Lions’ Pride 2020–2021
g n i t a r b e l e C
S R A E 25 Y
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his year is special in the life of The Christ School. For 25 years, TCS has been shaping and developing young hearts and minds for Christ. As we celebrate this milestone, we look back at how God has taken care of the school that bears His name and we look forward to what He has in store for this remarkable place! I am privileged to see the growth that happens on our campus each day. Students are being developed into great learners under the guidance of faculty who know them and care deeply for them. I think back to the beginning, how this incredible school was the dream of a handful of parents who wanted to provide a better option for their children. A place where Christ would be first, where great academics would take place and character would be developed. A place where relationships would be formed that would last a lifetime. I wonder if they imagined what The Christ School would be like 25 years later. All the lives that have been shaped, all the students that were given a firm foundation and were launched with love, blessings, and the encouragement of a community that will continue to love and support them throughout their lives. Some of my favorite conversations have been with founders of the school as they have shared their pride in what TCS has grown into and about the future that lies before it.
CELEBRATING
As you read the articles in our 25 Year Celebration issue of Lions’ Pride, I hope you experience the joy that went into creating The Christ School, learn about many of the great things we are currently doing, and join us in our excitement for the future. n
25 YEARS
By Aaron Farrant, Ed.D. Head of School
TheChristSchool.org | THE CHRIST SCHOOL
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25 YEARS OF THE CHRIST SCHOOL
TCS ALUMNI REFLECT ON THEIR TCS EXPERIENCE WHAT MADE THE CHRIST SCHOOL COMMUNITY UNIQUE FOR YOU? When I was a TCS student, the community was small and intimate. I made lifelong friends; people who I still speak to on a daily basis. One was even the best man in my wedding!
CRAIG GERBER, TCS Class of 2001 (First graduating class) Executive Sous Chef Epping Forest Yacht Club
TCS classmates Brianna Sanders, Danielle Towle, Jordan Ellis, Monica Rowe
WHAT WAS THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AT THE CHRIST SCHOOL? The best part of my TCS experience was definitely the lasting friendships I made. Even now, my TCS friends are still some of my best friends. I was actually just texting one of them!
JORDAN ELLIS, TCS Class of 2012 Senior at the University of Florida, studying Media and Society Telecommunication
HOW DID YOUR TIME AT THE CHRIST SCHOOL SET YOU UP FOR SUCCESS IN HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE? The Christ School helped me learn the organizational skills I needed to be successful in high school and college. TCS taught me the foundational skills to manage my time and to become an honor roll student.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE CHRIST SCHOOL FOR YOUR SON, JOEY? Choosing The Christ School for Joey was an easy choice for my wife and me. We were excited about the opportunity for our son to go to the school I attended and receive the same Christ-centered education I did. When I graduated in 2008, I was able to start high school with a strong group of friends who had the same values as me as well as a strong relationship with God.
NATHAN DUNLAP, TCS Class of 2008 Firefighter, Orange County Fire and Rescue Father of Joey, TCS kindergarten student
AJA SIMS, TCS Class of 2010 Manderson MBA Student, University of Alabama, studying Marketing Analytics University of Alabama Gymnastics Alumni
WHAT IS IT ABOUT TCS THAT INSPIRES SUCCESS IN ITS STUDENTS? While going to The Christ School for nine years, I was constantly inspired to try my hardest and do my best by the close-knit community of teachers, friends, and staff that surrounded me and encouraged me with grace. Being an alumna for the past five years, I look back at TCS and see the foundation I was given which taught me to live a life honoring Christ and to love the Lord with my everything, which is the inspiration I have to succeed in everything!
GRACIE BLASTIC, TCS Class of 2015
Sophomore at Samford University, studying Human Development and Family Sciences, minoring in Religion 4 LIONS’ PRIDE | 2020–2021
HOW DID YOUR TIME AT TCS INFLUENCE YOU? TCS was a place where, at an incredibly formative time in my life, I was nurtured intellectually, spiritually and relationally in ways that prepared me to be a successful member of society, my church, and as a physician. The friendships I formed during my years there are still strong to this day. The culture of TCS is one of caring and excellence that prepares its students for success.
LUKE S. ROGERS, D.O., TCS Class of 2007
HOW DO YOU FEEL THE TEACHERS AND STAFF AT TCS INFLUENCED YOU OVER THE YEARS?
WHAT LED YOU TO CHOOSE TCS FOR YOUR DAUGHTER, CHLOE?
