Before we had children, my husband and I never really thought much about schooling. Like many parents, we assumed our kids would just attend the nearest local school and naturally learn how to live as “salt and light” to the world. But once those little ones were running laps around our home, everything changed. We realized the responsibility of Christian parenting went deeper. The main question became: how do we nurture the life of Christ in our kids? That search led us to explore education in a fresh way.

It was easy to feel overwhelmed. The options seemed endless, and the stakes felt high. As moms and dads, we want more than academics—we want our children to flourish spiritually, relationally, and imaginatively. That’s where wisdom from others, like theologian Clay Clarkson, reshaped our perspective. He emphasized that imagination fuels faith. Without the ability to imagine God’s promises, children may struggle to believe. His words hit home. For parents in the Triad who long for both strong academics and a Christ-centered environment, Redeemer School has been a beautiful answer.

Why Imagination Matters in Faith

When our oldest was still in diapers, I attended a talk where Clarkson explained the role of imagination in belief. Webster’s defines imagination as the faculty or action of forming new ideas, or images or concepts of external objects not present to the senses. Clarkson argued that this God-given ability is central to trusting in the unseen. If children can picture God’s story—his love, his promises—they can believe it more deeply.

Charlotte Mason, a British educator who continues to influence Christian education, put it this way: “Imagination has the property of magical expansion; the more it holds, the more it will hold.” Her insight helped me see that the ideas, images, and relationships filling my children’s minds were shaping their capacity to trust God. It wasn’t just about academics. It was about surrounding them with “the good stuff”—truth, beauty, and goodness—that would root their faith.

Discovering Redeemer School

Our family’s journey to Redeemer School grew out of this realization. We knew our responsibility was not just to raise smart kids, but faithful ones who engage thoughtfully with the world. While there are many wonderful ways to pursue this, Redeemer became a clear partner in that mission.

Now in our second year, with one child in kindergarten, we’re still new, but already deeply grateful. Redeemer School has shown us what it looks like for education to be Christ-centered, family-oriented, and academically strong. Here are some highlights we’ve come to love:

Half-day structure: Through third grade, children attend shortened school days. This takes advantage of their most focused hours while preserving time for free play and family learning.
Family atmosphere: The sense of community is tangible. Parents serve in classrooms on E-days, join in meaningful volunteer roles, and build lasting friendships with other families.
Respect for the child: Redeemer treats each student as a bearer of God’s image. Narration-based assessments encourage thoughtful reflection instead of just rote memorization.
Faithful teachers: Above all, the teachers model Redeemer’s core values daily, walking alongside families and genuinely sharing the life of Christ with their students.

A Prayer for Our Children

As parents, our prayer echoes Paul’s in Ephesians 1:17-19: that God would give our children a Spirit of wisdom and imagination, that the eyes of their hearts would be enlightened, that they may know the hope to which he has called them. At Redeemer School, that prayer feels supported, nurtured, and lived out in daily rhythms.

Frequently Asked Questions About Redeemer School

What makes Redeemer School different from other Christian schools in the Triad?
Redeemer emphasizes imagination and Christ-centered formation, not just academics. It integrates family life, half-day schedules for younger children, and a curriculum that respects each child’s unique gifts.

Is the half-day schedule effective for learning?
Yes. Redeemer recognizes that young children are most attentive in the mornings. Half-days maximize learning potential while leaving afternoons open for rest, exploration, and family time.

How are parents involved at Redeemer School?
Parents play an active role, from helping in classrooms on E-days to volunteering in meaningful ways throughout the year. This creates a strong family-oriented culture.

Does Redeemer School focus on imagination at the expense of academics?
Not at all. Redeemer integrates rigorous academics with spiritual and imaginative development. The goal is whole-child education—mind, heart, and soul.

Why is imagination so important in Christian education?
Imagination helps children picture God’s story, making faith more tangible. When kids can envision his promises, they’re better equipped to trust and follow him.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a school for your children is about more than location or convenience. For families in the Triad seeking to nurture both faith and academics, Redeemer School offers a path where imagination, community, and Christ-centered learning come together. It’s not just about raising students. It’s about raising disciples who see the world with eyes of faith.

By Guest Blogger Kim Watkins, a Redeemer School parent

Redeemer School is a private Christian school utilizing the hands-on, childhood-honoring educational philosophy of Charlotte Mason. Information about Redeemer School and upcoming Open House events

Redeemer School
1013 Melrose St., Winston-Salem, NC 27103
336.724.9460
www.redeemerschool.org

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