July 23, 2025 • 25 mins
The ABC's of Christ Church Academy in Vero Beach, Fla.
A brand new Christian Schoool in Vero Beach. Where Faith meets Vision and that Education is grounded in truth, character and Christ.
A brand new Christian Schoool in Vero Beach. Where Faith meets Vision and that Education is grounded in truth, character and Christ.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:02):
EGM Network.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
From Studio A in Sunny Florida. Welcome to Beauty and
the Beach Radio, where it's all about who's beautifying Vero Beach.
Today's show is brought to you by Dale Sawrence in
Real Estate and here's your host and glamour girl makeup
artist Cindy Guests.
Speaker 3 (00:27):
Hey, guys, welcome back to Beating the Beach Radio.
Speaker 4 (00:29):
I'm Cindy.
Speaker 3 (00:30):
Get your host wos all about his beautifying Vera Beach.
You guys have a question for you. Okay, are you ready?
Do you have faith? Yes? You heard me right? Do
you have faith? Do you have faith your car is
going to start, your alarm will wake you up, that
your chair will hold you, the sun will rise, or
(00:54):
that God loves you no matter what. Well, today's episode
is where faith meets vision and that education is grounded
in truth, character and Christ. Today, we're thrilled to share
something truly special with you guys. We are launching, okay,
(01:18):
the opening of Christ Church Academy, a brand new Christian
school in Vero Beach, Florida, where academic excellence and spiritual
formation walk hand in hand. Make So, you, guys, what
makes the school so different? Well It's not just about
textbooks and tests. It's about building a generation rooted in
(01:40):
biblical truth, inspired to lead and equipped to serve. In
this episode today, we'll take you behind the scenes, the vision,
the mission, the educators, and what this means for our
community and for your children's future. So, whether you're a parent,
pastor educator, or just someone who deeply cares about the
(02:02):
next generation, this is the moment you don't want to miss.
So let's get started, all right, you guys. I have
two guests on the show who's never been here before,
so I hope you'll give them a big welcome in
your car or while you're walking at the park with
your earbuds in so. Our first guest, she is the
head of school at Christ Church Academy and graduated from
(02:25):
University of Florida with a bachelor's and masters in elementary education.
She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Educational leadership from
the American College of Education. She lives in Vera Beach
with her husband and three children and a lab. Please
welcome to the show, Amber Mullins.
Speaker 4 (02:47):
Thank you.
Speaker 3 (02:48):
Hi ever, Hi Harry, welcome.
Speaker 4 (02:50):
Thank you.
Speaker 3 (02:51):
You looks so comfortable there with your earphones, like you've
done this all the time.
Speaker 4 (02:55):
I haven't done this all the time, but it is.
It's comfortable. I love it.
Speaker 3 (02:59):
I love it. Well. Our next guest is the rector
of Christ Church a Verra Beach. He believes his church
is positioned for a season of greater mission and ministry,
both here and in our neighborhood and to the nation's Father.
Keith serves as rector and spiritual advisor for the school
and help serve the mission of Christ Church Academy. Please
(03:22):
welcome Father Keith Allen.
Speaker 5 (03:25):
Thanks Tindy, so good to be here.
Speaker 3 (03:27):
Yes, I'm so glad you're here.
Speaker 5 (03:29):
Thanks.
Speaker 3 (03:29):
Well, we have some exciting things to share with our community,
and I'm going to dive right in. So the first
thing I want to ask you, guys, you know, because
we're talking about your new school, can you tell us
about this new lower school building and what grades Christ
Church Academy is currently offering?
Speaker 4 (03:48):
Absolutely do you want?
Speaker 5 (03:49):
Yeah? Sure? Well, the school actually began as an answer
to prayer we had been praying since January of twenty
twenty when I got here as rector. How can we
have a greater act on families and on our community,
helping to raise the next generation for Christ. And so
as we were praying one day, I heard the door
opening and closing. We had a Mom's Morning out program,
(04:11):
and I went out and I said, how many kids
do we have there? And there's like forty kids, So
this seems like a mission field. So I went back
in my office and I began to pray, and long
story short, it seemed right to the leadership that God
was calling us to expand a Mom's Morning program out
into a school. And so over the course of time,
(04:32):
we raised enough money to build that building and to
open our doors not only on Sundays but every day
of the week to families and children to introduce them
to the love of Christ and help them to grow
into everything that God's creating them to be.
Speaker 3 (04:46):
You know, Father, I want to make sure and before
we get too far down the road to Amber, I
want them to know where this school is because I
drive by it all the time and I didn't realize
until you reached out to me Amber about out promoting
the school. So please tell our audience for those that
do live in Indian River County, the convenience of your
(05:07):
location and how it's such a beautiful building tell us
where you are.
