Mission
Veritas is an independent Christian school in the classical tradition that prepares students for lives of service and learning through academic excellence, character development, biblical literacy, and intentional engagement opportunities.
Core Values
In pursuit of its mission, the Veritas community is guided by five core values. Our core values represent the philosophical commitments of our community; these values are reflected in our past and guide our commitment to the future. The core values of Veritas embody the promises made for our students’ development.
Academic Excellence
Veritas embraces a history of excellence in academic achievement. We are committed to challenging our students to their highest potential in academics and stretching their intellectual boundaries, seeking to model and impart the virtues of inquiry, preparation, and discipline, in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
Character Formation
Veritas educates holistically, both character and mind. Moral formation and mature behavior are of equal value with the acquisition of knowledge. We are committed to developing students’ hearts and minds, seeking to instill in them both knowledge and Christian values.
Biblical Literacy
Veritas seeks to shape our students’ thinking through scripture both by understanding biblical content and through a deeper awareness of its meaning and ethical application. We believe that our students’ minds are informed and fashioned through Christian studies and by mastering core competencies of the Bible.
Classical Foundation
Veritas is committed to a classical pedagogy to develop our students’ intellectual abilities and assist them to acquire the skills for good scholarship. The principles of classical thought inform and guide the school in its curricular aims to prepare our students for success beyond Veritas.
Intentional Engagement
Veritas values providing a variety of engagement opportunities, both curricular and co-curricular, for the development of each student. The classroom, the playing field, travel exposure, fine arts integration, and community service are all part of the laboratory of learning for Veritas students.
What is Classical Education?
Christopher A. Perrin, M.Div, Ph.D.
Most of us have a difficult time defining the word education—it has a wide range of meaning and is used in different ways in different contexts. Certainly education can be formal (as in a college education) or informal (his stern aunt provided him a fresh education in manners).
The word classical is no easier to define. It can refer to a certain kind of music (that came well after the Greeks and Romans) and a certain kind of literature (the “classics” of western civilization). It can refer to a historical period (The Greeks and the Romans) and architecture (style, concepts and motifs from Greece and Rome). Of course it can also refer to Greek and Latin when used in the phrase classical languages.
Given the wide semantic range of both classical and education it is not surprising that the phrase “classical education” is also used with various and legitimate meanings (language is flexible). Here are several ways the phrase is used:
1. A study of the Greek and Latin languages (linguistic definition)
2. A study of the Greek and Latin languages and the history, literature, art, philosophy and culture of Greek and Roman civilization (linguistic and cultural definition)
3. A a study of the great ideas of western civilization as contained in the classic “great books” produced by that civilization; a study of the “best that has been thought or said.” (intellectual history definition)
4. A study of the seven liberal arts of grammar, logic, rhetoric (the trivium) and arithmetic, geometry, music and astronomy (the quadrivium). (curricular definition)
5. A study of the seven liberal arts employing traditional teaching insights and methods (such as singing, chanting, Socratic discussion and debate) passed down to us by past educators. (pedagogical definition)
6. The cultivation of wisdom and virtue by nourishing the soul on truth, goodness and beauty by means of the seven liberal arts (soul-ish or psychological definition)
7. An approach to education that seeks to create a community of learning, characterized by academic rigor, warmth and delight and involving vibrant interaction of teachers, parents, friends and others. (communal definition)
Now, all these definitions reflect current use. This is because classical education, as a rich, complex 2500 year-old tradition, does contain many important elements (linguistic, cultural, intellectual, curricular, pedagogical, psychological and communal elements).
Because classical education is so rich and complex, it is hard to sum it up in one or two sentences. Here is a crack at it—this time including a theological element:
Classical (and Christian) education: a traditional approach to education that blends Christian theology with the historic curriculum and pedagogy of the seven liberal arts in order to cultivate societal leaders characterized by wisdom, virtue and eloquence.
Dear Veritas Families,
As we open the doors to another academic year at Veritas Christian Academy, I am filled with anticipation and joy about the opportunity to watch our students return, ready to embark on a new journey of discovery and growth. We have combined two of our mottos that communicate our goals for this year, Deep in Learning, Deep in Christ: A Foundation for Life, which aligns with our commitment to a classical education that strives to nurture both the spiritual and intellectual growth of our students.
Our teachers are the backbone of our academic community. Their faith, maturity, character and expertise play a pivotal role in shaping your children’s minds and character, which is why we have been very intentional in seeking godly, mature men and women who are lifelong learners when hiring for the 2024-2025 school year. Our current and new faculty and staff are deeply committed to their faith, our students, and their academic disciplines.
