Today on the podcast, our host Cynthia Yanof speaks with TCA parent Heather Appel about the TCA community, how they found the school, and what she and her family love most!

Heather tells us about how her son asked where the chapel was at their public school after the kindergarten roundup and how he told her that he wanted to be able to pray at school. This kicked off their search for a Christian school.

TCA's Christ-centered approach and academic excellence drew them in. But one of the biggest, unexpected blessings of the school has been the TCA community and the lifelong friendships that have blossomed both in the classroom and at outside activities.

Heather tells about a friend's daughter who came to TCA as a junior and has also experienced the warmth and connection of the students in the Upper School.

As a sub, Heather says it is amazing how the students in the Lower School share prayer requests and are openly praying for one another. From her experience, it is evident how the school is developing the whole child. Her favorite day in the Lower School is the Kindergarten French Café event. In Middle School, she is most impressed by the teachers and their approach to our kids and meeting them where they are in the awkward middle school years.

Her advice to prospective parents is to embrace the uniqueness of TCA. Today's culture tells us one thing, but TCA encourages children to do the right thing. For veteran TCA parents, Heather reminds us not to take the MPACT prayer group for granted.