Speaker 5 (05:11):
Yeah, so it's on the corner of sixty and sixth Avenue,
so right behind the Hampton End at Miracle Mile, right
there on the where it used to be Osteola School.
Speaker 3 (05:21):
Yes, so yeah, in moms, if you don't even know
where that is, you do know where TJ max is.
You could walk to it from TJ Max.
Speaker 4 (05:29):
That's true.
Speaker 3 (05:29):
Just say it's a selling point. Yes, drop the kids
off and go to Panera, get your coffee, go to
TJ Max and then to your grocery shopping at Public's
right there exactly. Yes, sorry, just had to add that there.
Speaker 4 (05:43):
Absolutely. And it is a new lower school building and
we have a preschool as well, so we are in
the church building. For the preschool, there's a wing over
there and that is for two year olds through VPK
or four year olds, and then the new lower school
building is for kindergarten through this year fourth and we'll
talk about that in a little bit, but we're going
(06:04):
to continue adding as well.
Speaker 3 (06:06):
You know, Amber, we are talking about the new academy.
But I just want to backup so people understand you're
no stranger to education. Tell us about your history.
Speaker 4 (06:14):
Absolutely, So I started teaching actually in Gainesville, Florida at
Okall School. It's an independent private school, and I taught
there for a few years. I taught second grade, and
then I moved to Vero Beach to teach at Saint Edwards.
So I was at Saint Edwards for just shy of
seven years. And so I've been in education for it
(06:35):
was ended up being just over a decade, and I've
also been in the business world and have been pursuing
my doctorate in educational leadership.
Speaker 3 (06:43):
Wonderful, and so you're really shining here, I can tell.
It seems like you really enjoy what you're doing as
as head of the program.
Speaker 4 (06:52):
Yes, this was my this was my calling in life.
Speaker 5 (06:56):
Amber is not only a great leader, but she's a
person with a great heart. And so I'm really so
thankful that the Lord provided for us somebody not only
with competencies, but with the compassion and character to lead
our kids. We can point to amberancy follow her. She'll
point you to Jesus.
Speaker 3 (07:12):
Well, and I won't dispute that. Father. We need more
compassion in our school system right now. It's really a
struggle for our kids, I believe. So Okay, next question,
what makes christ Church Academies academic programs stand out. And
I hear that you have a Steam lab and even
(07:32):
a black box theater, so tell us more about that.
Speaker 4 (07:37):
Absolutely, So, yes, we have a Steam lab. So for
those of you who don't know, that is science, technology, engineering,
arts and mathematics. I brought a special guest with us.
This is Dash.
Speaker 3 (07:50):
Hi Dash.
Speaker 4 (07:51):
So Dash is a robot that we use for coding.
Speaker 3 (07:54):
And the way Dash gets a little lot as he should.
Speaker 4 (07:59):
Yes, so you use an iPad to code this, and
it's an introductory into coding. So we also use something
before I'm going to put Dash down that is also
coding on top of the robot. But Dash is just
a small part of what we do and it leads
to understanding sequencing, how coding works, and eventually into coding languages.
(08:21):
So that's a small portion in Steam as well. We
use the arts portion for it, and so I'll talk
about the digital arts a little bit with three D
design and printing, so our students will be using three
D printers, understanding how to use those skills and how
we can make a larger impact within our community and
(08:41):
even internationally globally with the gifts that we have and
the skills and the talents, so and again it helps
students with a design thinking process and expanding into how
does that apply into real world application, which is really
a critical skill to have.
Speaker 3 (08:58):
And guys, I want you to know Amber, she puts
her money where her mouth is. She loves coding. She
does coding. Guys, I think that's so cool. I really do.
Speaker 4 (09:08):
I do. I love coding. I love three D design
and printing, the entire design thinking process. It is something
I'm very passionate about and have done in the past
as well.
Speaker 3 (09:18):
And I am familiar with a three D printing because
my nephew got one and he'll like Christmas like, look
I made do this. I'm like, you made that. It's
just fascinating. So I love how progressive you guys are
with the technology and DASH that's so exciting. Are you
going to take orders from just Dash? Take orders from
father or father dash orders?
Speaker 4 (09:38):
Like?
Speaker 3 (09:39):
How does that work? Or do you pray over Dash?
Speaker 5 (09:40):
I still use a fountain pin, So like Amber really
does all the coding.
Speaker 4 (09:48):
DASH. You'll have to get a video snippet of Dash.
And as far as the black Box theater, we we
really wanted to focus on the sciences and the arts,
and those are unique attributes. And I know Father Keith
was going to talk about it a little bit. Yeah.
Speaker 5 (10:00):
No, I love that we are focusing not only in
the mind, but then the outlet of being creative. God.