This year, we have carefully selected new curriculum resources that align with our classical education model, ensuring a richer, more integrated learning experience. When reviewing curriculum as a team, our students’ foundational skills in math, reading and writing were at the forefront. Specifically, PreK through 4th grade will be using Dimensions Math (Singapore Math) which instills a deep understanding of math through its intentional progression of concepts and its mastery approach. Our teachers and administrators are receiving intensive training to be prepared for implementing this new math program. PreK4-4th grade parents, please save the date for a virtual Singapore Math Parent Training with our Singapore Math Trainer on Thursday, September 26 from 7-8:30 pm.
Our students’ literacy skills will also be strengthened as we incorporate Saxon Phonics, Spelling and Handwriting in K-2nd grade, Sadlier Vocabulary Workshop in 6th-8th grade, and additional classic literature study school-wide. In addition, we will now have a comprehensive composition program, Writing and Rhetoric from Classical Academic Press, which will span 3rd-8th grade to ensure our students are equipped with the tools of learning to enter high school as strong writers. Grammar will include First Language Lessons in Lower School. Students will learn sentence diagramming beginning in 3rd grade, and this will continue with Rod and Staff Building Christian English in middle school. These additions will build our students' foundational skills and prepare them to think critically and apply their knowledge to live out God's truths, cultivate goodness, and appreciate beauty.
In 6th-8th grades, our science program will now utilize Novare Science textbooks for Life Science, Earth Science, and Integrated Physics and Chemistry. Novare Science advocates a paradigm for teaching science focused on wonder, integration, and mastery; these principles flow from a robust Kingdom perspective.
Fostering faith in our students is also a cornerstone of our educational philosophy. Through chapel services, Bible lessons, Scripture memorization, and biblically integrated instruction in every subject, we encourage our students to develop a deep and personal relationship with God. This environment nurtures spiritual growth alongside intellectual development, preparing students to live out their faith authentically and courageously in all aspects of life.
Thank you for your trust and partnership in bringing your children up in the training and instruction of our Lord. We look forward to a year of deep learning rooted in Christ, laying a solid foundation for our students to become bearers of Christ’s image in every aspect of their lives.
Soli Deo gloria,
Kim Berger Head of School
Pam Sterling 6th Grade English 8th Grade Spanish
Phillip Coselli MS Science & Pre-Algebra
Mary Kearney 1st Grade
Roosevelt Parker Athletics Director and PE Instructor
Amanda Owens Director of Admissions
Phil Addison 4th & 5th Grade Math/Science/Bible
Sandy Mashni PreK4
Allison Finch 6th Grade Bible 7th & 8th Grade English
Nancy Mendez Kindergarten
Gladys Sakr PreK-1st Grade French
Thema Harris PreK3
Pierre Gonzales Facilities Director
Dan Yu 6th Grade Math/Algebra I/ Geometry
Eli Arroyo 6th & 7th Grade Spanish 3rd - 5th Grade Latin
Brooke Cooper 4th & 5th Grade English/History
Lisa Oriahi PreK & Kindergarten Music & Movement/ Art
Amber Simmons Administrative Assistant
Elizabeth Olmos MS History
Sara Prasatik 7th& 8th Grade Logic
Savannah Wetch School Nurse
Hillary Cooper Director of Finance
Molly El-Issa Middle School Team Lead; 7th & 8th Grade Bible
Melanie Wilson Lower School Team Lead; Modifications Coordinator & Reading Resource
Kim Berger Head of School
Danielle Brietenwisher Administrative Assistant
Annamarie Dewhurst Assistant Head of School
Debbie Swindler Band
Joanne Lee 2nd Grade B
Ella Yeates 3rd Grade
Tange Parker 2nd Grade A
Ericka Lee 1st-8th Grade Music & Drama
and Staff Directory
Connie Yowell 1st-8th Grade Art
RaadLearningCenter
A1-Mrs.Harris,PreK3
A2 -Mrs.Mashni,PreK4
A3 -LSTeacher’sLoungeandMrs.Gladys
A4 -Ms.Oriahi,Music&Movement/Art
A5 -Mrs.Mendez,Kindergarten
A6 -Mrs.Kearney,FirstGrade
A7 -Mrs.Parker,SecondGrade
A8 -Ms.Lee,SecondGrade
A9 -Ms.Yeates,ThirdGrade
B1-AdministrativeOffices
B2-Ms.Cooper,4th/5thEnglish/History
B3-Mr.Addison,4th/5thMath/Science/Bible
C1 -Nurse’sClinic
C2 -Ms.Lee,1st-8thMusicandDrama
C3 -Mr.Coselli,MSScience/PreAlgebra
MSOffice -Mrs.El-Issa,MSTeamLead
ArtStudio -Ms.Yowell,VisualArts
PrayerGarden
D1-Mr.Arroyo,ForeignLanguage
D2-Mr.Yu,MSMath/Algebra/Geometry
D3-Mrs.El-Issa,MSBible
D4-ResourceRoom
D5-Mrs.Sterling,MSEnglish/Spanish
D6-Mrs.Finch,MSEnglish/Bible
D7-Mrs.Olmos,MSHistory
D8-Mrs.Prasatik,MSLogic
Community events
No School Days
Labor Day
Monday, Sep 2, 2024
Fall Break
Thursday, Oct 10, 2023-Friday, Oct 11, 2024
Thanksgiving Break
Monday, Nov 25, 2024-Friday, Nov 29, 2024
Christmas Break
Friday, Dec 20, 2024-Tuesday, Jan 6, 2025
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Monday, Jan 20, 2025
President’s Day
Monday, Feb 17, 2025
Spring Break
Friday, Mar 7, 2025-Friday, Mar 14, 2025
Easter Break
Friday, Apr 18, 2025-Monday, Apr 21, 2025
Early Dismissal Days
No After School Care is available on Early Dismissal Days
Early Dismissal Times:
Early Education and Lower School - 11:15 a.m.
