Coram Deo Academy
Volume 7, Issue 1
FOR THIS DAY Embraced by Christian, Classical, Collaborative Education
By Hillary Brubaker
One year ago, I was brand new to Coram Deo Academy, brand new to Flower Mound, brand new to Texas. At the beginning of the school year, I sat in Orientation and listened with enthusiasm and trepidation as a mom of five CDA graduates shared about her many years of involvement with this wonderful school. I was holding onto her every word because there were so many question marks for our family. All the insecurities of changing states and houses and schools were balled up within my mama’s heart. I wanted desperately to hang my hopes upon the joys and experiences she had gained, to assure my boys that God had this. God was here. We had just moved from a tiny town in Western Colorado and landed in Flower Mound to be close to Coram Deo Academy. I was so, so grateful and hopeful for this opportunity.
I wish I could say that my boys felt the same. However, I have to confess that though my soon-to-be 8th grader was excited for the academic challenge of CDA, it is NEVER easy to
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transplant a 13-year-old and convince him of how great it will be to be the new student in 8th grade! And my fourth grader—oh, man—he almost had us convinced that we made a mistake enrolling him, and that he should be a homeschooler forever. We even met with the Principal to see if we should keep him home. Thankfully, she gently and graciously encouraged us. She listened to us pour out our concerns and helped us see what God had in store for Ryan. We decided to honor our covenant to Coram Deo and we told Ryan that neither we, nor God, had made a mistake and to give it one year. Best. Decision. Ever! The year was all that I hoped for and unimaginably MORE. God started pouring out on my boys and our family from day one.
The 8th grade class was so kind. Kids were so welcoming to our son and Landon didn’t just survive he thrived! What looked like rigorous courses on paper, became spiritually stimulating classes, that The Brubaker boys inspired growth, ignited passion, and gave so much Landon (9th Grade) and Ryan (5th Grade) more than we had imagined. The teachers were beyond good teachers. Each became a mentor and a friend to Landon. Each class, each activity, each assignment, each class group—has been more than academic. Each has built character into our son and we could not be more thankful! And our fourth grader? Wow! He could easily be the poster child for CDA. Once he crossed the threshold into his little, cozy classroom, he changed from a “Each class, each activity… fearful and anxious young boy to someone who could barely fall asleep at night. He was just so excited to get to go to school the has been more next day! Get, did y’all hear that?! He’s felt that way all year long than academic. because he had a teacher who truly saw him. He had a sweet, small group of classmates who accepted him and invited him in, Each has built and because he had meaningful work to challenge him. It’s so character into exciting to be a fourth grader, right?! Our family has lived this our son…” excitement with him and we have LOVED every second of it. From the History Festival to the Fun Run to the Iron Student Challenge in P.E. and so much more. We didn’t just embrace this Christian, Classical, Collaborative model of education, it embraced us, it encouraged us, it changed us as a family. And wow! What an amazing year!
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I don’t know which seat you’re sitting in today—maybe, you’ve been here for years and you’ve had many a kid walk these halls. If so, you are so blessed! You have no doubt gained so much, and my hope for you today is that God would encourage you and breathe life and hope into you this year. Or maybe you are like I was, brand new, feeling super hopeful, but also a little unsure. Then my prayer for you is that God would give you peace that surpasses all understanding. That He would fan into flame that hope, and surprise you day after day with joy and gladness that your children get to be here. Get to! It is such a privilege for each of us, this little piece of heaven on earth.
I am with David when he writes in Psalm 16, “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places.” The boundary lines are just so good here at Coram Deo Academy and I can’t thank God, the administration, the families — each of you — enough for embracing our family and allowing us to journey with you all. We GET to be here together, and I am so thankful!
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Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 _____________________________________
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The Brubaker Family (from left) - Ryan, Alex, Hillary, Landon, Bailey the dog, and sister, Hannah.
PARENT RESOURCES Moms in Prayer - meets Tuesdays and Wednesdays after drop-off Contact: Michelle Collins P2P - mentoring new families Contact: Jacque Younger Idea Exchange - for families of grades Pre-K t0 4th Contact: Jennifer Jaetzold Straight Talk - for families of grades 5th to 12th Contact: Jacque Younger PTF (Parent Teacher Fellowship) - partnering with CDA FM making our school a great community. President: Shelli Plank Staff Liaison: Kristan Williams
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