The teachers at The Christ School helped boost my confidence by supporting me academically and in my personal life. Each teacher took the time to get to know me and made sure I was comfortable in each of their classrooms to participate in class discussions and openly answer questions. They took the time to discuss any mistakes I made and how to learn and grow from them.
JESSIE JONES, TCS Class of 2017; Senior at Boone High School
WHAT CHARACTERISTICS DO YOU FEEL YOUR TCS CLASSMATES SHARE?
There is a trust factor I have in The Christ School from my experience as a student and the people I know who work there now. My wife Carol and I felt that The Christ School would be the best environment for Chloe because of its curriculum and opportunities to be challenged, while also being around other amazing families. I built many lasting friendships while I was a student at TCS. I hope Chloe does, as well.
AS THE OWNER OF SLOAN BUILDERS, WHAT COMPELLED YOU TO GIVE BACK TO TCS THROUGH OUR WONDERFUL NEW RENOVATIONS? I have always wanted to give back through my company, and this was a great opportunity for me to do that. I will continue to help TCS with whatever construction projects I can to make the school the best it can be. ERIC SLOAN, TCS Class of 2006 Owner of Sloan Builders; Father of Chloe, TCS 2nd grade student
HOW DID YOUR EXPERIENCE AT THE CHRIST SCHOOL IMPACT YOU AS A LEADER?
We are kind, dedicated, and want to stand out in the world.
KAYLA COSTIN, TCS Class of 2016 Freshman at University of Georgia, studying Animal Health
Our goals all revolve around using God’s gifts to help make the world a better place and excel within our chosen professions.
KIYAH COSTIN, TCS Class of 2016 Freshman at Virginia Tech, majoring in Animal and Poultry Science
The teachers couldn’t have been better during my time at The Christ School! They taught me the right way to become a good leader with Christian values. I really am grateful for what TCS has done for me.
NELSON GARRIS, TCS Class of 2015 Sophomore at Auburn University Major in Business Analytics; Minor in Sports Communication
TheChristSchool.org | THE CHRIST SCHOOL
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REFLECTIONS
OF A TCS FOUNDER, PARENT, AND BOARD CHAIR By Jeff Fleming
T
he story of The Christ School is best told one family at a time. For my family, that story started in the early 90’s when my wife, Joanne, “decided” that our church, First Presbyterian Church of Orlando (FPCO), was destined to have a primary school. After all, the oldest of our four children was about to graduate from First Presbyterian’s Weekday School. Why should he, and his siblings, have to go somewhere else to find the nurturing, Christian-based education we had come to cherish? Joanne, and a small group of equally determined parents, persisted until their dream became a reality. I would like to tell you that my involvement stemmed from a deep commitment to Christian education, but I was a product of Orange County public schools and, well, that had been good enough for me. However, I happened to be serving on FPCO’s governing body at the time the proponents of the school were making their case and I soon found myself taking up the cause. The vision of that early group of parents was realized in 1996, when they established The Christ School as an independent, not for profit, educational institution. Classes began on the First Presbyterian campus on August 12th with 52 students. As one of the school’s
founders, I had the privilege of serving on the first board of directors and would later serve as chair.
Jeff Fleming with son, Paul
It seems impossible that The Christ School was founded 25 years ago. Our four children are now college graduates and three have advanced degrees. The Christ School laid the foundation for their success. That same foundation is filling our world with teachers, ministers, firefighters, doctors, military officers, musicians, lawyers, models, TV producers, paramedics, writers, chefs, nurses, athletic trainers, realtors, financial planners, therapists, and the list goes on. Perhaps most importantly, the list of TCS alumni now includes new moms and dads who want their children to have that same excellent foundation. This is the lasting legacy of The Christ School. Building the foundation for a better world…one family at a time. n
Inaugural Book Fair.
August 12, 1996 The Christ School opened its doors serving 52 students in 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades.
1996
The Christ School received the Golden Brick Award from the City of Orlando Downtown Orlando Partnership.
1997 Thomas J. Porter, Founding Principal. TCS students voted for Roary the Lion to be the school mascot.
6 LIONS’ PRIDE | 2020–2021
Jeff paints a desk for TCS students to use
Inaugural Christmas program.
Inaugural Mane Event golf tournament and auction.