Middle School - 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Veritas Spirit Nights
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
House Chapel Buddies
Students may wear their House colors with normal uniform bottoms or chapel uniforms.
First Semester
Wednesday, Aug 28, 2024
Wednesday, Oct 30, 2024
Wednesday, Nov 20, 2024
Second Semester
Wednesday, Jan 29, 2025
Wednesday, Feb 26 2025
Wednesday, Mar 26, 2025
Wednesday,Apr 30, 2025
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Jeans Day
Students may wear jeans with a Veritas Spirit Shirt - no dollar needed! (Not a free dress day)
First Semester
Friday, Aug 30, 2024
Friday, Sep 27, 2024
Friday, Oct 25, 2024
Friday, Nov 15, 2024
Second Semester
Friday, Jan 31, 2025
Friday, Feb 28 2025
Friday, Mar 28, 2025
Friday,Apr 24, 2025
Friday, May 9, 2025
Fine Arts Productions
Early Education Christmas Production
Wednesday, Dec 18, 2024, at 8:15 a.m.
Lower School Christmas Production
Friday, Dec 13, 2024, at 8:15 a.m.
Eighth Grade Production
Friday, May 16, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Fine Arts Week
Visual Arts Galleries
Wednesday, Apr 23, 2025 - Friday, April 25, 2025
Conservatory of Music Recital
Wednesday, Apr 23, 2025, at 8:15 a.m.
Community Spaghetti Dinner & State of Veritas
Thursday, Apr 24, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
Fine Arts Performances
Thursday, Apr 24, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Middle School Orientation Retreat at Camp Cho-Yeh
Fifth through Eighth Grades
Wednesday, Sep 11, 2024 - Friday, Sep 13, 2024
See You At The Pole
Wednesday, Sep 25, 2024
Starting at 7:30 a.m. at the Courtyard Flagpole
Annual Chili Cook Off Saturday, Oct 26, 2024
Book Fair hosted by Orchard Books
Monday, Nov 18- Friday, Nov 22, 2024
End of Year Awards Chapels
Lower School: Monday, May 19, 2025 at 8:15 a.m.
Middle School: Tuesday, May 20 2025 at 8:15 a.m.
Family Day
Friday, Nov 22, 2024
Alumni Day
Thursday, Dec 19, 2024
Go Texan Day Friday, Feb 21, 2025 from 12:00-2:00 p.m.
History and Science Fair
Tuesday, Feb 25, 2025
Eighth Grade Graduation
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
Back to School Events
New Parent Orientation
Friday, August 9, 2024, at 9:00 a.m.
For new parents only. Please join us in the Raad Learning Center, where we will review essential information tailored specifically for new families.
PreK3, PreK4, and Kindergarten Back to School Conferences
Friday, August 9 and Monday August 12 Parent conferences will be held for PreK and Kindergarten classes. Teachers will reach out to parents directly to schedule these important meetings.
All School Back to School Night
Monday, August 12, 2024 | 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
PreK3 through 8th Grade Families, Meet your teacher and hear important updates and information for the upcoming school year.
First Day of School
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Students should be dressed in full chapel uniform. Be sure to bring tennis shoes.
Early Drop-off at 7:00 am is available.
Daily Schedule
Morning Drop-Off
7:00-7:40 a.m.
7:45-7:55 a.m.
8:00 a.m.
