CHS Blog

Recently, I had the great joy of stepping back and watching as fourth and fifth-grade students respectfully shared their opinions, presented their research, and confidently addressed a packed room of peers and adults. It was the final session of Debate Club, and I couldn’t have been more proud of how much these courageous kids had grown over the past several weeks.

At Christian Heritage School, we believe that true education reaches beyond the classroom. Our goal is to nurture the whole child: academically, socially, spiritually, and emotionally. One of the most meaningful ways we do this is by giving students opportunities to learn in new environments, explore their interests, and grow through hands-on experiences. This begins with the “specials” woven into each school day and continues through a rich offering of extracurricular activities designed especially for our lower-school students.

Research has long shown that learning outside the classroom strengthens children’s social skills, emotional well-being, confidence, and creativity. This philosophy shapes our extracurricular programs. Students can choose from a growing menu of opportunities that allow them to explore new hobbies, strengthen existing passions, and develop character in a supportive, Christ-centered community. Taekwondo encourages discipline, respect, and focus. Strategic Games Club for grades K–2 fosters critical thinking and patience through games that challenge the mind. Our Science Club for grades 3–5 gives young explorers a chance to experiment, question, and discover the wonder of creation, and the Bee-Bots Coding Club introduces K–2 students to sequencing and problem-solving through playful robotics.

This year, we’re excited to introduce even more programs. Math Olympiad invites fourth and fifth-grade students into a nationally recognized problem-solving community where they can stretch their reasoning skills and learn to approach challenges with perseverance. The Spelling Bee offers students the chance to expand their vocabulary, strengthen their memory, and build confidence speaking in front of others. Our new Debate Club for 4th- and 5th-grade students teaches students how to listen carefully, articulate their ideas thoughtfully, and engage in respectful dialogue. And coming soon, our Baking and Books Club for K–1st graders will blend creativity in the kitchen with the joy of stories — nurturing both imagination and emerging literacy.

Whether students are building robots, solving math puzzles, stepping onto a debate stage, or discovering the beauty of music and art, we want to create a space for every student to steward their God-given gifts or challenge themselves by trying something new, growing in confidence and character in ways that will stay with them for life.
 

Beth Maree is our Lower School Principal.  She received a Bachelors of Education at the University of Pretoria in South Africa and majored in English, History and Special Education. Beth began her career teaching 4th Grade and then discovered her love for teenagers when she transitioned to a High School English teacher. She is also experienced in school leadership, leading an English Department, overseeing Student Academic Services, and finally serving on the Senior Leadership Team of a busy, all-girls school in South Africa. Beth is now our Lower School Principal at Christian Heritage School and loves every minute of it!