IRON&STEEL By Brooke Lambert
TCS Class of 2001, 1st Graduating Class of The Christ School
T
here I stood, at the base of the grand, spiral stairway. Awkwardly clutching the railing, I climbed my way up to the third floor. I pondered on the new faces I would soon meet, excited about this new world of middle school, but I was also in unchartered waters. A new kid on the block. “Welcome to my classroom! I’m Mrs. Sorrow, and I am going to be your homeroom teacher.” “Hello!” I said, as I stood there with my new backpack, loaded with more supplies than I knew what to do with. Mrs. Sorrow smiled warmly as she ushered us all in. I walked into Mrs. Sorrow’s class and found my desk, which had my name scrolled across a name tent. As each student settled into their new space, we all gazed around quietly, soaking in the newness of it all. Mrs. Sorrow shared about who she was, and then said, “I can already tell, you all are a very special group of students.” And she was right. The relationships that were forged at The Christ School were made of iron and steel. In the three years we were blessed to be together, we moved through the hard lessons of friendship and rejection, acceptance and kindness, failures and victories; and through it all, we were grounded in Christ. I will never forget memorizing scripture in Mrs. Sorrow’s class. Each week, we were to write a new Bible verse in our prayer journals. We would reflect on the verse, discuss the verse with our classmates, and ultimately Our inaugural Grandparents’ Day was celebrated.
1998
The Christ School welcomed 5th and 6th grades to the 1st-4th grade offerings.
recite the verse at the end of the week. This simple task of hiding God’s Word in our hearts formed a bond amongst us and even more, resiliency in the face of adversity. Not only were the bonds with our peers strong, but we were also able to be the vessels into which the faculty poured their hearts and souls. Mrs. Crimmins taught us to respect our nation’s history and to reflect on the events of the past to make tomorrow a better place. Mrs. Fleming taught us that faith is full of action; she was there to encourage us to fix our eyes on Christ. Mrs. Wiborg taught us to be humble, to have courage, and to be strong. Looking back, I recall the reluctance I held as a young girl; nervous to come to a new school. I now see that my attendance at The Christ School was ordained. Being a Lion has afforded me more than any degree or any license. As a student of the first graduating class, we were undoubtedly equipped with tools that would be valuable in all seasons of our academic and adult lives. We were immeasurably blessed by strong leadership,
supportive families, and faithful servants of Christ. After college, it became clear that God wanted me back in the middle school classroom; teaching, sharpening, and guiding young students. Serving my students and their families became my passion and I loved every minute. I taught 6th grade science for four years until my husband and I decided to grow our family. Today, I am a dedicated wife, a mother of two young girls, and I continue to stay involved in my children’s schools. To this day, I still contact my TCS classmates for parenting advice and to celebrate life’s triumphs. To this day, I still write in my prayer journal weekly— being still with God and pondering on His Word. To this day, I am still grateful for the foundations and relationships that were built at The Christ School. I pray that every student that climbs that grand, spiral stairway will grow to love and serve others, and glorify God in all they do. n
The Christ School received full accreditation from Christian Schools of Florida, the youngest school to ever do so.
1999
The Year of Renovations. TCS lower school moved to First United Methodist Church Orlando and middle school moved to Downtown Baptist to allow for the
2000
The Christ School Math and Spelling Teams earned 1st place at District Championship.
renovation of Allen/Yowell Halls. The six-month renovation allowed for our first internet connection and the opening of the computer lab in January 2001.
TheChristSchool.org | THE CHRIST SCHOOL
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THE CHRIST SCHOOL
LEADS THE WAY FOR DYSLEXIA
INSTRUCTION
I N O R L A N DO A CALLING— In the fall of 2017, The Christ School (TCS)
recognized a lack of educational opportunities for children diagnosed with dyslexia in Central Florida and felt a call to help. After a year of research and planning, TCS began an intensive reading program for students with dyslexia. That experience led TCS to launch The Bridge in the fall of 2020. The Bridge is an all-day program specifically tailored to meet the needs of the dyslexic learner. While TCS had been developing and refining this program over the last three years, God began preparing the right team to lead the program much earlier. • Alissa Plaisance: In 2015, Alissa joined TCS with a Master of Education degree with a specialty in Learning Disabilities. With 15 years of experience working with exceptional education students and training teachers through the public school system, it became evident to her that resources in Central Florida were lacking for students who learn differently. As a young mom, Alissa sought out The Christ School as an educational partner for her family, was immediately impressed with the community and felt a calling to join the team. • Jennie Farrant: Meanwhile, Jennie was teaching and earning her Interrelated Special Education certificate from the University of
First school-wide One Great Day of Service April 24, 2001. First graduating class for The Christ School (June 2001).
