We live in a choice-saturated culture. Choices are good. Competition is good. It’s no different when it comes to your child’s education. Next to following Jesus and choosing a spouse, it’s one of the most important decisions you will ever make.

As TRA parents, we are conscientiously and intentionally making a choice for our children by choosing The River Academy. We know that this decision does not come without sacrifice and a weighing of options when it comes to what is best for each individual child and family, and we mean it when we say that it is a privilege to partner with so many like-minded Christian families to “train up your child(ren) in the way they should go,” (Proverbs 22:6, ESV).

As we look to the future, it’s time to choose again. We asked some of our seasoned families to share why they chose our school and why they continue to choose the time-tested methodologies of classical Christian education at The River Academy.

Justin & Katie Erickson

“Our family's choice of The River Academy is steeped in a legacy that spans over 25 years. This enduring commitment is fueled by exceptional teachers who embody Christ's love daily, creating an environment where our children have the opportunity to flourish academically and personally. It is this and a commitment to excellence that has brought us back for the last five years.

We have seen year after year that these remarkable educators not only teach subjects but instill values of kindness and compassion, shaping our children's character in profound ways. The culture at TRA is not just about textbooks; it's a celebration of curiosity, creating a love for learning. The challenging peer environment, the nurturing culture, and the unwavering commitment to Christ-centered education have become part of the legacy that shapes our children's journey. TRA is not just a school; it's a heritage of excellence, a foundation that has stood the test of time, and now provides our children with an education that goes beyond the classroom, preparing them for a future of purpose and impact. This is why we are proud to partner with TRA in raising our kids.”

Nate & Jenni Bishop

“We love the TRA influence of God on our children and we can see it when we are at home, in the car, or wherever they are; they just begin singing the psalms and praising Jesus because TRA ingrains it in their day to day. We can see how well our children are loved and seen each day by everyone that walks the halls. TRA is different and embraces high standards, a love for learning, and is making a kingdom impact for years to come. We are a TRA family and proud to call the staff, parents, and families our community.”

Jason and Katie Mathews

“We first visited TRA looking for a Plan B if we didn't get into the public school of our choice. But after our visit, we left knowing it had quickly become our top choice. There was so much life and joy at the school that day we knew this was the best place for our children. This decision has been affirmed again and again in our four years at TRA. The academic work ethic instilled very early will certainly serve our kids well as they move into careers. We appreciate that they are challenged and pushed to work hard and not give up when they meet resistance.

That said, the biggest reason we chose TRA is that faith is the cornerstone of the whole system. We have a number of specific examples from the last few years when truth has been spoken into our kids' lives. These truths build the foundation for their faith, character, and beliefs that they will one day, by God's grace, hold as their own. Our kids have learned about sin, brokenness, grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation all in one afternoon at TRA. These lessons have blessed not only our kids, but also our family and home. For all these reasons, we will continue to choose The River Academy.”

Malachi & Cathy Salcido

“Cathy and I originally decided our children would attend The River Academy before we were even parents. We were close with the McMullen family and saw the impact that the Classical and Christian education style was having on their three children: Katie, Kyle, and Kristen. What they were learning, how it was very Bible and Christian worldview centric, as well as how the children generally handled themselves; that is what piqued our interest. The first time we attended the TRA Benefit Dinner, and saw each class perform, we were sold on TRA. That was over 20 years ago!

Now, we have our own children to point to: Breanna (TRA Class of ’20), Rianne (TRA Class of ’22), and Isabella (TRA Class of '24). We see Jesus and the impacts of the TRA education in all three of our daughters. They know the Word of God. They know how to think, learn, research, and articulate. They know how to do difficult assignments, how to study, how to defend their faith, how to be in relationship with others. We are so proud of all three of them! Seeing how God’s Spirit continues to lead this school, seeing how the staff and teachers continue to be on mission to both minister to and educate our children, seeing the organization continuing to strive to improve and be even better, seeing the eternal impact continuing to unfold in class after class – these are the reasons why we continue to choose TRA!”

Michael & Jericho Tonge

“When it came time to make schooling decisions, we recognized that homeschooling likely wouldn’t work well for our son, and we were afraid that, being relatively quiet, he would be easily overlooked in the large and varied classroom setting of a public school. We had heard wonderful things, though, about TRA’s academic rigor and classical approach, and we loved the thought of having our kids at a place where they would hear and interact with the same biblical truth around which we center our home. That is what brought our family to TRA.

But once we got there and began to integrate and experience life as part of The River Academy family, we found so much more than an educational paradigm and a biblical worldview. We found a cadre of loving, committed teachers and staff who believe in their school and want to grow and nurture the kids who attend. We found people who don’t just collect tuition and send report cards, but who tell us about the people they see our kids becoming, and who share with them about the story and God of the Bible, that they might know their Father, Creator, and Savior more truly. We have been trying over the years to routinely convey our appreciation to these wonderful folks for their love and commitment. We know that every single day our kids are in a place where they are exposed not just to facts, but to truth; they are supported not just by teachers, but by advocates who see and believe in their inherent beauty and identities as children of God; and they are not just learning with fellow students, but they are growing as people in the context of a healthy community. That is why we continue to choose TRA and will do so as long as God allows us to do so.”

We know you long to provide the best for your child and that you have a choice when it comes to their education, and we take this God-given responsibility seriously. This is why The River Academy has partnered with hundreds of families for more than 25 years to fulfill our mission of educating children to become the next generation of Christian leaders, equipped to shape culture through faithful, wise, and joyful Christian living. Thank you for continuing to partner with us on this critical mission.

Why We Choose The River Academy: Five Families Share Their ‘Why’

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