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Like any mother, Debbie Suppe wants what’s best for her children. And like other moms who choose The Rock School, she’s confident that’s exactly what she’s giving them.
Given the number of hours a child spends in school each year, and the enormous influence of teachers, curriculum, and educational programs, many parents are taking a more careful look at their children’s educational experience.
A Standard of Excellence
There’s a common misconception that parents must be willing to sacrifice a strong academic program when they enroll their children in a Christian school. That simply isn’t the case at The Rock School, according to Suppe. “I am extremely grateful that we never had to compromise the quality of education in order to keep our children in a private school where the teachers and administrators shared our core values,” she explains. Nick, the Suppe’s oldest child, now a freshman, is taking AP classes at The Rock School and scored very well on the PSAT last fall.
Students at Christian schools consistently out-perform their public school counterparts, contrary to popular opinion. “On average, their standardized test scores are way above the curve, and they’re better prepared for college upon graduation,” according to Jim McKenzie, The Rock School’s vice principal. “Even in the areas of math and reading, subjects that are ‘less spiritual’ in content, students at Christian schools have proven their superiority.”
Shared Values
As the Christian worldview has been pushed out of the public schools, more Christian parents are turning to private schools for educational programs that are more consistent with the families’ views. “At The Rock School, we provide a Christian foundation both spiritually and intellectually,” explains Bob Carter, the school’s founding principal. “Spiritually, we help kids grow in their faith through regular chapel services and Bible classes, but we also believe that, intellectually, the Bible speaks to all areas of life. We teach our curriculum in light of God’s Word.”
“As a mom, I love that the school shares my values,” explains Arica Heise, parent of pre-kindergarten and sixth grade students at The Rock School. “I don’t have to worry about debriefing my children at the end of the day to undo things they may have learned in school that I don’t agree with.” According to Marcy Hansen, whose teenage daughter has been at the school since kindergarten, “The school is reinforcing what I’m teaching at home. With Christian teachers who love and pray for my kids, I’m assured that they’re getting a consistent message.”
A Well-Rounded Education
Jill Nash is the mother of three children who have attended the school for many years. Every fall and spring, she looks forward to attending the school’s musical productions. Her two oldest children, Jennifer and Julie, both love to sing and act, and have enjoyed great success participating in The Rock School’s fine arts programs. “I hear about how so many schools are eliminating music and art classes because of budget cuts, and it makes me grateful that my daughters attend a school that doesn’t have to make that choice,” recounts Nash. “I can’t imagine my kids not having the opportunity to explore their gifts and talents here.” |
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Elementary and middle school students enjoy PE class daily, and attend both art and music classes twice a week, while technology class is offered weekly. High school students enjoy a unique elective period that allows them to choose three different courses from the disciplines of performing arts, fine arts, athletics, or technology. Among the many courses offered are classes in guitar, piano, dance, acting, ceramics, weight training, personal fitness, TV production, lighting & sound design, and computer programming.
According to McKenzie, the school’s faculty works hard to ensure a well-rounded education. “We value school, family, church, and extracurricular activities,” he explains. “We want our students to have the time to take lessons after school, to enjoy time with their families, to be involved in church events, and to participate in athletics. We don’t believe it’s necessary to sacrifice one for the other.” To that end, the school employs several innovative strategies to keep the homework load moderate and to provide a free night once a week. Principal Carter points to the success of the school’s graduates as evidence that the homework policies haven’t detracted from the students’ college readiness. “The average GPA from the last two graduating classes is a 3.3 and the average SAT score was a 1215,” he explains. “I think those numbers speak for themselves.”
A Personalized Approach
With an average class size of 11 and a faculty/student ratio of 6:1, students at The Rock School won’t find themselves being lost in the crowd. “I love the small class sizes and the individual attention my child receives,” explains Diane Taylor, whose three daughters attend the school. “The teachers really care about my kids and that’s important to me. I want my girls to feel safe.”
According to another parent, the school’s personalized approach has served all her children well. “Two of my kids are good students and have always made good grades. Their teachers have always made sure that they get the extra challenges they need to reach their potential.” “But,” she adds, “one of my daughters has faced some learning challenges, and the school’s commitment to her success has equally impressed me. The faculty works hard to help every student succeed.”
On a typical school day, a visitor to the campus will quickly note the friendly atmosphere that surrounds the school. Though the school is run in an efficient business-like manner, it becomes clear that the students and staff are part of an extended family. “When my five-year-old walks by a group of high school students at the end of the day, he is greeted with high-fives and hugs and they all know his name,” Heise shares. “He’s beaming. It’s just makes his day.” For older students, that family-oriented atmosphere translates to a positive school experience. “I know the students at the school aren’t perfect, but my tenth grade daughter encounters many more positive influences than negative influences,” Hansen explains. “The fruit of that is evident by her character and maturity.”
The Rock School was founded in 1993 by Pastors George and Suzanne Brantley and The Rock of Gainesville church. Despite the fact that the school bears the church’s name, The Rock School welcomes students from the local community and around the world. “We’ve had a few people call and ask if you have to be a member of the church to go to school here,” explains Principal Carter. “The answer is no. Anyone is welcome to apply.”
What Matters Most
Sandy Eaton’s four children all graduated from The Rock School, the youngest one in 2005. “My two oldest graduated from UF, my third graduated from nursing school, and my youngest is also about to graduate from Florida,” she explains. “Financially, my husband and I had to make certain sacrifices to keep them in a Christian school, but it was worth it. I didn’t have to choose between academics and a Christian program. The Rock School gave them the best of both,” she added. “I look at my children today and I am proud of who they have become. Isn’t that every mother’s dream?”
Learn more about The Rock School at www.therocklions.com/glc |
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