New Campus is a Catalyst for Christian Classical Education

Over the last few weeks, we have given you an inside look at the first day of school from several academies with all the feelings and nostalgia that the first day brings. But nothing is more exciting than the first day at a brand-new campus. Today marks the first time that Great Hearts Catalyst, a Great Hearts Christos academy, opened its doors to families.

Great Hearts Catalyst, a private Christian academy, now operates on the campus of Catalyst Church, located near 67th Avenue and Indian School in Phoenix, Arizona. Great Hearts Christos announced just weeks ago that they were excited to partner with the church for its newest location.

This new academy will uphold the same values and educational excellence that are expected of all Great Hearts academies. And while the school has doubled in size, the abundance of classrooms and spaces on the campus allows the academy to maintain the small class sizes that Christos parents have come to love.

Dean of Campus, Jayne Bostow, said seeing students step onto campus this morning made all the long hours of moving into the campus worth it. “When these children started coming in from all these different directions, my heart started pounding and I was like, ‘This is why we do what we do!’”

“I’m looking forward to seeing them grow. I’m looking forward to seeing those non-readers become readers. I’m looking forward to seeing them carrying their books around with them. I’m looking forward to visiting their classrooms, starting to say scripture, or singing one of our praise songs, while they’re writing,” said Bostow. “All of those things just bless my heart so much.” Dean Bostow is also excited about the introduction of 7th and 8th grades, completing the middle school grades for the first time at a Great Hearts Christos academy and delivering on the promise to continue to grow the school.

Parents were excited to drop their children off at the safe and secure campus, take first-day photos at the balloon arch inside the main courtyard, and meet with other parents. Many chose to stay for the opening Chapel, which marked the start of both the school day and the school year.

After a time of worship, with songs led by music teacher Emily Hendricks, Executive Director of Great Hearts Christos, Dr. Toyin Atologbe, opened the school year with a prayer to cover the staff, students, and families. It was standing room only in the school’s chapel, and the anticipation for the school year was visible on the faces of the scholars and their onlooking parents. Dean Bostow introduced the Bible verse for the year, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

“This new campus brings a lot of stability for us,” said Dr. Atologbe while basking in the joy of the sights and sounds of students on campus. “It brings a lot of hope.”

Dean Bostow and Dr. Atologbe both mentioned that there are still seats left in some grade levels, but these spots are limited. Families who are looking for this unique blend of a Christian and classical education are encouraged to apply immediately at https://christos.schoolaxis.com or schedule a tour at https://christoscatalyst.greatheartsamerica.org/tour/. Tours are frequently given in the first few weeks of school and provide a wonderful opportunity to meet the leadership team and see the classrooms in action.

Christos academies are a separate, faith-based, non-profit, private school arm of the Great Hearts organization committed to creating and offering the best ecumenical Christian academies in the country. Because they are private schools, the Christos academies’ programs can, and do, integrate Christ-centered faith formation along with the proven classical model that has made Great Hearts academies the national leader in classical education.

As an affordable private school, Great Hearts Christos academies are dedicated to providing an exceptional Christian education that is accessible to all families. The goal is that financial need will never be a barrier to families seeking to provide their child with an academically rich education alongside meaningful encounters with Christ. Great Hearts Catalyst recommends that families seeking financial assistance apply to the ESA (Empowerment Scholarship Account) and to multiple STOs (School Tuition Organizations) to determine the best option for them. Learn more at https://christos.greatheartsamerica.org/enroll/financial-aid/.

Do you have a story or know of a story that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts? Please contact jason.moore@greathearts.org.