some helpful guidelines for parents. 

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Role of the Board  |  Blog Heading

In this blog post, we explore why Faith Christian School is governed by a Board of Directors and its main responsibilities.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Tradition & Ceremony Blog Heading

At Faith Christian School, traditions and ceremony play a critical role in reminding us what is most important in our lives and what is worth keeping.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Catechism & Liturgies Blog Heading

At Faith Christian School, catechism and liturgies unify our community, shape our heart's affections, and answer the deeper questions regarding meaning and purpose.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Euclid In Geometry  |  FCS Blog Post

This blog post shares how a classical approach to Geometry, using Euclid's Elements, written around 300 B.C., integrates art and logic.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Student Success Resources | FCS Blog Heading

This blog post shares the many resources Faith Christian School provides to families to help make sure each and every student is successful.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Blog Heading and Cover (1)-Aug-01-2023-10-03-56-6433-PM

Stephanie Hopkins, Associate Head of Middle & Upper School, shares how Latin is not only useful for preparation for all the modern sciences, law, and theology but also as a tool for training the mind in logic and beauty.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

An Alumni's Perspective Blog Header

JoAnn Kowtko, current Alumni Relations Director and former Faith Christian School graduate (Class of 2001) and now a mother of a second-grade student shares her perspective on her Christian classical education.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Blog Heading and Cover (5)-1

Engaging with each other with the goal of greater understanding—a classical concept that motivated C.S. Lewis and the famous Inklings.

Brynn Sowder, Librarian and Nature Studies Teacher shares how she learned about Intellectual Hospitality in England but discovered it was already present in the culture at Faith Christian School.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Recitation Chapel Blog Heading

Memorized pieces at their best are learned for the heart and soul of students and said aloud for the glory of God.

Starting with JK, students stand in front of peers and parents and recite poems, scripture, and jingles for recitation chapel. This, along with classroom reports and discussions, helps prepare students for thesis and beyond. Thesis may take place in the twelfth grade, but preparation begins in JK.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Visual Arts Blog Heading

Not an extracurricular at a Faith Christian School, but Visual Arts is an integral part of enabling students to learn to hear, understand, and speak God’s visual language with proficiency.

At Faith Christian School, visual art is not “extra-curricular.” It's a core area of study for our students, helping us tap into the “whole” person, not just the mind.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Project Faith Blog Header

Project Faith is a blessing to our school, our families, and those we serve in the Roanoke community for 22 years.

Over the years, Faith Christian School students, staff, and families have served the Roanoke Valley community through a school-wide fundraiser called Project Faith.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Language of the Universe Blog Header

Math allows us to think in new ways and respond when confronted with complicated situations.

We teach mathematics from a Christian perspective: we observe a unique design woven into creation by the ultimate Designer. Rather than wasting time memorizing steps which will only lead to frustration and confusion, students understand a concept and apply prior knowledge as a strategy to solve problems.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Senior Thesis Blog Header

Starting in Kindergarten, students ascend to the pinnacle of a classical education: the Senior Thesis presentation and defense.

One step at a time, starting in kindergarten, students ascend to the pinnacle of a classical education: the Senior Thesis presentation and defense, which inspires confidence and prepares for other challenging ascents ahead.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Rhetoric Blog Header

And why Rhetoric really IS the most important class our students will ever take. (According to Mr. Mann.)

Rhetoric, as a classical educational course, develops confidence and competence in public speaking as well as provides an opportunity for students to learn time-tested categories for unpacking and organizing truth.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Five Common Topics Blog Header

Developing the God-given curiosity and inquisitiveness naturally found in children by asking good questions.

The intentional use of the Five Common Topics leads to deep and thought-provoking conversations and provides students with endless opportunities to think and reason on their own—one of the goals of a Classical education.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Slow Looking Blog Header

More on the the skill of Slow Looking and why it's an important part of Classical education.

In Classical education, Slow Looking is more than a skill for art class. It develops the process that prepares students for deeply and thoroughly understanding whatever they are faced with, exploring solutions, and solving problems.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Phonograms Blog Header

We explore the building blocks of reading and spelling and the way classical education builds life-long readers.

In classical education, phonograms provide a clear-cut, sequential, multi-sensory approach to learning to read. This primary component of a comprehensive phonics program makes learning the English language simple and effective.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

The Goal Blog Header

Every educational method has at least one end goal. What is the goal of Classical Christian Education?

At Faith Christian School, student support is handled by teachers, staff, and parents who deeply know and understand each student's unique needs. Together, student support seeks to move every student towards independence and success in the classroom, which better prepares them for life.

Read Blog Post Button: Acts 17 Blog Post | Faith Christian School Roanoke Virginia

 

Good Literature Blog Heading

Holding a mirror up to readers to help them consider the human experience in all its forms and settings.

In this blog, we explore the reasons we emphasize good literature—classical literature—and our teachers provide the tools needed for students to read deeply and carefully, mining good literature for the treasures they contain.

