by Ron Hoch
As the Head of School of a PreK-12th grade school, I really love my job. However, one responsibility that stands out for the joy it brings is teaching a class called Leadership for Life to all of our ninth graders. We meet one period a week, and our time consists of book discussions, case studies, interviews with leaders in our community, and a student-organized service project. It’s an important part of the Common Arts program at Redeemer, and I consider it a blessing to be a part of it.
Recently, as we were finishing up reading Heroic Leadership by Chris Lowney, we came across this gem in class: “[Leaders must] stop behaving as if they’re leading followers and start acting as if they’re leading leaders by doing what helps others lead” (p.285). Admittedly, at first glance, this seems like the typical platitude that fills books on leadership. But it struck me as profound this time around because it’s something that we’ve been talking about within the Society for Classical Learning quite a bit lately.
The SCL Thriving School study estimates that in 2010 there were 140 classical Christian schools, enrolling roughly 32,000 students in the United States. A market analysis released by Arcadia Education in February of 2024 found that for the 2023-24 school year, there were 1,332 classical Christian schools serving 291,085 students. That’s an 851% increase in just the number of schools. By 2035, they estimate that the number of classical Christian schools will rise to 2,044 with combined enrollment exceeding 550,000 students. In other words, the classical Christian school movement has experienced significant growth in the past 14 years and we can expect that growth to continue into the next 10 years (at least).
Such growth is an incredible blessing for our children and our nation. Truly. We ought to give thanks to God for his goodness and mercy in bringing this to pass. At the same time, this growth comes with substantial challenges that we must face head-on lest we squander God’s gift. One of the most significant of these centers around staffing and leadership. It’s already hard enough to find qualified teachers; how are we going to find the teachers needed to serve an additional 259,000 students over the next ten years? Similarly, we already have a shortage of school administrators (especially principals and heads of school); from where will the leadership required for more than 700 additional schools arise?
These questions have been at the forefront of conversations within SCL for several years now. This is where Lowney’s quote comes into play. The answer to both of these questions is, I believe, largely found within our schools today: future teachers and school leaders for the growing CCE movement can be found among our current students, faculty, and staff. But in order for this to happen, we need to shift our mindset. Students need not be merely the people we serve, and teachers shouldn’t merely be the people with whom we work. We need to see them for what they are: the future leaders of our movement. Those of us who’ve been entrusted with school leadership today must start viewing our students and staff as leaders, and invest in them in such a way that they’re prepared to do just that when the time comes. “[Leaders must] stop behaving as if they’re leading followers and start acting as if they’re leading leaders by doing what helps others lead.”
This isn’t to say that we shouldn’t seek those who are currently outside of our schools; nor is it intended to imply that there aren’t other avenues for developing future talent that we ought to pursue. But it is to say that we have a responsibility to see the potential in our current faculty and student body and to provide them with opportunities to grow into their callings. Let’s lean into this and seek ways to plan for the future of CCE by leveraging the power of the SCL network to think, learn, and grow leaders together.
Ron Hoch
Mr. Hoch is an SCL Fellow and Head of School at Redeemer Classical School in Keezletown, Virginia. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible with a concentration in Education from Cairn University. He then went on to earn a Master’s in religion from Reformed Theological Seminary as well as a Master’s in school leadership from The University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining Redeemer, he served at Delaware County Christian School for 11 years as a teacher, coach, and administrator. He and his wife, Julianna, have four children. Mr. Hoch is extremely grateful that the Lord has led him to Redeemer Classical School.
Society for Classical Learning
At Society for Classical Learning, we believe that cultivating sound judgment and leadership rooted in virtue is essential for shaping the next generation of classical educators and leaders. Our community is dedicated to fostering these principles through collaborative learning, professional development, and shared wisdom. If you’re passionate about shaping thoughtful, principled leaders, consider becoming a member of Society for Classical Learning today. Join us in building a future guided by wisdom and integrity.