Early Drop-off at the Gymnasium (complimentary)
Students go directly to class at Drop-off
Classes begin promptly at 8:00 a.m.
Students dropped off at 8:00 a.m. or after must be walked into the School Office by a parent or guardian to receive a tardy pass prior to going to their classroom.
Normal Dismissal Times
3:15-3:30 p.m. - Early Education and Lower School Carline (porte cochére)
3:30-3:45 p.m. - Middle School Carline (porte cochére)
3:45 p.m. - Remaining students dismissed to After School Care
Students going to ASC will be charged the daily after school care rate of $25/day (reflected in your FACTS Account).
Before and After Care
Doors open for early drop-off at 7:00 a.m.
Regular Drop-off from 7:45 - 7:55 a.m.
After School Care (ASC) is available until 6:00 p.m.
Monthly ASC rate is $250/month
Daily ASC rate is $25/day
Students not picked up by 3:45 p.m. will be sent directly to After School Care and will be charged the daily rate.
Veritas’ After School Care will feature additional programming throughout the time students spend after school. This includes dedicated time for academic and fine arts engagement, as well as playtime and other physically engaging activities.
Supplies
All school supplies are provided by Veritas. Parents are not obligated to buy supplies for their students to use in the classroom; however, parents may purchase extra supplies for use in both home and school. A few include the following:
pencils • pens • lined paper • glue and/or glue sticks • notebooks binders • composition books • scissors • rulers
Additional needs, not supplied by Veritas:
Backpacks: no rolling backpacks for Early Education and Lower School students (PreK3-4th grade)
Lunch boxes/kits • refillable water bottles (sealable and leakproof, no glass)
Student Bible (2nd-8th grades, purchase from the School Office)
Middle School students may want to purchase locker shelves for their lockers. Locker widths are a standard measurement of 12 inches.
Texas History Trip - Fifth Grade
SAN ANTONIO, FREDERICKSBURG, AND AUSTIN
Weekof March1-7,2025
The Texas History Trip is a three-day excursion to San Antonio, Fredericksburg, and Austin, where students learn distinctive facts of our state’s history, culture, and influential historical figures. Students visit the Alamo as they explore where the revolutionaries made their fateful last stand, tour the Capitol Building, and visit both houses of the Texas Legislature. This trip is intended to be a first hand encounter of Texas state history.
State Capitol • The Alamo • University of Texas - Austin San Fernando Cathedral • Museum of the Pacific War Tower of the Americas • Riverwalk
Washington DC Trip - Sixth Grade
WASHINGTON DC AND CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA
Weekof March1-7,2025
As a part of our Cultural Expeditions Program, we believe that giving students the opportunity to explore and grow in their understanding of their own culture and history is of utmost importance. Visiting our nation’s capital is essential in the development of that understanding and encourages a sense of civic duty and identity as U.S. citizens. The trip is intended to immerse our students in the functions of the federal government, our nation’s history, and to experience one of the most powerful cities of the world.
The Capitol • Various Memorial Sites • Library of Congress
Monticello • Mount Vernon • Arlington National Cemetery
The Supreme Court • The Pentagon (9/11 Memorial) University of Virginia • Smithsonian Institute Museums
Philadelphia, New York, and Boston Trip - Seventh Grade
PHILADELPHIA, PA, NEW YORK, NY, AND BOSTON,MA
Weekof March1-7,2025
The Philadelphia, New York, and Boston Trip is a continuation of exploring the history of our nation. Students will visit various sites which will touch on the history of the Revolutionary War, places which made America into the melting pot it is today, the bedrock of our financial institution, and our recent history at the 9/11 Memorial.
Independence Hall • Liberty Bell
World Trade Center (9/11 Memorial) • Liberty & Ellis Islands
Times Square • Freedom Trail • Harvard University
Old North Church • Old State House
London and Oxford Trip - Eighth Grade
LONDON AND OXFORD, UNITED KINGDOM
Weekof March1-7,2025
As the capstone experience to a Veritas education, our annual London Trip gives students the opportunity to explore and grow in their understanding of other cultures. International travel enhances students’ global awareness and appreciation for cultural differences and diversity. Every March, our eighth graders spend one week exploring London to take in its culture and history. The London and Oxford trip is an unforgettable experience.
Tower of London • Buckingham Palace • Globe Theatre
Parliament • Christ Church College • Bodleian Library
Westminster Abbey • St. Paul’s Cathedral • British Museum
Academic Competitions
Academic Competitions may include:
Spelling Bee
Third through Eighth Grades
Math Olympics
Third through Eighth Grades
Speech Meet
First through Eighth Grades
Art Festival
Third through Eighth Grades
Creative Writing
Fourth through Eighth Grades
National Spanish Exam
Seventh and Eighth Grades
Additional information regarding each academic competition will also be given to participants as the events draw closer.