2001
Daily instruction incorporates multisensory techniques to practice reading and spelling. Students are taught to finger tap the individual sounds in words to experience greater spelling success.
The Christ School welcomed kindergarten students to the 1st–8th grade offerings (August 2001).
2003 The Christ School added cross country as a sport starting with a team of 5 boys and 1 girl.
8 LIONS’ PRIDE | 2020–2021
2004 Girls’ volleyball team earned 14-0 record with a 1st place championship win.
Georgia. She later earned her Master of Education in Reading Instruction, and Reading Endorsement Degree from the University of West Georgia. From there, she began working at GRACEPOINT, a school in Atlanta specifically serving children with dyslexia. With over 10 years of education experience, and being Orton-Gillingham (OG) certified, Jennie moved to Orlando in 2017 with her husband as he accepted the call to be the Head of School for TCS. • Dr. Aaron Farrant: After spending time in the business world, God called Aaron to the world of education. With a bachelor’s degree and two master degrees, Aaron went back to school and earned his Education Specialists Degree and Doctorate in Educational Leadership. During his doctoral dissertation he studied the impact of multi-age ability grouping and conducted his qualitative research at a school designed for students with dyslexia. Learning how families and students struggle when in a school not designed to meet their needs inspired Dr. Farrant to be part of the solution.
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God, in His divine plan, brought these three individuals to an amazing school that bears His name, The Christ School, and The Bridge was launched in the fall of 2020. Second, third, and fourth grade students from across Central Florida have joined The Christ School for this unique program with small class sizes and a more individualized approach for academic subjects. Continued on page 10
I am so honored to be a Bridge teacher. Growing up with dyslexia, I remember the difficult feelings of not being understood. Dyslexia presents challenges but also wonderful strengths that may not be highlighted in the traditional classroom. This causes students to resent their unique brain. The Bridge allows these children to develop an understanding of their God-given talents and strengths.” — Meredith Schott, Third Grade Bridge Teacher
Boys’ Track & Field team wins 1st place at championship meet.
2005 Susan Chisari, Interim Principal.
2006 TCS Lower School Math Team wins 1st place at Christian Schools of Florida competition.
Jason W. Powell, Ed.D. joined The Christ School as Head of School.
TheChristSchool.org | THE CHRIST SCHOOL
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DYSLEXIA INSTRUCTION THE OG APPROACH— In the early 1900s, Dr. Samuel Orton,
a neuropsychiatrist and pathologist, and Dr. Anna Gillingham, an educator and psychologist, pioneered studies expressly focused on language processing difficulties and reading failures. Dr. Orton extensively studied children with the type of language processing difficulties now commonly associated with dyslexia, and formulated a set of teaching principles and practices. Dr. Gillingham worked with Dr. Orton to train teachers and compiled and published instructional materials.
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Over the last half century, the Orton-Gillingham approach has been the most influential intervention designed expressly for remediating the language processing challenges experienced by children and adults with dyslexia.
The Bridge has brought hope and confidence to my bright son, William. He is excited to go to school each day. His confidence has soared as he has discovered his super power, dyslexia! I will be forever grateful to The Christ School faculty and staff.”
Furry friends make the best listeners! Therapy dogs help build confidence in students with reading.
— Heather Webb, Second Grade Bridge Parent
Orton-Gillingham is a highly structured approach that breaks down reading and spelling into smaller skills involving letters and sounds. It does this using multisensory teaching strategies, which are extremely effective for students with dyslexia. The Bridge Team’s Application of the OG Approach The Christ School’s Bridge teachers are trained in the OG approach to provide systematic, direct, and intensive reading instruction following The Christ School’s proven scope and sequence. The teachers employ the concept of the “language triangle,” developed by Dr. Gillingham, which uses auditory, visual, and kinesthetic modalities to engage students and facilitate learning. Bridge teachers are also trained in Multisensory Math, which applies the researchbased OG principles to math instruction. This methodology brings abstract concepts to life with concrete and pictorial representations
that make math meaningful and memorable. In addition to daily intensive reading intervention and Multisensory Math, Bridge students enjoy The Christ School’s special-area classes, grade-level field trips, and project-based learning curriculum. NEXT YEAR — A fifth grade Bridge class will be added in the fall of 2021, and additional lower school classes will be added as needed. Fifth grade Bridge graduates will transition into The Christ School’s Middle School with accommodations facilitated by The Christ School’s Student Support Center. The focus will be on executive functioning, self-advocacy, and academic support.
