PRACTICUM: STARTING A CLASSICAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Starting a classical christian school:
For new or potential founding members of classical Christian startup schools.
Join the Concordis Education Partners team in this vital practicum, where you will gain the tools, ideas, and training to move your vision from an idea to a thriving school. Together, we will equip you to count the cost, lay a solid foundation, and build a school that stands as a light in your community.
Pre-conference | Wednesday, June 18 | 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Practicums are offered in-person only.
This practicum will guide potential founding members through the essential steps of launching a truly Classical Christian School—from establishing board structures and setting up 501(c)(3) status to implementing HR practices. More importantly, it will focus on creating a framework that fosters a truly Classical Christian pedagogy and culture, rooted in wisdom and virtue. And most importantly, you will join with others from around the country who are focused on the same mission and can offer insight, support, and encouragement.
Before embarking on this journey, we are reminded of Jesus’ words: “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” (Luke 14:28). Launching a school is a calling that requires careful planning, prayer, and discernment, as well as a willingness to invest in the hard work of shaping hearts and minds for the glory of God.
Jason Farley
Jason Farley is the Director of Operations for Concordis Education Partners. Concordis helps launch Classical Christian schools by providing business services, pedagogical training, consulting, and curriculum.
Gene Liechty
With over 18 years of experience in the industry, Gene Liechty serves as Development Director at both Concordis Education Partners and Sandhills Classical Christian School. Mr. Liechty received his BA in Marketing/Communications from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. More recently, he attended Greyfriars Ministerial Hall in Moscow, Idaho. Gene served as Director of Advancement at Cary Christian School in Cary, North Carolina (2002-2012) and Director of Development at Logos School in Moscow, Idaho (2013-2018). Mr. Liechty has also planted several churches over the last 20 years. Gene and his wife of 24 years, Kimberly, have four grown children: Grace, Carter, Silas, and Ian.
Matt Metcalf
Matt Metcalf is the Director of Finance for Concordis Education Partners. He holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Accountancy from The University of Mississippi and has a diverse background in public accounting, financial reporting, tax preparation, and non-profit educational administration. After working as a CPA for multiple large global organizations, in 2018 he began working in Christian school administration, first as a CFO, then as Head of School, and most recently as the founding Head of School with a Concordis client school. He is passionate about applying his expertise in finance and accounting to strengthen financial stewardship and operational best practices within the classical Christian education community. Matt and his wife Rachel have four children, and live in Clinton, Mississippi.
How will this practicum be structured?
I. Recognizing more than the need | 9:00-10:00
- What is wrong with traditional education – a brief history
- What are the three waves of classical
- What are the real distinctives of classical education
- Who is your target audience: homeschoolers, public schoolers, other private schoolers?
II. The school’s identity | 10:00-11:00
- Creating the mission
- Philosophy of education – know what you are aiming for
- What’s in a good handbook?
- What culture do you desire?
Break (15 mins)
III. The Business Side of Things | 10:45-12:00
- Filing the 501c3
- Proformas and Budgets
- Setting the school up for fiscal responsibility
- Common Mistakes
- Processes & Software
(12:00 – 1:00 PM Lunch Break)
IV. Mission Fit Board | 1:00-2:00
- The purpose of a board
- Finding the right Head of School
- Models of board governance
- Stewarding the School’s mission
V. Mission Fit Faculty | 2:00-2:30
- Finding Faculty
- The HR process
- Developing Teachers
- Accountability
Break (15 mins)
VI. Mission Funders | 2:45-3:30
- Finding Donors
- Sharing the Vision
- Staying Connected
VII. Support Networks & Questions | 3:30-4:00
- ACCS Membership – The importance of a network of support, resources, and advocacy.
- Concordis Education Partners – A 7-year plan: From startup to community bedrock.
- Classic Learning Test – Using data to help your school improve.
- ClassReach – The best ways to make your school run efficiently on the back end so you can focus on your staff and students.