God's a creator and he makes us creative beings in
His image, and so we want kids to learn and
grow in their academic skills, but then we also want
them to have outlets to express and communicate what God
has put in them, whether that be through three D
(10:21):
design and three D printing, or whether it be through
drama or music or the arts. Because God wants to
make beauty present in the world. That's one of the
ways He makes himself present to all creation, and so
we want kids to have that outlet. We want to
do it not only during the academic day, but long
term goal as God provides, we'd love to have opportunities
(10:42):
for the community to come in and experience theater, music
and all that in after hours clubs and opportunities. So
we're hoping to continue to build on that, not just
for our students, but for families.
Speaker 3 (10:54):
You know, Father, that is truly music, no fun intended
to my ears. In school, I was an art major.
I played the flute. I am that creative person and
I feel like it's getting squeezed out along with physical
education and I and those things are so important for
kids to keep that creative uh, you know, mind and
(11:17):
body going. So I love I love that you're you're
really facilitating that with the black Box and even with coding.
So that's exciting. It's all creative, that's right. And I
believe Amber. You said the black Box is going to
be made where people from the community could rent it
out for certain events. Is that correct?
Speaker 4 (11:36):
Or opening it up to like father Keith was saying,
you know, long term goal where we can have that
open partner, where we can have a community event in there. Sure,
and you know, hopefully be able to get that attention
brought in where it's a space that the community can use.
Speaker 3 (11:53):
Love it, love it all.
Speaker 4 (11:54):
Right.
Speaker 3 (11:55):
Your preschool program is transitioning to a more academic model
through bright Wheel. So what does that shift look like
and how will it benefit the younger students?
Speaker 4 (12:06):
Absolutely so Bright Wheel curriculum. It's an academic based curriculum
that is age appropriate and developmentally appropriate for that age group.
So that shift, right, we wanted everybody to have the
mindset of it's an academic program, right it is. It's
not a daycare, it's a preschool, and so it was
important that we start those educational foundational building blocks at
(12:29):
such an early age, right, So even letter sound recognition
and understanding tactile play, Having truly research backed curriculum love
It was important. So that shift is new. It's an
incredible program. And actually the teachers who looked at it
and decided before that was pre my time, so I
(12:49):
can't take the credit of that, but they did a
great job. They chosen a really strong educational curriculum for it.
Love It.
Speaker 3 (12:58):
Oh my gosh, that is incredible.
Speaker 4 (12:59):
It's great, and it comes with kits every month, so
it just is. And we also added the Christian component
to it sure, so it really ties in with our
mission and vision for the school.
Speaker 5 (13:11):
Yeah, and all of our teachers have twenty or more
years of experience in educating preschool students, and so it's
not just the classroom that we want to meet the
cognitive objectives, but we also structure the play and around
the ideas that we're learning in the classroom. So it's
creative play, so that even in the play moments they're
learning and reinforcing the principles that we're trying to teach.
Speaker 3 (13:33):
So good, so good love that. You know, every school
has a mission, all right, but not every school lives
it out. So what is yours? And how does Christ
Church Academies mission statement influence the day to day learning
and culture on your campus?
Speaker 5 (13:49):
Well, I want to start because I want to tell
this story. So as we were dreaming about the school,
one of the things are our vision is to champion
truth and transform lives? And are you say that again?
Chance in truth and transform lives? For that's the Academy's
mission statement, and the image for it came. If any
(14:12):
of you are familiar with the Chronicles of Narnia by C. S.
Lewis well the Pivancy Children. They were wartime kids living
in an out of the way place away from home,
and they were kind of in the way, in a
nuisance to the master of the house, so to speak.
So they found this wardrobe, and when they walked through
the back of the wardrobe, they entered a new land
(14:33):
where they were called the Kings and Queens of Narnia.
No longer just school children in wartime England, but now
they're kings and queens, and the whole series of the
books is about them becoming who they were created to
be as they followed as Land. And so you notice
our mascot is a lion, because as our kids followed Jesus,
(14:53):
our Savior, they become who God has created them to be.
So as they learn the truth of who God is,
who they are in Christ, they're transformed to become all
that God's created to be. So that's the vision, and
so everything we do is with the lens of how
is this teaching who God is and who they are
in the world, and then how is this helping them
to become all that God's created to be, which is.
Speaker 3 (15:15):
What God wants for all of us. That's love that
so much lying come.
Speaker 4 (15:25):
On in exactly, and we are emphasizing, you know, as
people live out that mission and as our students grow
into that and becoming champions of truth and transforming not
only their own lives, but hopefully the lives of others.
You know, having our CCA champions, we've been calling them
that lately, is you know, having the fruits of the spirit,
the things that they're emphasizing and displaying, you know, becoming
(15:48):
a CCIA champion, and so that's everything we do is
geared towards that.
Speaker 3 (15:52):
I love it.
Speaker 5 (15:53):
And one of the things we try to do is
catch our kids exhibiting one of the fruits of the spirit.