For more information on The Bridge, contact Alissa Plaisance, Director, at aplaisance@thechristschool.org. n
Middle School begins tradition of off-campus retreat.
2007
2008 The Christ School Cheerleaders earn 2nd place at National Cheerleading Competition.
10 LIONS’ PRIDE | 2020–2021
The Christ School Library and Media Center renovated and re-dedicated.
2009
2010 New Middle School science lab opens. First 8th grade capstone trip to the Dominican Republic.
G
ifts to the Good to Great Fund make a difference in the lives of our students every day. Your donation will help us continue to live out our mission for many years to come. Over the past 25 years, these funds have been used for professional development for our teachers and staff, classroom furniture, academic resources, technology, financial assistance for families in need, and so much more!
Thank you! We are very grateful for the families and friends who have partnered with us on this amazing journey to educate the next generation of Christian leaders! Interested in supporting The Christ School's Good to Great Fund? Visit our website to make a gift online or contact Development Specialist, Angela V. Harrison at AVHarrison@thechristschool.org,
2020-2021 CAMPAIGN
100% of our faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees have committed to this year’s Good to Great Fund. 92% of our parent community have already supported the Fund. This is the third year in a row that our families have supported our Good to Great Fund at a rate of 90% or higher!
to find out how to make a gift of stock, pay via donor-advised funds, make a payroll deduction via United Way, or to set up an ongoing donation. TheChristSchool.org/support
A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great. — Proverbs 18:16
Designing Classrooms for Creation and Collaboration Thanks to the generosity of our TCS families and friends during the 2020 Mane Event paddle raise, we redesigned all of our classrooms over the summer and improved the learning environment for all our students. We added interactive flat panels to enable teachers to create a space that is truly collaborative among students, and between students and teachers. We added high-end document cameras that allow for broadcasting tangible items to the class like the intricacies of a dissection or handwriting lessons for our youngest students showing proper grip or letter formation. Two-in-one laptops were added to our teachers’ resources to provide flexibility and mobility as they assist and instruct students from anywhere in the classroom. What a tremendous blessing to our teachers and students! Thank you to all of our families and friends who made these enhancements possible! Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Rob Agnew Mr. Mark Aguiar and Ms. Nicole Abbott-Farmer Mr. and Mrs. Mark Andrews Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Archer Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Ball Mr. and Mrs. Robby Ball Mr. and Mrs. Walter Basso Mr. Brad Beemer and Ms. Sue Gannon Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Bertelsen Mr. and Mrs. Joey Blakley Mr. and Mrs. Tim Blakley Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Bodine, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Chris Boyer Mr. and Mrs. Dustin Broadbent Mr. and Mrs. John Burden Dr. and Mrs. Richard Carter Mrs. Susan Chisari Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Chiu Mr. Christian Chomat and Mrs. Sally Prieto-Chomat Mr. and Mrs. Michael Clark
Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah Cordovano Mr. Stephen Corrow and Ms. Patricia Arauz-Corrow Mr. and Mrs. Tom Cotton Mr. Anthony Crotti Mr. and Mrs. Luke Daly Mr. and Mrs. Jason Deese Mr. and Mrs. Bill Denius Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Dering Mr. and Mrs. Sam DiBlasio Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Dilley Mr. and Mrs. Tom Eastwood Mr. and Mrs. Troy Enz Mr. and Mrs. David Evans Dr. and Mrs. Farrant Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Finkelstein Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Fleming Mrs. Rachel Foust Mr. and Mrs. Tanner Fox Mr. and Mrs. Jay Glover Mr. and Mrs. Geoff Goldman Mr. and Mrs. Cameron Gordon Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hale
Friends gather for fun and fellowship at the Mane Event 'Derby Days'.
