Veritas Academy

What do our kindergartners like most about school? Sweet friends, fun activities, learning new skills, Bible time, phonics, and more! And, of course, the big castle in their classroom! Hear from some of our littlest students why kindergarten at Veritas is a special and wonderful place to grow and learn, and come see it for yourself by joining us for a school tour this winter! Sign up for your personal tour here: https://www.veritasacademy.com/school-tour-rsvp

Field trips are a beloved part of our Veritas traditions, giving students lifelong memories that coincide with their curriculum in ways that help cement their learning and make it come to life for them! Some field trip highlights from last quarter include: Third grade trip to Jen's Pottery Den to paint clay pots and plates as they studied the Mycenaean Culture, known for their pottery. Fourth grade archery lessons at Lancaster Archery Supply, after reading the epic novel Rolf and the Viking Bow as part of their Middle Ages and Norse culture studies. 6th grade venture to The Barns at Elizabeth Farms for a true Victorian Christmas tree hunt, finding the perfect tree to decorate their early 19th-century classroom.

Oh, hey there, friends! Did you know we begin accepting applications for the 2021-2022 School Year in TWO DAYS? That's right! Applications open on January 15 for new students, and we can't wait to see the new faces God brings to this special community. Start your application here: https://www.veritasacademy.com/application

Congratulations to our 11th grade class, who tackled some difficult conversations with poise and confidence in their Junior Thesis presentations last month. Each student chose and thoroughly researched a stance on an issue with theological, social, cultural, or political implications and defended their thesis arguments before panelists, peers, and faculty. We're so proud each of these young men and women who are preparing to engage the world for truth and for Christ.

Education is a family endeavor, and we delight in the partnership we have with parents at Veritas. This year, we haven't gotten to see as many parents at school as often as we'd usually like to with our COVID safety measures. That makes the events when we do get to see the whole family all the more sweet. As one of our Core Values, Supporting Families is a big part of what we do at Veritas. If you're looking for a school that comes around your family and partners with you in raising your children to be loving, serving, thinking disciples of Christ, we welcome you to join our Veritas family!

2020 got you down? Here are words of wisdom from Tolkein (and Gandalf) to give you renewed resolve to face what this week has for you. #motivationmonday #tokein #lotr #classicalliterature

The annual running of the Veritas Pokenberry Falls house competition!

Today's Feature Friday finds us giving a hearty congratulations to our three seniors who were named Commended Students in the National Merit Scholarship Program: Kyle Weeks, Miah Wilson, and Megan Noble! The National Merit Scholarship program recognizes outstanding academic achievement, using students' scores on the PSAT, taken their junior year. A Commendation means these three Veritas seniors scored in the top three percent of their peers! Way to go, Kyle, Miah, and Megan!

What makes a "good debate?" Many would agree that the first presidential debate did not meet that standard, and we hope that tonight's will be more productive. If we have hopes for better public discourse in the future, we must train the next generation to recognize and practice the art of arguing well. Here are the ways that classical Christian education at Veritas does just that, starting in 7th grade and beyond giving kids ample opportunity to practice good debate and discourse.

Students at a Christian high school...reading the Koran? Yes, our juniors study the definitive Muslim text to gain a better understanding of worldview and history. After all, their Omnibus curriculum is based upon the world's most influential works of literature (specifically examining the Middle Ages in 11th grade), and there are few that rival this one. Omnibus teacher Shea Andino explained how the students observed the vastly different worldviews - and ideas of God - betwe...en the two religions. In reading the Koran, these juniors noted in discussions how the book was lacking cohesion and narrative, but was instead an arduous compilation of laws. The God of Islam is a demanding master, and the class discussions opened students' eyes anew to the wondrous love of our Father God. Our children will be exposed to a myriad of beliefs when they embark on their own. Classical Christian education trains them early to think critically through ideas, listen well to perspectives, and ask the right questions so that they can confidently stand on truth when they go out into the world.

When we say we are a "tradition affirming" school, that may sound a little, well, stuffy to some. But there is absolutely nothing "stuffy" about this fun fall family school tradition, the Great Pumpkin Chase (except maybe the Pumpkin's costume)! What a wonderful morning it was for running, and we enjoyed fellowship and friendly competition with our brothers and sisters from Hinkletown Mennonite. So grateful we got this tradition in the books for 2020!

May the Lord illumine, raise, and support you as you go through this week. #mondaymotivation *** Our seniors who read Milton's masterpiece of poetry, theology, and narrative had daily illuminating discussions as they dove into this classic text together, examining mankind's fall, Satan's pride, and God's ultimate grace and redemption. ... Need some illumination and support? Consider picking up a Great Book this week and see what truth, beauty, and goodness you find.

In their epic journey through the great ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome, the 3rd graders take a sojourn at the Phoenician civilization. "Thank goodness for their alphabet" the lyrics of their history song proclaim regarding this culture that indeed can boast many important contributions to the world at large, not the least of which is the first widely used alphabet upon which our current alphabet is based! Another thing this fascinating civilization was known for: r...ich, reddish-purple Tyrian dye worn by wealthy Greeks and Romans for centuries to follow. So, what's a good way to celebrate the Phoenician culture and help kids remember this goodness? Well, of course, dye your own purple t-shirts and write your name in Phoenician on the back! Hands up if you (or your kid) still has your third grade Phoenician shirt!

Go Monarchs! Our middle school boys soccer team, in its second year, has their final home game here at Veritas tomorrow (Thursday) at 4:00, and it looks like a beautiful day for soccer! Come on out and show your Monarch pride to support our hustling, hard working guys!

Our new Agriculture elective, which combines chemistry and botany with practical experience, is a popular choice among our high schoolers this year! While some are interested in cultivating a home garden or potentially pursuing a career in earth sciences, many chose this course simply because the students love learning from Mr. Lauris! Mr. Lauris is uniquely suited to teach this class, as he is not only a highly experienced chemistry and earth science teacher, but he also ow...ns Off The Beaten Path Nursery, growing exotic fruit trees and edible plants and known by foodies and chefs for his unique, hard-to-find offerings. The students are hoping to produce a harvest of celery, lettuce, radishes and more to donate to a local organization in need this year. As they apply their studies of soil chemistry, natural pest control, plant biology and more, their developing skills that will bless others greatly!

What way of life is being transferred to your child? At Veritas, we believe in connecting students daily with truth, beauty, and goodness. It's a way of life.