Back To All Stories-1

 

Motor Lab Blog Header  |  FCS Blog

Helping students develop and integrate their body systems to better focus academically as well as in sports.

In this blog by India Delp, our PE instructor, you'll learn more about Motor Lab, a program offered at Faith Christian School to help students to develop and integrate their body systems to better focus academically as well as in sports.

Back To All Stories-1

 

Narration Blog Header  |  FCS Blog

The Classical (And Fun!) Way To Produce Lasing Record In The Brain.

How can we ensure information sticks with students much longer than the time it takes them to complete the assessment? The answer is narration, which asks the student to remember all the details of the story and communicate them aloud.

Back To All Stories-1

 

A Love of the Beautiful: Nature Studies

Using Nature Studies to help students become experts at enjoying God and His Creation, a reflection of Him.

How can we teach our students to glorify and enjoy God? Are they old enough to really enjoy Him? New blog post from our Nature Studies teacher and designated insect inspector, Brynn Sowder.

Back To All Stories-1

 

Blog Heading and Cover (17)

Dimensions Math inspires students to wonder and think deeply, to ask good questions, and to take responsibility for their own learning.

Back To All Stories-1

 

Blog Heading and Cover (18)

Are we making a difference in the lives of our students? Read on to hear what our graduates consistently tell us.

Back To All Stories-1

 

Selecting and Training Faculty Blog Header

We share some of the many ways in which we invest in our faculty. A wonderful aspect of being a teacher here at Faith Christian School is being surrounded by like-minded individuals who all engage in the pursuit to grow in their craft of teaching and their love for Christ.

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

The Society For Classical Learning | FCS Blog Post

The Society For Classical Learning is an organization based in Richmond that helps Christian classical schools thrive. Faith Christian School is an active member and beneficiary of SCL’s work.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Gala | FCS Blog Post

Faith Christian School’s annual Gala is one of the most anticipated events of the school year and is intended to honor the senior class.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

College Guidance | FCS Blog Post

The college guidance process at Faith Christian School helps make it less daunting for parents and students.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

The Gift Of Time | FCS Blog

Gala is about good food, lots of laughter, and more than a few tears of heartfelt nostalgia and joy. When the evening concludes with a heartfelt toast and benediction, seniors continue through their last month of exams, senior trip, and graduation, knowing they are loved and prepared to face the challenges of the coming years.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Teaching a Child to Read | FCS Blog

Faith Christian School takes the classical, time-tested, proven method approach to teaching students to read, ensuring they not only learn to read but also LOVE to read!

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

The Young Peacemaker - A Plan for Solving Classroom Conflict

Conflict between students does arise, but in the Classical Christian world, these are learning moments for students who are practicing Biblical, peacemaking resolutions.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Music Within The Context of a Christian Classical Education  |  Blog Heading

Our Music Teacher, Abbi French, shares how music is an important part of who God created our students to be and what He created our students to do.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Skills & Training Through Works  |  Blog Heading

For parents not familiar with the term "Works" in Junior Kindergarten, Ashley Glaze explains how this part of our program trains students in new skills and good habits.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

The Math Meeting Board  |  Blog Heading

In this blog post, Millie Anderson, our Kindergarten teacher walks us through an interactive and engaging part of the daily routine for Kindergarten students called the Math Meeting Board. 

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Fundamental Understandings  |  Blog Heading

In this blog post, Peter Baur, our Head of School, shares the philosophy—or fundamental understandings—that drive our teachers and administration. 

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Lower School Literature  |  Blog Heading

In this blog post, Karla Bower (Teacher, 3rd Grade) shares with parents the joy of reading and being read to, as well as some helpful guidelines for parents. 

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Role of the Board  |  Blog Heading

In this blog post, we explore why Faith Christian School is governed by a Board of Directors and its main responsibilities.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Tradition & Ceremony Blog Heading

At Faith Christian School, traditions and ceremony play a critical role in reminding us what is most important in our lives and what is worth keeping.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Catechism & Liturgies Blog Heading

At Faith Christian School, catechism and liturgies unify our community, shape our heart's affections, and answer the deeper questions regarding meaning and purpose.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Euclid In Geometry  |  FCS Blog Post

This blog post shares how a classical approach to Geometry, using Euclid's Elements, written around 300 B.C., integrates art and logic.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Student Success Resources | FCS Blog Heading

This blog post shares the many resources Faith Christian School provides to families to help make sure each and every student is successful.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Blog Heading and Cover (1)-Aug-01-2023-10-03-56-6433-PM

Stephanie Hopkins, Associate Head of Middle & Upper School, shares how Latin is not only useful for preparation for all the modern sciences, law, and theology but also as a tool for training the mind in logic and beauty.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

An Alumni's Perspective Blog Header

JoAnn Kowtko, current Alumni Relations Director and former Faith Christian School graduate (Class of 2001) and now a mother of a second-grade student shares her perspective on her Christian classical education.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Blog Heading and Cover (5)-1

Engaging with each other with the goal of greater understanding—a classical concept that motivated C.S. Lewis and the famous Inklings.