Lunch
Veritas Christian Academy and Road Runner Foods will be using a national web-based school lunch ordering service to make ordering, tracking, and paying for your child’s lunch easy and convenient! Road Runner Foods, based locally in Sugar Land, has been providing healthy hot lunches for over a decade!
Studies are showing a link between better food quality and higher achievement. This is what we keep in mind when sourcing and preparing our foods!
Visit www.veritasca.org/lunch for additional information, view lunch menu offerings, and ordering instructions.
Uniforms
Visit www.veritasca.org/uniforms to view the Veritas Uniform Policy and place orders. Used uniforms are available for purchase at discounted rates.
Please drop by the School Office for inquiry or access to used uniforms. Middle School PE Uniforms must be purchased through Tommy Hilfiger.
From the Nurse’s Clinic
FormsNeededPriortotheFirstDayof SchoolforAllStudents
• Up-to-date Immunization Records
• Concussion Information and Consent
• Sudden Cardiac Arrest
• Allergy Medical Forms (if necessary)
• Asthma Medical Forms (if necessary)
• Medication Consent Form and Accompanying Medication (if necessary)
• Routine Vision and Hearing Test Results (if completed after January 2024 and applicable)
• Middle School Orientation Retreat Forms (Middle School Only)
Visit www.veritasca.org/schooldocuments to download all necessary medical forms.
Username: parent
Password: 7000Bellaire!
Vision and hearing tests will be performed for students in specific grades in the fall for students who have not yet completed their annual vision and hearing tests.
Middle School Athletics
Studentswishingtoparticipateinathleticsshouldcompleteandsubmitphysical formsbythefirstdayof school,August14,2024orfirstpractice.
Completed physical forms can be emailed to nurse@veritasca.org
VeritasSportsbySeason MiddleSchoolOnly(5th-8thGrades)
Fall: Boys Flag Football and Girls Volleyball
Winter: Boys and Girls Basketball
Spring: Co-ed Tennis and Co-ed Track & Field
FCA Huddles are for Middle School students and occur monthly starting at 7:30 a.m.
First Semester
Friday, Aug 30, 2024
Friday, Sep 27, 2024
Friday, Oct 25, 2024
Friday, Nov 15, 2024
Second Semester
Friday, Jan 31, 2025
Friday, Feb 28 2025
Friday, Mar 28, 2025
Friday, May 9, 2025
Veritas House System
The Veritas House System includes Chapel Buddies (within the houses), social events, and All School events and competitions. All parents, faculty, staff, and students are included.
Parent Teacher Fellowship
TheMissionof ParentTeacherFellowship
Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) exists to strengthen the relationships between home and school by promoting and encouraging communication and enhanced relationships among parents, teachers, students, administration, and the community. PTF provides support and enhances the educational experience at Veritas Christian Academy through activities, events, and fundraisers that bring the community together to worship, fellowship, and nurture one another in Jesus Christ.
ConsiderWhereYouCanServe
Room Parents • Prayer Team • Chili Cook Off • Book Fair • House Leader Annual Auction Gala • Used Uniforms • Fine Arts Night • Teacher Appreciation
Information regarding signing up to volunteer will be emailed soon. Email ptf@veritasca.org for questions or to get more information
FACTS
Viewgrades,attendance,homework,andmore!
• Click on the FACTS SIS link on the front page of www.veritasca.org
• Select Parent in the login options
• Enter VCAH-TX into the District Code field
• Log in using your previously created credentials
• You may also download the app from your phone's App Store. (FACTS Family)
If you have forgotten your username or password, click on the link provided by FACTS SIS.
Each year, donations made to The Veritas Fund help supplement the cost of providing an education to each student. Tuition alone does not cover the full cost of our operations. Donations to Veritas play a critical role in providing the best educational opportunities for our students.
The Veritas Fund is a vehicle that provides our families with the opportunity to give in various ways - cash or check, stocks and mutual funds, and through non-liquid assets - which fit their lifestyle and philanthropic goals. We are thankful for the financial support of families and friends of Veritas. Our consistent aim is to have 100% participation from all of our families.
2024-2025 Fundraising Events
VeritasAnnualFund
Monday, October 21, 2024 - Friday, November 9, 2024
AnnualAuctionGala
February 2025
All proceeds from the Annual Auction go towards various campus improvements. Previous enhancements include the Raad Learning Center (Tech Lab and Library), Foundation Hall, The Green, outdoor play and learning areas, and the STEAM/ Science Lab.
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