School of Thought

Welcome to Whitefield Academy's State of the School, our annual address in which leadership reflects on our current position and shares key updates on our strategic direction.   Each day, we will explore one of the many exciting ways Whitefield deepens Christ-centered, transformational learning for each student.    In this episode, Upper School English and Bible teacher Bo Bowen chats with 10th-grade student Parker as they ​reflect on how learning comes to life through group projects like the class favorite based on the novel The Lord of the Flies by William Golding.    Through work like this, students learn to think deeply, work with others, and go on to college and life confident in what they have learned and grounded in their faith. Learn more about Whitefield Academy, located in Smyrna, GA!

Welcome to Whitefield Academy's State of the School, our annual address in which leadership reflects on our current position and shares key updates on our strategic direction.   In this episode, we hear from the Middle School, where department chair and 5th-grade math teacher Dr. Lyndsey Klempay shares how math is just one way students learn that they don't have to fear doing difficult things. As students slow down and focus on understanding, they begin to see that math can make sense, that they can learn it, and that they can even find joy in it. Learn more about Whitefield Academy, located in Smyrna, GA!

Welcome to Whitefield Academy's State of the School, our annual address in which leadership reflects on our current position and shares key updates on our strategic direction. Today, we're exploring one of the many exciting things happening in Lower School — specifically, the Whitefield practice of "Assessment as Relational." What does Assessment as Relational mean?   To answer that question and more, let's take it over to Second Grade Teacher and Department Chair Ann Marie Hallett as she sits down with her former student, Reid, as they talk about learning how to (you guessed it) read!   Learn more about Whitefield Academy, located in Smyrna, GA!

In Christian education, teaching biblical truth while navigating the realities of a fallen world can create meaningful tension. In this episode, Trevor Moore, Academic Dean at Whitefield Academy, shares how biblical throughlines shape curriculum, student experiences, and leadership decisions, helping educators and parents live out faith faithfully in the "already and not yet." Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or parent, this discussion offers practical insights into integrating Scripture into daily learning while embracing the challenges and opportunities of guiding students in a Christ-centered environment. Learn more about Whitefield Academy: https://www.whitefieldacademy.com 📍 Located in Smyrna, Georgia #ChristianEducation #FaithBasedLearning #BiblicalThroughlines #IndependentSchool #WhitefieldAcademy #EducationLeadership

Navigating admissions in Christian education is full of challenges. In this episode, Sarah Garletts, Director of Admissions at Whitefield Academy, shares her insights on finding mission-fit families while balancing enrollment goals, all within a Christ-centered educational environment. Whether you're a parent, educator, or school leader, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on managing the tensions inherent in school admissions and creating a community aligned with your school's mission. Learn more about Whitefield Academy: https://www.whitefieldacademy.com 📍 Located in Smyrna, Georgia #ChristianEducation #IndependentSchool #WhitefieldAcademy #SchoolAdmissions #FaithBasedSchool #EducationLeadership

The world of school athletics is full of challenges, and Christian education is no exception. In this episode of School of Thought, we're joined by Danny Ryan, Athletic Director at Whitefield Academy, as he shares insights on leading a sports program that prioritizes both excellence and character. Explore how athletes, coaches, and families navigate the tensions of competition, teamwork, and faith in a school environment. Learn more about Whitefield Academy: https://www.whitefieldacademy.com 📍 Located in Smyrna, Georgia #ChristianEducation #SchoolAthletics #FaithInSports #IndependentSchools #ChristianSchoolLeadership #WhitefieldAcademy

The brain is constantly changing — even in students at your school. In this episode of School of Thought, Heather Karvis, Assistant Head of Academics and Student Life at Whitefield Academy, explores how understanding synaptic pruning and brain development can shape faith-integrated learning. She shares practical insights for teachers, parents, and school leaders on guiding students through their unique developmental journey, balancing growth, academics, and spiritual formation. Whether you're an educator in a Christian school, a parent navigating your child's learning, or just interested in how faith and education intersect, this episode provides guidance on embracing the challenges and opportunities of a developing mind. Learn more about Whitefield Academy: https://www.whitefieldacademy.com 📍 Whitefield Academy, Smyrna, Georgia

The world is full of tension, and Christian education is no exception. For those of us in this rewarding but often challenging line of work are called to navigate those tensions faithfully — to wrestle with the challenges and opportunities of the already and the not yet. In this debut episode of School of Thought, we're joined by Kevin Bracher, Head of School at Whitefield Academy, and Heather Karvis, Assistant Head of Academics and Student Life, as they share their own journeys and experiences of navigating different tension points in the world of Christian education. If you'd like to learn more about Whitefield Academy, visit our website or come visit us in Smyrna, GA!