And so we'll have a Champion of the month that
will feature sure on our sneak peek. Yeah, on our
web page will feature a Champion of the month, and
it's a child who has exhibited in some exemplary way
one of the fruits of the spirit. And how have
they done that? And not only in the school, but
how are we doing it in the community. Because it's
(16:15):
not just about us being transformed, but we want to
see the world transform. Oh.
Speaker 3 (16:19):
I love it. Let's go for the world. I love it. Okay,
So one final question before we go to break. We
have about a minute and a half. All those little
lions and lioness that you know want to be a
part of your academy. You have students ages two through
fourth grade. Your grand opening is next week. It's July
(16:41):
twenty ninth. Is this grand opening available for the public
and tell us about it.
Speaker 4 (16:47):
Absolutely, yes, it is available to the public. It'll be
on our site. So right off of six, like Father
Keith was saying right at the corner of twentieth and
six and it's from four to seven pm. It is
open to the community. We will have a food truck
there ConA ice. We have a dunk tank that I
(17:07):
and we'll be taking.
Speaker 5 (17:14):
Everybody can dug a donut, but can.
Speaker 3 (17:18):
That's good.
Speaker 4 (17:19):
Yes, there will be an opportunity to dunk a priest
and dunk out of school and it'll it'll be just
a great time. Christian FM is going to be out
there playing music for us.
Speaker 3 (17:30):
And are you doing tours for any parents that are
potentially not signed up yet with their children, they can
see what it's all about.
Speaker 4 (17:36):
Yes, everybody is welcome to We're gonna have tours. You'll
get to see the new Steam lab, to see the
classrooms as we're moving into it, and you know, just
the black Box theater, all the offerings that we have
in this new space.
Speaker 3 (17:48):
All right, I love it. Well, we're gonna have to
go to break uh. Father and Amber and dash Uh
they're gonna be staying with us for a few more minutes,
So stay with us. We'll be right back.
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Hey guys, welcome back to Beating the Beach Radio. And
then you get to your host where it's all about.
He's beautifying very Beach and we want to thank Dale
Sorenson Real Estate for always making sure that we're on
air and sharing these great stories like the Academy that
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All right, you guys, I'm back with Father and Anne
and we're talking about christ Church Academy, brand new school
for ages two through fourth grade, and just some closing thoughts.
(21:14):
First of all, you know, what is it that you
want families to take away from today's show about your school?
What sets you apart? Just go amber.
Speaker 4 (21:24):
So one of the things that I wanted to mention
to and it was important, is that our teachers not
only you know, have twenty some of them have twenty
plus years experience, but they also have masters a lot
of them in this. They have their certifications, they have
specialties and skills, and not only that, I mean they
(21:45):
love children, right, That's that's why they're doing this. And
the school itself is accredited, and that's an important thing
that you know, we've gone through the due diligence to
have that and the recognition right to be an accredited school,
and we're accredited through Christian Schools of Florida and the
National Accreditation of Independent Schools. So we have those, but
(22:07):
something unique, and you know, this is almost a little
personal too on it as just being ahead of a
school like this is not only fulfilling hopefully for the
community to have something like that, but personally, right, so
this has always been a dream and finding a place
that is aligning to my own views and vision and
(22:28):
mission and seeing ahead of school and principles, that's just
that really sets it apart. And you know, for families
listening out there who are looking for a place for
their children, knowing that they're sending them to a school
that is not only accredited, but has individuals who truly
believe in that school and know the needs that the
(22:51):
community has and are trying to fill those.
Speaker 3 (22:53):
Love that Father, your final thoughts, and I know it
must be exciting to see your vision come in fruition.
I believe your church is really backing you with the school,
So tell me your final thoughts on this.
Speaker 5 (23:06):
I'm so hugely thankful for my parish, our church. We
don't have currently a ton of young families, but our
church believe that it was God's call in our life
together to love families in our city. And so I
think Jesus says, they will love you, know you by
your love one for another. How better could we love
(23:27):
families than to open our doors and help their children
grow into all that God's created to be. And so
for me, this is just a way that we can
say to the world God loves you, and we love
you and welcome come to Christ Church.
Speaker 3 (23:41):
Oh my gosh, I love that. I have one more question,
but before I do, Oh, shoot, are you accepting any
more enrollments for kids right now for the new school year?
Speaker 4 (23:54):
Yes? Yes, we are, so two year olds through fourth grade.
We are accept students and happy to give tours for
anybody who wants to if they give us a call,
happy to schedule that and show them the new building
and the preschool.
Speaker 5 (24:09):
And by the way, we are every year adding a grade. Great,
so we'll go through sixth grade in a current building.
And the long term plans are to build a middle
school building as well, so we'll have it all the
way through eighth grade is the long term plan, all right?
Speaker 3 (24:21):
Ten seconds left. I want to know Lion mascot, who's
going to wear it? Amber or Father?
