School of Thought

SotS 2026: Transformation Over Performance in Upper School

Welcome to Whitefield Academy's State of the School, our annual address in which leadership reflects on our current position and shares key updates on our strategic direction. Each day, we will explore one of the many exciting ways Whitefield deepens Christ-centered, transformational learning for each student. In this episode, Upper School English and Bible teacher Bo Bowen chats with 10th-grade student Parker as they reflect on how learning comes to life through group projects like the class favorite based on the novel The Lord of the Flies by William Golding. Through work like this, students learn to think deeply, work with others, and go on to college and life confident in what they have learned and grounded in their faith. Learn more about Whitefield Academy [https://www.whitefieldacademy.com/about-us/], located in Smyrna, GA!

SotS 2026: Finding Joy in Math in Middle School

Welcome to Whitefield Academy's State of the School, our annual address in which leadership reflects on our current position and shares key updates on our strategic direction. In this episode, we hear from the Middle School, where department chair and 5th-grade math teacher Dr. Lyndsey Klempay shares how math is just one way students learn that they don't have to fear doing difficult things. As students slow down and focus on understanding, they begin to see that math can make sense, that they can learn it, and that they can even find joy in it. Learn more about Whitefield Academy [https://www.whitefieldacademy.com/about-us/], located in Smyrna, GA!

SotS 2026: Assessment as Relational in Lower School

Welcome to Whitefield Academy's State of the School, our annual address in which leadership reflects on our current position and shares key updates on our strategic direction. Today, we're exploring one of the many exciting things happening in Lower School — specifically, the Whitefield practice of "Assessment as Relational." What does Assessment as Relational mean? To answer that question and more, let's take it over to Second Grade Teacher and Department Chair Ann Marie Hallett as she sits down with her former student, Reid, as they talk about learning how to (you guessed it) read! Learn more about Whitefield Academy [https://www.whitefieldacademy.com/about-us/], located in Smyrna, GA!

Biblical Throughlines in Christian Education | Living Faithfully and Applying Scripture with Trevor Moore

In Christian education, teaching biblical truth while navigating the realities of a fallen world can create meaningful tension. In this episode, Trevor Moore, Academic Dean at Whitefield Academy, shares how biblical throughlines shape curriculum, student experiences, and leadership decisions, helping educators and parents live out faith faithfully in the "already and not yet." Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or parent, this discussion offers practical insights into integrating Scripture into daily learning while embracing the challenges and opportunities of guiding students in a Christ-centered environment. Learn more about Whitefield Academy: https://www.whitefieldacademy.com 📍 Located in Smyrna, Georgia #ChristianEducation #FaithBasedLearning #BiblicalThroughlines #IndependentSchool #WhitefieldAcademy #EducationLeadership

Admissions and Christian Education | Finding Mission-Fit Families with Sarah Garletts

Navigating admissions in Christian education is full of challenges. In this episode, Sarah Garletts, Director of Admissions at Whitefield Academy, shares her insights on finding mission-fit families while balancing enrollment goals, all within a Christ-centered educational environment. Whether you're a parent, educator, or school leader, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on managing the tensions inherent in school admissions and creating a community aligned with your school's mission. Learn more about Whitefield Academy: https://www.whitefieldacademy.com 📍 Located in Smyrna, Georgia #ChristianEducation #IndependentSchool #WhitefieldAcademy #SchoolAdmissions #FaithBasedSchool #EducationLeadership