Brynn Sowder, Librarian and Nature Studies Teacher shares how she learned about Intellectual Hospitality in England but discovered it was already present in the culture at Faith Christian School.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Recitation Chapel Blog Heading

Memorized pieces at their best are learned for the heart and soul of students and said aloud for the glory of God.

Starting with JK, students stand in front of peers and parents and recite poems, scripture, and jingles for recitation chapel. This, along with classroom reports and discussions, helps prepare students for thesis and beyond. Thesis may take place in the twelfth grade, but preparation begins in JK.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Visual Arts Blog Heading

Not an extracurricular at a Faith Christian School, but Visual Arts is an integral part of enabling students to learn to hear, understand, and speak God’s visual language with proficiency.

At Faith Christian School, visual art is not “extra-curricular.” It's a core area of study for our students, helping us tap into the “whole” person, not just the mind.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Project Faith Blog Header

Project Faith is a blessing to our school, our families, and those we serve in the Roanoke community for 22 years.

Over the years, Faith Christian School students, staff, and families have served the Roanoke Valley community through a school-wide fundraiser called Project Faith.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Language of the Universe Blog Header

Math allows us to think in new ways and respond when confronted with complicated situations.

We teach mathematics from a Christian perspective: we observe a unique design woven into creation by the ultimate Designer. Rather than wasting time memorizing steps which will only lead to frustration and confusion, students understand a concept and apply prior knowledge as a strategy to solve problems.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Senior Thesis Blog Header

Starting in Kindergarten, students ascend to the pinnacle of a classical education: the Senior Thesis presentation and defense.

One step at a time, starting in kindergarten, students ascend to the pinnacle of a classical education: the Senior Thesis presentation and defense, which inspires confidence and prepares for other challenging ascents ahead.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Rhetoric Blog Header

And why Rhetoric really IS the most important class our students will ever take. (According to Mr. Mann.)

Rhetoric, as a classical educational course, develops confidence and competence in public speaking as well as provides an opportunity for students to learn time-tested categories for unpacking and organizing truth.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Five Common Topics Blog Header

Developing the God-given curiosity and inquisitiveness naturally found in children by asking good questions.

The intentional use of the Five Common Topics leads to deep and thought-provoking conversations and provides students with endless opportunities to think and reason on their own—one of the goals of a Classical education.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Slow Looking Blog Header

More on the the skill of Slow Looking and why it's an important part of Classical education.

In Classical education, Slow Looking is more than a skill for art class. It develops the process that prepares students for deeply and thoroughly understanding whatever they are faced with, exploring solutions, and solving problems.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

Phonograms Blog Header

We explore the building blocks of reading and spelling and the way classical education builds life-long readers.

In classical education, phonograms provide a clear-cut, sequential, multi-sensory approach to learning to read. This primary component of a comprehensive phonics program makes learning the English language simple and effective.

 

Back To All Stories Button | Faith Christian School Roanoke VA | Stories

 

The Goal Blog Header

Every educational method has at least one end goal. What is the goal of Classical Christian Education?

At Faith Christian School, student support is handled by teachers, staff, and parents who deeply know and understand each student's unique needs. Together, student support seeks to move every student towards independence and success in the classroom, which better prepares them for life.

Read Blog Post Button: Acts 17 Blog Post | Faith Christian School Roanoke Virginia

 

Good Literature Blog Heading

Holding a mirror up to readers to help them consider the human experience in all its forms and settings.

In this blog, we explore the reasons we emphasize good literature—classical literature—and our teachers provide the tools needed for students to read deeply and carefully, mining good literature for the treasures they contain.

Back To All Stories-1

 

Motor Lab Blog Header  |  FCS Blog

Helping students develop and integrate their body systems to better focus academically as well as in sports.

In this blog by India Delp, our PE instructor, you'll learn more about Motor Lab, a program offered at Faith Christian School to help students to develop and integrate their body systems to better focus academically as well as in sports.

Back To All Stories-1

 

Narration Blog Header  |  FCS Blog

The Classical (And Fun!) Way To Produce Lasing Record In The Brain.

How can we ensure information sticks with students much longer than the time it takes them to complete the assessment? The answer is narration, which asks the student to remember all the details of the story and communicate them aloud.

Back To All Stories-1

 

A Love of the Beautiful: Nature Studies

Using Nature Studies to help students become experts at enjoying God and His Creation, a reflection of Him.

How can we teach our students to glorify and enjoy God? Are they old enough to really enjoy Him? New blog post from our Nature Studies teacher and designated insect inspector, Brynn Sowder.

Back To All Stories-1

 

Blog Heading and Cover (17)

Dimensions Math inspires students to wonder and think deeply, to ask good questions, and to take responsibility for their own learning.

Back To All Stories-1

 

Blog Heading and Cover (18)

Are we making a difference in the lives of our students? Read on to hear what our graduates consistently tell us.

Back To All Stories-1

 

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3585 Buck Mountain Road, Roanoke, VA 24018

Phone: 540.769.5200    |   Admissions Email: cweber@fcsva.com

 


 

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