Speaker 4 (24:26):
Oh I'll wear it? Sure nice, I'm game for that.
Speaker 3 (24:31):
I love it all right, you guys have a wonderful
school year. So excited for you guys. And July twenty
ninth is the open house, so go see them all right,
Love you guys. Thanks saving
EGM Network.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
From Studio A in Sunny Florida. Welcome to Beauty and
the Beach Radio, where it's all about who's beautifying Vero Beach.
Today's show is brought to you by Dale Sawrence in
Real Estate and here's your host and glamour girl makeup
artist Cindy Guests.
Speaker 3 (00:27):
Hey, guys, welcome back to Beating the Beach Radio.
Speaker 4 (00:29):
I'm Cindy.
Speaker 3 (00:30):
Get your host wos all about his beautifying Vera Beach.
You guys have a question for you. Okay, are you ready?
Do you have faith? Yes? You heard me right? Do
you have faith? Do you have faith your car is
going to start, your alarm will wake you up, that
your chair will hold you, the sun will rise, or
(00:54):
that God loves you no matter what. Well, today's episode
is where faith meets vision and that education is grounded
in truth, character and Christ. Today, we're thrilled to share
something truly special with you guys. We are launching, okay,
(01:18):
the opening of Christ Church Academy, a brand new Christian
school in Vero Beach, Florida, where academic excellence and spiritual
formation walk hand in hand. Make So, you, guys, what
makes the school so different? Well It's not just about
textbooks and tests. It's about building a generation rooted in
(01:40):
biblical truth, inspired to lead and equipped to serve. In
this episode today, we'll take you behind the scenes, the vision,
the mission, the educators, and what this means for our
community and for your children's future. So, whether you're a parent,
pastor educator, or just someone who deeply cares about the
(02:02):
next generation, this is the moment you don't want to miss.
So let's get started, all right, you guys. I have
two guests on the show who's never been here before,
so I hope you'll give them a big welcome in
your car or while you're walking at the park with
your earbuds in so. Our first guest, she is the
head of school at Christ Church Academy and graduated from
(02:25):
University of Florida with a bachelor's and masters in elementary education.
She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Educational leadership from
the American College of Education. She lives in Vera Beach
with her husband and three children and a lab. Please
welcome to the show, Amber Mullins.
Speaker 4 (02:47):
Thank you.
Speaker 3 (02:48):
Hi ever, Hi Harry, welcome.
Speaker 4 (02:50):
Thank you.
Speaker 3 (02:51):
You looks so comfortable there with your earphones, like you've
done this all the time.
Speaker 4 (02:55):
I haven't done this all the time, but it is.
It's comfortable. I love it.
Speaker 3 (02:59):
I love it. Well. Our next guest is the rector
of Christ Church a Verra Beach. He believes his church
is positioned for a season of greater mission and ministry,
both here and in our neighborhood and to the nation's Father.
Keith serves as rector and spiritual advisor for the school
and help serve the mission of Christ Church Academy. Please
(03:22):
welcome Father Keith Allen.
Speaker 5 (03:25):
Thanks Tindy, so good to be here.
Speaker 3 (03:27):
Yes, I'm so glad you're here.
Speaker 5 (03:29):
Thanks.
Speaker 3 (03:29):
Well, we have some exciting things to share with our community,
and I'm going to dive right in. So the first
thing I want to ask you, guys, you know, because
we're talking about your new school, can you tell us
about this new lower school building and what grades Christ
Church Academy is currently offering?
Speaker 4 (03:48):
Absolutely do you want?
Speaker 5 (03:49):
Yeah? Sure? Well, the school actually began as an answer
to prayer we had been praying since January of twenty
twenty when I got here as rector. How can we
have a greater act on families and on our community,
helping to raise the next generation for Christ. And so
as we were praying one day, I heard the door
opening and closing. We had a Mom's Morning out program,
(04:11):
and I went out and I said, how many kids
do we have there? And there's like forty kids, So
this seems like a mission field. So I went back
in my office and I began to pray, and long
story short, it seemed right to the leadership that God
was calling us to expand a Mom's Morning program out
into a school. And so over the course of time,
(04:32):
we raised enough money to build that building and to
open our doors not only on Sundays but every day
of the week to families and children to introduce them
to the love of Christ and help them to grow
into everything that God's creating them to be.
Speaker 3 (04:46):
You know, Father, I want to make sure and before
we get too far down the road to Amber, I
want them to know where this school is because I
drive by it all the time and I didn't realize
until you reached out to me Amber about out promoting
the school. So please tell our audience for those that
do live in Indian River County, the convenience of your
(05:07):
location and how it's such a beautiful building tell us
where you are.
Speaker 5 (05:11):
Yeah, so it's on the corner of sixty and sixth Avenue,
so right behind the Hampton End at Miracle Mile, right
there on the where it used to be Osteola School.
