Consistent population growth in Kootenai County coupled with declining academic achievement and cultural shifts embedded in publicly funded, government led schools have sent parents searching for a better way to educate their children. At first blush, there seems to be an endless supply of alternative schooling options with multiple charter, private, and homeschooling co-ops throughout the community.
However, once parents start the journey into evaluating their options, many are surprised to find that charter schools are at maximum enrollment, private schools all have waiting lists, and co-ops require many hours of parental volunteerism that most family structures are unable to accommodate. As pure homeschooling is rarely a viable option for families who are just starting to untether from the public education system, there is a void for those seeking an immediate change.
Two noteworthy schooling options for the Kootenai County community emerged with enrollment starting this fall. The Kootenai Classical Academy (KCA) is the long awaited charter school initially serving K-8th that allows for a tuition free alternative with a model of education grounded in Western culture and the classical trivium of grammar, logic and rhetoric. Unfortunately, for those families who are just initiating their shift into better schooling, this new charter school is fully enrolled with a 400 student wait-list. For those seeking complete severance from the state in their child’s education, it is important to note KCA is subject to the oversight of the Idaho State Board of Education, as it is chartered through the state’s education system.
WayMaker Christian Academy is a private school serving K-12 that formed only a few months ago. WayMaker is a tuition based, Christian education primarily using Abeka curriculum. Abeka curriculum has been a staple for decades, used by Christian families and schools who want traditional education methods in phonics and subjects presented with a principle based, Biblical world-view.
Dianna Renz is head of school for WayMaker. She has devoted her career to educating youth, coming to WayMaker with 30 years experience which includes several years in higher education administration. “This is a once in a lifetime experience. The connections and relationships are going to be lifelong,” Renz shared during our hour and a half visit. “It is amazing to see God’s provision throughout this process.”
Renz’s reference to God’s provision encompasses both the behind the scenes formation and the material needs associated with school startups. The list of necessary items seems endless and overwhelming. But Renz and the school’s board of directors remain undaunted. When news broke of their desire to be up and running this fall, the provisions began flowing in almost immediately. A school just over the border in Washington was closing and offered all their desks to WayMaker at an unbeatable price, a local Post Falls church offered free long term storage, and a private school in Coeur d’Alene with extra furniture generously contributed items to Waymaker’s growing inventory.
Crafting the mission, by-laws, statement of faith and other governing documents, was also blessed by Providence. It remains a truism throughout human history that collectively agreeing on critical issues requires a commitment to the overall objective, which in WayMaker’s case is coming alongside families to raise children in obedience to God. “Even deciding on a name was important. WayMaker comes from Isaiah, it’s about making a way. We are the facilitators of the way the Lord wants children and families to go,” empathized Eric Slawson, President of the school’s board of directors. “We are here as a support for parents, who take the lead role in their children’s life.” He continued by discussing how the by-laws are family focused and designed to provide the structure to be able to reach each child where they currently are in regards to their academic abilities.
In Renz’s view, it has been miraculous for WayMaker’s founding group, which consists of families with diverse backgrounds, to reach consensus in critical areas so quickly: “Starting up a school is usually a 2-5 year process. We are amazed at how the Lord has brought the pieces together so quickly. All the glory can go to Him, and not to us.”
Renz wants the Kootenai community to know that, “WayMaker Christian School is built with a love for kids and families. Built on a foundation of obedience to the Lord and eager to serve believing families.”
WayMaker currently has 125 children on a cost free wait-list as their parents continue their decision making process, with 40 students having already completed the formal application process. The board consists of nine families, eight of which have children enrolled, all excited to tackle a new school year under the WayMaker brand. Formal uniforms for students are not required, instead a simple dress code that allows multiple colored shirt options and several pant choices from any brand has been chosen.
Student learning objectives will focus on four main areas: apply the lessons of scripture, learn how to learn, communicate competently, and solve problems. Many parents understand that their children are no longer being taught how to learn, but what to learn. WayMaker seeks to enable students to develop the ability to learn, which includes critical thinking and study skills.
WayMaker will begin without accreditation, but the board is already pursuing a partnership with the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). One of ACSI requirements concerning teachers is maintaining 80% with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. “Experience and education are important qualities for teachers, but the heart of the teacher is perhaps even more important,” Renz pointed out. She’s focused on recruiting teachers with a love for kids. Teachers who love kids enough to challenge them and to hold them accountable. “Love as defined in scripture. Our culture is in a time of spiritual warfare. We are here to equip our kids to be able to navigate this broken, corrupt world. We seek to provide a uniquely comprehensive education.”
The school’s leadership is also looking into an independent series of lectures with teens who are not students. Engaging the community using Hillsdale lectures series while incorporating a Socaritc discussion approach to important topics. The goal is to navigate critical cultural conversations without destroying relationships. Anyone who has been involved in the current political and cultural climate will appreciate how challenging this endeavor will be, but also its importance.
Although the school’s website is under construction, readers are able to connect with them for more information via WayMakerChristian.com or through their Facebook page.
