God provided Ambleside for us at just the right time.
Three years ago, my family found ourselves searching.
After a season of disruption during COVID, my youngest son, then in 5th grade, seemed adrift. He was just bored. It was hard for teachers to keep the kids progressing. It wasn’t going so well. My husband and I had always chosen public school for our four children, but something about this moment felt different. As with so many parents, the pandemic opened our eyes to the quality of education our son was receiving. Our current school was dissatisfying and it was at odds with the Christ-centered way we wanted to raise our children. We knew we needed an alternative—something deeper, something that would match what we were doing at home.
Church members and neighbors, including faithful Ambleside friends, prompted us to learn more about the school that my friends said had blessed them so richly. From the very first visit, the attentiveness of the teachers stood out to me. For example, Mr. Scholl was the 6th grade teacher at the time. He paid such close attention to each child—what they were saying, how they were sitting, if they were being included. It was all the little details. That care, that intentionality and trust...it was exactly what we had been looking for.
Our son entered in 6th grade. As he settled in, the transformation was clear.
The attention piece was huge and we noticed it right away. Coming from his previous school, where distractions and other troublesome things were everywhere, suddenly he was focused. He was learning how to listen, how to narrate and reflect on what he was learning. It just clicked.
And it wasn’t only the academics. It was the entire atmosphere. It felt reverent and joyful and purposeful. It just blew me away.
That first year, we came to the Veterans Day Chapel and I just cried the whole time. Then the Christmas concert when they were all singing the carols—I felt like I was in a Dickens novel! And Shakespeare, listening to 1st graders recite sonnets and middle schoolers performing in Old English...I’m so grateful they push these kids to what they’re capable of. I’d call my mom after every event and say, “Mom, this is so special. Let me tell you why this was so special!”
What struck my husband and me the most wasn’t just the excellence of the education, but the unity we felt in the school. All the teachers and administrators—their love for the Lord, their intentionality—it just felt like we were on the same team. It’s been really neat to have the community. That makes you feel like a family. I love seeing all the parents who know each other and connect with each other, and how the teachers have developed a bond with all of your children. Raising children for the glory of God. That’s the goal. And Ambleside was right there with us.
Our son flourished. He dove into narration, memorization, and recitations. He learned about all 53 African countries and capitals. What twelve-year-old knows that? It was just amazing. And he learned more grammar than his older siblings ever did, and they’re in college!
Our son was led in so many ways, not just academic. We can’t wait to see how this carries him forward. He’s leaving with a foundation of self-control, respect, and a love for learning that I know will serve him the rest of his life.
Now, he has graduated 8th grade and he’s adjusted smoothly to high school. We’re confident he’ll do well, but it is bittersweet to leave Ambleside. I’ll miss the peace of knowing he’s in a place where we don’t have to be on our guard about what he’s learning. That’s such a rare gift.
What would I tell a family considering Ambleside? This is what I’d say:
“You cannot pay enough for what you get here. It’s not about the money—this is what you want for your child.
"People here know your child—really know them. And they are investing in them to become the kind of person you hope they’ll be. That is precious.”
Dear Ambleside Family and Friends,
“The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.”
The family story we’ve shared keeps us mindful of the Lord’s provision through annual gifts. . . for simple yet amazing blessings that come to each child through this transformational education. Incredible growth in students that continually surprises and delights. Families who praise God for the the joy that has illuminated the hearts of their children.
Our Ambleside community includes families and students from all walks of life. Families who are in full-time ministry, single parents, and those who are hardworking yet fall below the level needed to support full tuition.
Your annual gift also supports the costs we have for teacher training during this year like attendance at Ambleside’s Summer Institute, Internships, and enrichment field trips. All have a cost, but provide the return of well-trained and engaged staff.
In this current 2025 – 2026 academic year, 27 students and 11 families have been awarded variable tuition — that’s a total of $195,182. But we still need $60,000 more to fulfill this promise of support.
During this time of year, when gift lists and celebrations are abundant, we know that we’re able to serve these families and teachers because you’ve placed Ambleside on your gift list. It is through your generous provision that we are able to faithfully provide assistance.
Over 20% of the students listed are here because of you and your special gift. This Christmas, we rejoice that the Light of Christ continues to shine in the hearts and minds of Ambleside students. We invite you to join us in keeping that light alive for every child, that they may grow in wisdom, truth, and wonder.
To God be the glory,
Krise