Speaker 3 (05:21):
Yes, so yeah, in moms, if you don't even know
where that is, you do know where TJ max is.
You could walk to it from TJ Max.
Speaker 4 (05:29):
That's true.
Speaker 3 (05:29):
Just say it's a selling point. Yes, drop the kids
off and go to Panera, get your coffee, go to
TJ Max and then to your grocery shopping at Public's
right there exactly. Yes, sorry, just had to add that there.
Speaker 4 (05:43):
Absolutely. And it is a new lower school building and
we have a preschool as well, so we are in
the church building. For the preschool, there's a wing over
there and that is for two year olds through VPK
or four year olds, and then the new lower school
building is for kindergarten through this year fourth and we'll
talk about that in a little bit, but we're going
(06:04):
to continue adding as well.
Speaker 3 (06:06):
You know, Amber, we are talking about the new academy.
But I just want to backup so people understand you're
no stranger to education. Tell us about your history.
Speaker 4 (06:14):
Absolutely, So I started teaching actually in Gainesville, Florida at
Okall School. It's an independent private school, and I taught
there for a few years. I taught second grade, and
then I moved to Vero Beach to teach at Saint Edwards.
So I was at Saint Edwards for just shy of
seven years. And so I've been in education for it
(06:35):
was ended up being just over a decade, and I've
also been in the business world and have been pursuing
my doctorate in educational leadership.
Speaker 3 (06:43):
Wonderful, and so you're really shining here, I can tell.
It seems like you really enjoy what you're doing as
as head of the program.
Speaker 4 (06:52):
Yes, this was my this was my calling in life.
Speaker 5 (06:56):
Amber is not only a great leader, but she's a
person with a great heart. And so I'm really so
thankful that the Lord provided for us somebody not only
with competencies, but with the compassion and character to lead
our kids. We can point to amberancy follow her. She'll
point you to Jesus.
Speaker 3 (07:12):
Well, and I won't dispute that. Father. We need more
compassion in our school system right now. It's really a
struggle for our kids, I believe. So Okay, next question,
what makes christ Church Academies academic programs stand out. And
I hear that you have a Steam lab and even
(07:32):
a black box theater, so tell us more about that.
Speaker 4 (07:37):
Absolutely, So, yes, we have a Steam lab. So for
those of you who don't know, that is science, technology, engineering,
arts and mathematics. I brought a special guest with us.
This is Dash.
Speaker 3 (07:50):
Hi Dash.
Speaker 4 (07:51):
So Dash is a robot that we use for coding.
Speaker 3 (07:54):
And the way Dash gets a little lot as he should.
Speaker 4 (07:59):
Yes, so you use an iPad to code this, and
it's an introductory into coding. So we also use something
before I'm going to put Dash down that is also
coding on top of the robot. But Dash is just
a small part of what we do and it leads
to understanding sequencing, how coding works, and eventually into coding languages.
(08:21):
So that's a small portion in Steam as well. We
use the arts portion for it, and so I'll talk
about the digital arts a little bit with three D
design and printing, so our students will be using three
D printers, understanding how to use those skills and how
we can make a larger impact within our community and
(08:41):
even internationally globally with the gifts that we have and
the skills and the talents, so and again it helps
students with a design thinking process and expanding into how
does that apply into real world application, which is really
a critical skill to have.
Speaker 3 (08:58):
And guys, I want you to know Amber, she puts
her money where her mouth is. She loves coding. She
does coding. Guys, I think that's so cool. I really do.
Speaker 4 (09:08):
I do. I love coding. I love three D design
and printing, the entire design thinking process. It is something
I'm very passionate about and have done in the past
as well.
Speaker 3 (09:18):
And I am familiar with a three D printing because
my nephew got one and he'll like Christmas like, look
I made do this. I'm like, you made that. It's
just fascinating. So I love how progressive you guys are
with the technology and DASH that's so exciting. Are you
going to take orders from just Dash? Take orders from
father or father dash orders?
Speaker 4 (09:38):
Like?
Speaker 3 (09:39):
How does that work? Or do you pray over Dash?
Speaker 5 (09:40):
I still use a fountain pin, So like Amber really
does all the coding.
Speaker 4 (09:48):
DASH. You'll have to get a video snippet of Dash.
And as far as the black Box theater, we we
really wanted to focus on the sciences and the arts,
and those are unique attributes. And I know Father Keith
was going to talk about it a little bit. Yeah.
Speaker 5 (10:00):
No, I love that we are focusing not only in
the mind, but then the outlet of being creative. God.
