Jerry Nixon is a member of FRCS’s Board and a parent of three alumnae.
Ten things I love about you (FRCS)
“You can’t protect your children forever!” they said as I explained why I had decided to send my daughters to Christian school. I responded with the truth that had brought me to that decision: “Well, I can for a little while.”
There is something beautiful about boundaries. Not only do they set expectations for our children, things like “Don’t go there,” but they also communicate something tremendously more enduring: “I care about you.”
There was nothing easy about Christian education in the Nixon household. As a single-income family, discretionary money was limited. We also lived in Conifer; our drive to school was 40 minutes each way, twice a day, in good weather.
All that said, Kyndall and I went in with our eyes open, and we never looked back. As of last year, all three of our daughters have successfully graduated from FRCS and are off to the races. Here are some things we learned. I hope this retrospective from a family who already went through it helps you a little.
First, Front Range Christian School is a partner with parents. The biblical truths we taught at home were reinforced by teachers and staff who loved Jesus as much as we did. My friends with kids in public schools—their experience was, literally, the opposite.
Second, FRCS teachers are worthwhile role models. My kids loved their teachers and even dressed like them from time to time. But when they started to talk like them, it was thoughtful, faith-filled words every parent wanted to hear their students say.
Third, FRCS faculty are the real deal. Maybe this is something I know a little better because I am on the school board, but our faculty are in it for Jesus. It isn’t smoke and mirrors hiding some backroom agenda; Front Range is about the gospel, plain and simple.
Fourth, Junior and Senior seminars are seriously good. As a dad, I was determined to ask my daughters all the hard questions before some college philosophy professor did. Where I fell short, seminar stepped in, giving them a safe place to process hard Christian truths.
Fifth, each of my daughters had a serious academic head start in college. They talked to me about this a lot. Where their friends and roommates struggled to acclimate to college reading, writing, and general academic rigor, FRCS kids had already done that.
Sixth, participation is sort of baked in. It could be sports, government, or just leading a dGroup. Either way, the expectation is that students are involved. Sometimes I encouraged my girls to get out there and do something, only to have them tell me about their small group or the Bible study they led. It started in high school and didn’t stop.
Seventh, Front Range students are good kids. This is a “for the most part” comment, I know. But the friends my girls made as high school students at Front Range are still, today, some of the same friends they call on for prayer when they hit a wall.
Eighth, I am not the only one. As a board member, I get to hear a lot of stories, starting with other board members. Time and again I am reminded of how wonderful FRCS is from the amazing stories of other parents. The FRCS experience isn’t a fluke.
Ninth, Front Range is affordable. On a realistic note, I want to acknowledge that Christian education isn’t cheap. But FRCS is as close as you could get in this area and still offer your student a comprehensive high school experience. Is it worth it? I think so.
Tenth, the future is bright. God is not about to start moving at Front Range; He has been moving here for years, and our leadership is faithfully following. That said, there is some really neat stuff brewing, and God’s faithfulness is super obvious.
Even with my kids gone, I am still on the board, and I still love this school. Looking back, sending my girls to a Christian school—specifically Front Range Christian School—was a worthwhile sacrifice both Kyndall and I would make again in a heartbeat.
Sure, it was nice that our girls got a great education and found some friends, but I think the biggest blessing was for us, the parents. The impact on our family, our peace of mind, our own faith, and friends we made with other parents are real treasures we still enjoy.
If you’re still deciding, take a moment to consider the alternative. How many of those ten things would you want to say about your child’s experience after graduation? No, you can’t protect your kids forever—but you can for a little while. And in that time, you can give them the best start possible: strong academics, deep faith, and lasting character.
