An Update from Kristen Carmitchel, Head of School
“But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are our potter; and we are the work of Your hand.” – Isaiah 64:8”
The Formation We Talk About
Classical school leaders often tout the benefits of the model for the purposes of student formation. We read and talk about the “formation of the child” or the “formation of the soul.” We talk about habit formation, about spiritual formation, about catechisms and liturgies and recitations and how all these things play together to properly form the child.
One thing we rarely discuss is how a distinctly Christian, classical education can form the ADULTS who participate in it.
The Fruit of Formation
As a founder and Head of School, I’ve had the privilege of seeing children grow under the fruitful partnership of parents and teachers here at COA, watching the seeds planted in their soft hearts begin to fruit and flower.
Just last week, I listened in as a middle school student held an articulate (and interesting) discussion with a teacher. He was only telling a story about a recent beach vacation, but I could hear, in that very ordinary conversation, threads of thought woven deep into his soul from his time here at our school. Moments like these give me great joy.
Formed as We Teach
The kids are the reason we’re all here, of course. Almost more fascinating, though, is how we adults – parents and teachers – are being formed as we teach the children. Most of us over a certain age did not receive the kind of intentional education our students are receiving. We feel the lack, the hollowness in our own foundations.
But the beauty of this educational model is that we, the adults, are offered a sort of redemption of our own formation, a chance to fill in the gaps. Recently, I’ve found myself humming the timeline song that our lower school students sing every morning – often experiencing a moment of unexpected “light bulb” clarity as I put historical events in their proper places. I’ve started my own morning time with the Lord with the simple prayer we pray at school: “Lord guide my heart and hands – let all I do honor You.” And sometimes, when I struggle with frustration and self-control, I’ll remember the words I hear recited across the hall each day in Mrs. Brown’s high school English classes – “Ladies, what are you? I am a Queen, for I rule myself.” The daily repetition, experienced secondhand as I move through my day, has begun shaping MY thoughts and habits.
The Potter's Work in All of Us
I’m not the only adult here beginning to feel that formation of something deeper, richer, more beautiful, the building of something strong and different. I am once more awed at the Lord’s creative designs for humanity. While He is Himself the Great Teacher and Discipler, He gives us stewardship over His children – such a strange and formidable responsibility! And this stewardship is not only a task, but a gift. For as we put our hands to the academic and spiritual formation of His children, He is deftly forming us as well. May all of us, children and adults alike, be conformed to His image, that we may show His glory and bear HIs light to the world.
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