The value in a classical Christian education exceeds the "small class size" and "want my children to get into a good college" mindset that many people express. The value lies in training students to develop critical thinking skills while also thinking eternally. We take that adorable 5 year old and start dreaming of the kind of 30 year old or 50 year old they will become. By partnering with their parents Summit faculty and staff disciple those young students toward the person that God has created them to be.

Enjoy the following videos that provide testimonials for parents, students, and educators across the nation on why they value classical education and its impact on future generations.
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Being a new student in a new school especially in a new city is not a super fun situation. It’s challenging. You need to learn good social skills quickly if you aren’t good with people. I personally have deep roots in a topic like this. My parents have jobs that require moving every 1-2 years and as a result, much of my youth has been trying to catch up in a new learning environment. I love people and want to be friends with everyone. However, I have learned that this is not always easy. When you move into a new place, people don’t know you, so you have to ease your way into others lives. Personally, I have to slow myself down from just putting myself out there that so I can hurry up and act like we’ve been friends since pre-k and skip the whole warming up to someone. Other people may have trouble putting themselves out there and making themselves socially active. According to Freshman, E.Collier, “Its really hard to fit into a new school especially in a small private school because klicks have already been formed.”Here are some tips to navigate a new social environment:

• Be active in conversations
• Avoid causing drama
• Smile and have positive attitudes
• Be kind and complimentary
• Have humility
• Share about yourself
• Don’t change who you are, but try and make connections with other’s personalities
• Act comfortable in your own skin (even if you’re faking it)

 
            After easing your way socially, knowing the academic environment is also important for new kids. Not all schools are equal when it comes to student expectations. For me, I have been to schools that I have done very well in, and I have been in schools that took more effort to get good grades. It just really depends on your pace in comparison with the school. It won’t be easy trying to catch up if you’re struggling, but mix in some resilience and perseverance and you have the concoction for success.

Summit has had an average of 30 new  students each year over the last five years. When asked about new kid experiences, Seventh grader, L.Larson said, “It was very fun for me because I’m sociable.” She also mentioned to be yourself when you are in new territories, “...people like the true, genuine you.” Sophomore, E.Davidson said that she felt like relationships were much more tight knit because of the small school situation. With hard work, patience, and faithful attitude, you can feel like you belong in a new school environment.
 
 By Jackson Nassir, Sophomore