Great Hearts Christian Academies – Maryvale Celebrate First Day on New Campus

For many, the first day of school is all about new beginnings, and this is especially true for the families and faculty at Great Hearts Christian Academies – Maryvale, who are not only starting a new school year but also entering a new campus at Open Sky Learning Centers. “We made it,” exclaimed Dean of Campus Jayne Bostow with excitement as she welcomed new and returning students to the first morning chapel. “This is our big day!”

Great Hearts Christian Academies Executive Director, Dr. Toyin Atolagbe, led the faculty in an early morning time of prayer before students began to arrive. This tradition is revered at the Christ-centered private school. Afterward, both Atolagbe and Bostow were on hand to greet families at the entrance, and the faculty was eager to invite students to their new classrooms to get settled in before lining up for Chapel  in the campus’ large gymnasium.

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 opening Chapel is especially meaningful, setting the tone for the new school year. After leading prayer and a song, Bostow announced that this year’s thematic goal is Obedience. “We are going to obey all the way, right away, with a joyful heart today. That’s our classroom slogan this year… This is what your teachers are going to say like 55,000 times a day.”

“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 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.”

Many parents stay and participate in the morning Chapel and count it as one of the highlights of their own day. “What a blessing to be a part of this community,” said Atolagbe, addressing the parents and families seated at the back of the gym. “The honest truth is that we cannot educate your children without your support. So, it gladdens our hearts every time you show up for your children.” Parents appreciate the tight-knit community they have formed over the last two years.

After Chapel, the Parent Service Organization (PSO) hosted a continental breakfast while students were dismissed to their respective classrooms with their teachers to begin their academic day.

In the safe and supportive new space, with small class sizes and devoted teachers, scholars at Great Hearts Christian Academies – Maryvale 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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Submit a student application to a Great Hearts Academy by visiting: https://www.greatheartsamerica.org/enroll/.