Well, our Secondary School will once again undergo a major change. Since that fateful move eight years ago, I believe there has been no decision more impactful on the future of our school than the one the Board just made. Namely, the Board has resolved to expand 7th Grade into two sections next year (like the Elementary grades), signaling our commitment to further expand to two sections per grade for each successive year through 12th grade. To this end, we will be hiring two new teachers and renovating additional classroom space for next year. Furthermore, the Board resolved to limit these expanded sections, beginning with 7th Grade, to 15 students per class. At the current 18:1 ratio, TCS already has one of the smallest class sizes on the island. Limiting our expanded grade levels (and ultimately our whole Secondary School) to 15 students per classroom will further enhance the central purpose of our program—education! The small class sizes will provide tremendous access to our excellent, caring, and committed teachers, the key enabler in a classical method of education.
I’m very excited about this decision, which will essentially double the size of our Secondary School over time, because it will provide more social opportunities for students, more athletic and other extra-curricular opportunities, and more scheduling flexibility for tracks and electives. Our teachers will be able to better specialize within a subject area or courses taught. And, we will be able to better serve our community, which increasingly shows its demand for our school. Finally, this decision will hasten the day we find permanent land and facilities, as we will inevitably grow out of our currently leased spaces on the Makai campus.
We look forward and plan with expectation for these coming benefits, but also consider how this decision represents 1) a commitment to providing a place for the many families who have partnered with us, and 2) a faith in Jesus Christ. The school began in 1981 by faith, it expanded eight years ago by faith, and once again we take a step of faith. Our confidence going forward is firmly placed in Christ our Lord. His unmerited grace and amazing promises compel us to faithfully take risks for His Kingdom.
In Christ,
Stephen Sprague
Headmaster