God's a creator and he makes us creative beings in
His image, and so we want kids to learn and
grow in their academic skills, but then we also want
them to have outlets to express and communicate what God
has put in them, whether that be through three D
(10:21):
design and three D printing, or whether it be through
drama or music or the arts. Because God wants to
make beauty present in the world. That's one of the
ways He makes himself present to all creation, and so
we want kids to have that outlet. We want to
do it not only during the academic day, but long
term goal as God provides, we'd love to have opportunities
(10:42):
for the community to come in and experience theater, music
and all that in after hours clubs and opportunities. So
we're hoping to continue to build on that, not just
for our students, but for families.
Speaker 3 (10:54):
You know, Father, that is truly music, no fun intended
to my ears. In school, I was an art major.
I played the flute. I am that creative person and
I feel like it's getting squeezed out along with physical
education and I and those things are so important for
kids to keep that creative uh, you know, mind and
(11:17):
body going. So I love I love that you're you're
really facilitating that with the black Box and even with coding.
So that's exciting. It's all creative, that's right. And I
believe Amber. You said the black Box is going to
be made where people from the community could rent it
out for certain events. Is that correct?
Speaker 4 (11:36):
Or opening it up to like father Keith was saying,
you know, long term goal where we can have that
open partner, where we can have a community event in there. Sure,
and you know, hopefully be able to get that attention
brought in where it's a space that the community can use.
Speaker 3 (11:53):
Love it, love it all.
Speaker 4 (11:54):
Right.
Speaker 3 (11:55):
Your preschool program is transitioning to a more academic model
through bright Wheel. So what does that shift look like
and how will it benefit the younger students?
Speaker 4 (12:06):
Absolutely so Bright Wheel curriculum. It's an academic based curriculum
that is age appropriate and developmentally appropriate for that age group.
So that shift, right, we wanted everybody to have the
mindset of it's an academic program, right it is. It's
not a daycare, it's a preschool, and so it was
important that we start those educational foundational building blocks at
(12:29):
such an early age, right, So even letter sound recognition
and understanding tactile play, Having truly research backed curriculum love
It was important. So that shift is new. It's an
incredible program. And actually the teachers who looked at it
and decided before that was pre my time, so I
(12:49):
can't take the credit of that, but they did a
great job. They chosen a really strong educational curriculum for it.
Love It.
Speaker 3 (12:58):
Oh my gosh, that is incredible.
Speaker 4 (12:59):
It's great, and it comes with kits every month, so
it just is. And we also added the Christian component
to it sure, so it really ties in with our
mission and vision for the school.
Speaker 5 (13:11):
Yeah, and all of our teachers have twenty or more
years of experience in educating preschool students, and so it's
not just the classroom that we want to meet the
cognitive objectives, but we also structure the play and around
the ideas that we're learning in the classroom. So it's
creative play, so that even in the play moments they're
learning and reinforcing the principles that we're trying to teach.
Speaker 3 (13:33):
So good, so good love that. You know, every school
has a mission, all right, but not every school lives
it out. So what is yours? And how does Christ
Church Academies mission statement influence the day to day learning
and culture on your campus?
Speaker 5 (13:49):
Well, I want to start because I want to tell
this story. So as we were dreaming about the school,
one of the things are our vision is to champion
truth and transform lives? And are you say that again?
Chance in truth and transform lives? For that's the Academy's
mission statement, and the image for it came. If any
(14:12):
of you are familiar with the Chronicles of Narnia by C. S.
Lewis well the Pivancy Children. They were wartime kids living
in an out of the way place away from home,
and they were kind of in the way, in a
nuisance to the master of the house, so to speak.
So they found this wardrobe, and when they walked through
the back of the wardrobe, they entered a new land
(14:33):
where they were called the Kings and Queens of Narnia.
No longer just school children in wartime England, but now
they're kings and queens, and the whole series of the
books is about them becoming who they were created to
be as they followed as Land. And so you notice
our mascot is a lion, because as our kids followed Jesus,
(14:53):
our Savior, they become who God has created them to be.
So as they learn the truth of who God is,
who they are in Christ, they're transformed to become all
that God's created to be. So that's the vision, and
so everything we do is with the lens of how
is this teaching who God is and who they are
in the world, and then how is this helping them
to become all that God's created to be, which is.
Speaker 3 (15:15):
What God wants for all of us. That's love that
so much lying come.
Speaker 4 (15:25):
On in exactly, and we are emphasizing, you know, as
people live out that mission and as our students grow
into that and becoming champions of truth and transforming not
only their own lives, but hopefully the lives of others.
You know, having our CCA champions, we've been calling them
that lately, is you know, having the fruits of the spirit,
the things that they're emphasizing and displaying, you know, becoming
(15:48):
a CCIA champion, and so that's everything we do is
geared towards that.
Speaker 3 (15:52):
I love it.
Speaker 5 (15:53):
And one of the things we try to do is
catch our kids exhibiting one of the fruits of the spirit.
