Great Hearts Christian Academies – Gilbert Welcomes Students to New Campus on First Day of School

After months of getting the campus ready, Great Hearts Christian Academies – Gilbert welcomed new and returning students to its new location on the Redemption Gilbert Campus for the first day of school. The impressive new 20-acre campus houses spacious classrooms, an onsite coffeehouse for parents to utilize, and a state-of-the-art sanctuary for Chapel. “Our families are so excited for our new campus,” explained Dean of Campus Kayla Blasi.

Before the drop-off line began to fill up, the faculty gathered for an early morning time of prayer, a tradition that is revered at the Christ-centered private school. Then it was “all hands on deck” to welcome the eager students to the new spaces, showing them to their new classrooms to get settled in before lining up for Chapel in the campus’ youth sanctuary.

Chapel is the cornerstone for the classical Christian academy. Starting each school day with singing, prayer, and devotionals provides focus for both students and faculty. The first Chapel of the school year is especially meaningful, setting the tone for the new school year. The heart-felt opening prayer was led by Co-Founder and Great Hearts Christian Academies parent, Dan Scoggin.

During Chapel, Blasi announced that this year’s thematic goal is Obedience. “When we talk about obedience this year, there’s two parts to obedience. Part of it is doing the right thing. And that’s integrity. But part of it is also doing it with a joyful heart. So, we’re going to have a little phrase that we practice together,” she said, leading the entire student body in the recitation. “Obey all the way, right away, with a joyful heart today. For this is the love of God that we keep his commandments. 1 John 5:3”

“This year, we have chosen the theme of Obedience as a guiding principle for our school community, a theme that strikes at the very heart of Christian formation,” explained Executive Director, Dr. Toyin Atolagbe. “Our guiding verse, drawn from the prophet Samuel’s counsel to King Saul, reminds us that ‘to obey is better than sacrifice’ (1 Samuel 15:22). These words, spoken in a moment of divine correction, illuminate a truth that resonates in our current educational landscape. This statement sheds light on genuine devotion and the importance of listening to God’s voice over our desires. Samuel conveyed a crucial lesson to King Saul, emphasizing that God values obedience above mere ritualistic behaviors. Our obedience to God reflects our love for Him and a commitment to understanding His ways.”

After Chapel, kindergarten parents were invited to stay for a small reception while their children headed to their classrooms with their teachers to begin the school day. As always, a few tears were shed by parents saying goodbye for the very first time. But they didn’t last long, thanks to reassuring smiles, shared stories, and the gentle reminder from other parents that “you’ve got this.”

In the safe and supportive new space, with small class sizes and devoted teachers, scholars at Great Hearts Christian Academies – Gilbert are set up for an incredible year of growth in intellectual, moral, and spiritual character.

Learn more about Great Hearts Christian Academies at https://christos.greatheartsamerica.org.

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