Mr. and Mrs. Randy Harrison Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Hayes Ms. Carolyn Horvath Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Hughes Ms. Carol Ivey Mr. and Mrs. Eric Johannessen Mr. George Jourieh and Mrs. Lucy Shakarji Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kovalcik Mr. and Mrs. Randy Lail Mr. and Mrs. Zachary Leacox Mr. and Mrs. Jimmie Lee Mr. and Mrs. Scott Lee Mr. and Mrs. Zachary Malagian Ms. Sandra Mattos Mr. and Mrs. Marc McCloskey Mr. and Mrs. Robert McEwan Mr. and Mrs. James McGill Mr. and Mrs. Adam McGinnis Mr. and Mrs. Joe Miller Mr. and Mrs. Michael Milne Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Mixson Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Moore Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Morgan
Mr. and Mrs. Chip Moye Mr. and Mrs. Brian Normann Mr. and Mrs. Michael Noto Mr. and Mrs. Michael Pooler Mr. and Mrs. Chris Quarles Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Reams Ms. Bryanna Rankin Mr. Gene Rankin Dr. and Mrs. Efren Salinero Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Shaughnessy Mr. and Mrs. Scott Sheldon Mr. C. Russell Slappey and Ms. Kimberly Sutton Mr. and Mrs. Eric Sloan Mr. Larry Stewart Mr. and Mrs. James Thompson Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy To Dr. and Mrs. Travis Van Dyke Mr. and Mrs. Richard van Gelder Mr. and Mrs. Danny Wardeh Mr. Troy Wieberg and Dr. Brighid Williams
TheChristSchool.org | THE CHRIST SCHOOL
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THE CHRIST SCHOOL MIDDLE SCHOOL
PREPARED M
iddle school serves as the stepping stone between lower school and high school. It is a transition period from childhood to adolescence. During this time there is an immense spike in neurological, social, and emotional development. The Christ School’s middle school has been purposefully designed with this transition in mind. From serving as leaders in Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and Middle School Chapel to being active participants in Social Bridges and our House System, students learn to lead and work in interdependent environments. Academically, we focus on teaching our students how to think critically, collaborate, creatively problem solve, and effectively communicate. These timeless skills are explicitly taught and refined throughout our middle school programs. When our Lions graduate from middle school and move onto high school, they are prepared to perform with distinction and confident in leadership and communication. Leadership Preparing students to lead in high school and beyond is an important component of middle school. We believe a student’s leadership skills are fostered through experience, feedback, and reflection. Whether a student is leading a small group devotion, coordinating their team to create a TCS News segment, or serving as
TCS launches iPad initiative.
2011
Development of Fides: The Christ School’s structure for Academic Excellence. 12 LIONS’ PRIDE | 2020–2021
TCS Middle School Chapel Elective builds leadership skills and strengthens spiritual development as students plan and lead our weekly Middle School Chapel.
“The Christ School fostered leadership skills in me that influenced my high school and college decisions. Leadership roles that I held, such as student body president at my high school, were a direct product of the servant leadership I learned at TCS. The teachers and staff encouraged and demonstrated a selfless, leading attitude for me.” — Reid Marlett, TCS Class of 2014 and Boone High School Valedictorian, 2018
an officer in National Junior Honor Society, TCS provides leadership experiences for students with various interests. For feedback and reflection, we take a Proverbs 27:17 approach: “As iron sharpens
Harkness Discussion Table introduced for Middle School Bible.
2013 Summer Learning Program introduced.
iron, so one person sharpens another.” Each student is assigned an advisor who meets with them once a week to discuss challenges, successes, and God’s word. Students can ask questions, receive feedback, and reflect on events from the past week.
The Christ School received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on
The Christ School added Transitional Kindergarten to the K-8th grade offerings.
2014
2015 Named Best Private School – Religious – by Playground Magazine.
Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), an accreditation division of AdvancED.
TCS becomes first TK-8th grade school to receive national accreditation from the
2016
Council on Educational Standards & Accountability (CESA).
Communication The ability to communicate one’s thoughts and ideas, both written and orally, has become ever more important in our information driven world. At TCS, we teach presentation skills beginning in transitional kindergarten and continuing all the way through 8th grade. Students build comfort in front of an audience and work on volume and pacing in the early years. As they move into upper elementary grades, they begin using visual aids and storytelling to convey a message. In middle school, every 6th grade student experiences a formal public speaking course where they learn how to connect with their audience, project confidence, present ideas in a persuasive way, use proper movement and body language, and more. The course teaches debate and how to present logic behind an idea and disagree with respect. Additionally, students have these skills reinforced throughout their core classes while learning how to give and receive positive and constructive feedback. Through formal presentations, debate, and impromptu speeches, students continue to practice and receive feedback on their public speaking during 7th and 8th grade.
