Tatum has been at Paradise Valley Christian Preparatory since kindergarten.
Well, almost.
In 5th grade, we made the decision to pull her out and homeschool, and she continued homeschooling through part of 7th grade. Then she returned to PVCP to finish out 7th grade. So in many ways, PVCP has been part of her whole childhood.
And now, it is time for a change.
It’s been a difficult year going back to school in 7th grade. We thought this school would be it, but God may have other plans. For Tatum, we began talking about high school. I have always hoped she would receive a classical education…one rooted in great books, rich discussions, strong writing, history, logic, language, and the kind of academic formation that teaches students how to think, not just what to memorize. Originally that is what drew me to Great Hearts. And now, that is coming true.
At first, we were looking ahead to high school. But the more we thought about it, the more it made sense to begin in 8th grade. Instead of waiting for 9th grade to be the big transition, she can step into the community a year earlier. She can learn the rhythms, meet students, build friendships, understand the expectations, and walk into high school already feeling grounded. PLUS…she has to know Latin! That means WE BOTH need to become proficient over the summer.
NO pressure.
But honestly? It feels like such a gift.
Veritas is a small school, and that matters to us. I love the idea of her being in a place where students are known, where classes are thoughtful and challenging, where there are athletics and clubs and opportunities to try new things. I love that she will be surrounded by students who are being asked to read deeply, speak clearly, write well, and wrestle with big ideas. AND the curriculum is no joke.
She will be walking into 8th grade with Latin III, which means this summer will include a Latin crash course. She also has to take Algebra I next year, so I am very thankful she took Algebra 1/2 this year. That will help. But yes, there will be math this summer too. *LOTS*
So basically, this summer will be part rest, part preparation, part “welcome to classical education.” Latin and algebra, here we come.
For Tatum, it’s a fresh start, and I pray it truly is.
Tatum is ready for something new. She is ready to meet new people, make new friends, and step into a different environment. She is excited about high school again, and that alone feels huge.
I have always wanted Tatum in a Christian school environment. I value faith being part of education. I value Scripture, prayer, and a worldview that acknowledges God. But I have also been thinking a lot about what it means for faith to become personal.
Sometimes when something is around us all day, every day, we can begin to take it for granted. And I wonder if, for Tatum, this next season may actually strengthen her faith in a different way. Not because it is handed to her in every class period, but because she has to own it. Because she has to think about what she believes. Because she has to live it in a broader environment, among students from different backgrounds and perspectives. That used to scare me, but I now think it may be good for her.
Our home will still be rooted in faith; our conversations will still be shaped by Jesus. Our values are not changing. But maybe this is a chance for her faith to become more alive. That is part of GROWING up!
She hopefully is becoming more prepared TO THINK which is not what I am seeing in our younger generations. And I want that for her.
I want her to have teachers who expect a lot from her and a community where she can grow into herself.
YET, STILL be that playful, silly self
PVCP has been part of Tatum’s story since kindergarten. And now Veritas gets to be part of the next one. I AM SO excited to be on the front seat. FOR 8th, high school, friendships, opportunities, and a fresh start.
ALL those amazing days of us reading together and learning together ….NOW we are transitioning into YOU just becoming more and more independent.
Tatum, let’s start really learning and growing. You are becoming MORE of the beautiful woman of God you already are.
NEW HOPES!