And so we'll have a Champion of the month that
will feature sure on our sneak peek. Yeah, on our
web page will feature a Champion of the month, and
it's a child who has exhibited in some exemplary way
one of the fruits of the spirit. And how have
they done that? And not only in the school, but
how are we doing it in the community. Because it's
(16:15):
not just about us being transformed, but we want to
see the world transform. Oh.
Speaker 3 (16:19):
I love it. Let's go for the world. I love it. Okay,
So one final question before we go to break. We
have about a minute and a half. All those little
lions and lioness that you know want to be a
part of your academy. You have students ages two through
fourth grade. Your grand opening is next week. It's July
(16:41):
twenty ninth. Is this grand opening available for the public
and tell us about it.
Speaker 4 (16:47):
Absolutely, yes, it is available to the public. It'll be
on our site. So right off of six, like Father
Keith was saying right at the corner of twentieth and
six and it's from four to seven pm. It is
open to the community. We will have a food truck
there ConA ice. We have a dunk tank that I
(17:07):
and we'll be taking.
Speaker 5 (17:14):
Everybody can dug a donut, but can.
Speaker 3 (17:18):
That's good.
Speaker 4 (17:19):
Yes, there will be an opportunity to dunk a priest
and dunk out of school and it'll it'll be just
a great time. Christian FM is going to be out
there playing music for us.
Speaker 3 (17:30):
And are you doing tours for any parents that are
potentially not signed up yet with their children, they can
see what it's all about.
Speaker 4 (17:36):
Yes, everybody is welcome to We're gonna have tours. You'll
get to see the new Steam lab, to see the
classrooms as we're moving into it, and you know, just
the black Box theater, all the offerings that we have
in this new space.
Speaker 3 (17:48):
All right, I love it. Well, we're gonna have to
go to break uh. Father and Amber and dash Uh
they're gonna be staying with us for a few more minutes,
So stay with us. We'll be right back.
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All right, you guys, I'm back with Father and Anne
and we're talking about christ Church Academy, brand new school
for ages two through fourth grade, and just some closing thoughts.
(21:14):
First of all, you know, what is it that you
want families to take away from today's show about your school?
What sets you apart? Just go amber.
Speaker 4 (21:24):
So one of the things that I wanted to mention
to and it was important, is that our teachers not
only you know, have twenty some of them have twenty
plus years experience, but they also have masters a lot
of them in this. They have their certifications, they have
specialties and skills, and not only that, I mean they
(21:45):
love children, right, That's that's why they're doing this. And
the school itself is accredited, and that's an important thing
that you know, we've gone through the due diligence to
have that and the recognition right to be an accredited school,
and we're accredited through Christian Schools of Florida and the
National Accreditation of Independent Schools. So we have those, but
(22:07):
something unique, and you know, this is almost a little
personal too on it as just being ahead of a
school like this is not only fulfilling hopefully for the
community to have something like that, but personally, right, so
this has always been a dream and finding a place
that is aligning to my own views and vision and
(22:28):
mission and seeing ahead of school and principles, that's just
that really sets it apart. And you know, for families
listening out there who are looking for a place for
their children, knowing that they're sending them to a school
that is not only accredited, but has individuals who truly
believe in that school and know the needs that the
(22:51):
community has and are trying to fill those.
Speaker 3 (22:53):
Love that Father, your final thoughts, and I know it
must be exciting to see your vision come in fruition.
I believe your church is really backing you with the school,
So tell me your final thoughts on this.
Speaker 5 (23:06):
I'm so hugely thankful for my parish, our church. We
don't have currently a ton of young families, but our
church believe that it was God's call in our life
together to love families in our city. And so I
think Jesus says, they will love you, know you by
your love one for another. How better could we love
(23:27):
families than to open our doors and help their children
grow into all that God's created to be. And so
for me, this is just a way that we can
say to the world God loves you, and we love
you and welcome come to Christ Church.
Speaker 3 (23:41):
Oh my gosh, I love that. I have one more question,
but before I do, Oh, shoot, are you accepting any
more enrollments for kids right now for the new school year?
Speaker 4 (23:54):
Yes? Yes, we are, so two year olds through fourth grade.
We are accept students and happy to give tours for
anybody who wants to if they give us a call,
happy to schedule that and show them the new building
and the preschool.
Speaker 5 (24:09):
And by the way, we are every year adding a grade. Great,
so we'll go through sixth grade in a current building.
And the long term plans are to build a middle
school building as well, so we'll have it all the
way through eighth grade is the long term plan, all right?
Speaker 3 (24:21):
Ten seconds left. I want to know Lion mascot, who's
going to wear it? Amber or Father?
Speaker 4 (24:26):
Oh I'll wear it? Sure nice, I'm game for that.
Speaker 3 (24:31):
I love it all right, you guys have a wonderful
school year. So excited for you guys. And July twenty
ninth is the open house, so go see them all right,
Love you guys. Thanks saving
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