“Starting with the animal presentations in first grade all the way through to their big speech projects in middle school, my children have been well prepared to speak publicly. While in college at Auburn University, my daughter, Amy, received an email from one of her professors complimenting her on her presentation skills. She remarked that she felt confident because of her experiences at TCS. We still say, 'Thank you to The Christ School,' every time one of our kids has an oral presentation as they are always prepared to do their best.” — Carrie Beth Guglielmi, TCS Alumni parent (Amy, Jodi, John, & Laura Beth) Right: Middle school students at The Christ School have opportunities to serve as leaders in associations such as Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Ambassadors, Student Council and National Junior Honor Society. Bottom Right: The 8th grade capstone class trip to the Dominican Republic deepens their understanding of what it means to put their faith into action and be a servant leader. Bottom: Middle school students develop confidence along with public speaking and leadership skills by having opportunities to share messages in Middle School Chapel.
Once a Lion, Always a Lion The level of excellence we embody as a school is equally represented in our graduates. Every year our Lions overrepresent the percentage of high school students who go on to become valedictorians, club presidents and captains, student government officers and more. A comment we often hear about our alumni is that “they are confident in who they are and where they are going.” No matter what high school our 8th grade graduates seek to attend, they are fully equipped and prepared for the next chapter in their academic journey. n
TCS established our Defining Characteristics.
2017
Dr. Aaron Farrant becomes Head of School.
Infused Growth Mindset into our culture.
TCS teachers begin to deliver the Orton-Gillingham approach to teaching reading.
Introduced Middle School Houses.
Launched the Student Support Center.
2018
First annual cornhole tournament.
STEAM Lab Opens.
Implemented the Math Acceleration Program (MAP) for students who need additional math challenge.
TheChristSchool.org | THE CHRIST SCHOOL
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IMPROVEMENTS AND INNOVATIONS Pave the Way for the Future
One of The Christ School’s defining
characteristics is to constantly improve. It is at the forefront of the decisionmaking process for administrators, teachers and staff. As we celebrate our
25th year, we pause to acknowledge some of the many accomplishments
that have shaped the direction of our school.
A
cademics are strong at TCS. The addition of a lower and middle school director has improved the focus on each division and enhanced the quality of the student experience. With more targeted teacher and parent support, we all work together to deliver an individualized education for each child.
The Christ School is the only school in central Florida where all reading teachers have completed a minimum of 60 hours of training in the OrtonGillingham methodology. This gold
Began musicals in TK, kindergarten and 1st grade.
2018
standard of teaching reading has allowed us to provide a specialized program of instruction that meets each individual learner’s unique needs.
In Social Bridges, TK-8th grade students learn the essential skills of social development; how to manage emotions and develop interpersonal skills.
Mae Jemison, Albert Einstein, Elon Musk, Marie Curry, Zaha Hadid and Dorothy Vaughan joined The Christ School two years ago as role models in our new state-
Introduced early morning Bible studies for students in grades 4-8.
of-the-art STEAM Lab. Students explore science (and aquaponics), technology, engineering, art and math to learn how these subjects intertwine. The 3-D printers, Cubelets Robots and Lego wall are student favorites.
To reach students with a variety of learning needs, the Student Support Center and Bridge program were added to TCS. The Bridge is the premier program in central Florida serving students with dyslexia. Our Student Support Center assists students with varied learning needs from enrichment to subject-based tutoring to executive functioning.
The support of The Christ School community has been a cornerstone of our 25-year success story. Our newly renovated lobby provides a gathering spot for parents to catch up with friends. The annual cornhole tournament, the beloved Father/Daughter Dance, One Great Day of Service and the historical Mane Event are times for memory making with TCS friends and families. These fun events have inspired additional experiences such as the Mother/Son Picnic and grade level events which strengthen bonds and build lasting friendships. The Christ School is poised for continued excellence. We look forward toward our future with anticipation as we continue to develop confident Christian leaders for generations to come. n
Transitioned to Remote Learning during COVID-19 campus closure.
Renovated TCS Lobby.
2019
2020 Resumed competitions in Odyssey of the Mind.
Social Bridges began at TCS. Added Spanish Immersion. 14 LIONS’ PRIDE | 2020–2021
Launched The Bridge program to provide a full day program for dyslexic learners.
106 E. Church Street Orlando, FL 32801-3390 407-849-1665 • thechristschool.org The Christ School partners with families to provide academic excellence through an individualized, Christ-centered K–8 experience.
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NOW ENROLLING FOR THE 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR
The Christ School's Opening Day, August 12, 1996