Message from the Headmaster
When you close your eyes and picture your child fully flourishing twenty years from now, what kind of character do you envision?
As we settle into the rhythm of this wonderful week, I find myself reflecting on this very question, as a parent and educator, and the profound journey we share in shaping the hearts and minds of children. Just a few days ago, on February 22nd, we celebrated George Washington’s actual birthday, the true historical anchor of our recent Presidents’ Day. These moments of national remembrance offer us a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the Western tradition and what it truly means to be an American classical school.
Last week, I had the privilege of traveling to Texas for the Founders Classical Academy (FCA) Headmasters’ convening. It was a deeply restorative time of reflection on personal leadership and the shared mission of our organization and classical schools. One of the greatest blessings of our network of schools is the spirit of collaboration; we pull together and support one another. It is such a joy to see our family of educators and to know that we are surrounded by excellent people dedicated to our children’s success.
During our time together, we were honored to hear from Eric Cook, the leader of the Society for Classical Learning (SCL). He reminded us that the true mission of our work is to cultivate exactly that kind of human flourishing we envision for our students. The core elements of classical education, particularly the formation of virtue, are the very things that are essential for a beautiful and flourishing human life.
Perhaps the most captivating conversation we shared was on the profound significance of Beauty in education, led by Jason Caros, Executive Director of Classical Academics for FCA. In our classical tradition, we often speak of the transcendentals: Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. Yet, while truth and goodness offer us the firm branches of morality and reason, it is often the whimsical, unexpected branches of beauty that make their way through to our hearts and elevate our minds. As the famous author Fyodor Dostoevsky once prophesied, “Beauty will save the world.” We discussed how beauty often comes first—drawing us in with a sense of awe and inspiration—and gently leads us toward what is true and good. Whether it is the perfect harmony of a classical building, a stirring piece of literature, or the simple grace of a kind action or word, beauty transforms us.
In the coming weeks, we will be diving deeper into these ideals. We are excited to explore what it uniquely means to provide an “American” classical education, guided by upcoming messages from Mike Terry, our National Director of Classical Education for FCA.
As we look ahead, I encourage you to hold onto that image of your flourishing child twenty years from now. Whether you envisioned a person of deep courage, a mind anchored in wisdom, or a heart overflowing with kindness, please know that every encounter with truth, goodness, and beauty within our school and home is a gentle step toward that very vision.
Thank you for entrusting us with the education of your children and for being such a vital part of our community. May your week be filled with grace, and may you find moments of unexpected beauty in your days.
Angel Hennig