(Fargo, ND) -- Paul Fisher, Capstone Classical Academy's Headmaster, joined WDAY Radio to give an update on their first school year and some of the challenges a first-year school experiences.
Fisher says the academy educates students to think with "virtue and wisdom", along with "human flourishing". The headmaster likened the education to "shaping minds and souls", rather than a traditional learning experience.
"At Capstone, our mission to cultivate wisdom and virtue in a joyful pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty, particularly as exemplified in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, animates, inspires, and empowers us every day. We see ourselves as stewards of a great and sacred trust given solemnly to us by parents like you, whose deep hope is that their children may live abundant lives to the glory of God, " Fisher wrote in a statement on the academy's website.
Speaking on problems other school districts are facing across the region, Fisher says they are largely successful in facing them. Specifically with finding educators, the Headmaster says their academy seems to "bring a second wind" to previously burnt out or frustrated teachers. He says they often fill the positions quickly. Fisher says they are all experienced in some way.
"I think this year our least experienced teacher had maybe seven years. I had one who was a seasoned home-school teacher; its her first traditional classroom experience, but not a rookie. We've been blessed to have a veteran staff, which makes it so that we may be a new school but we're not a new school," said Fisher.
Moving forward, the academy is looking to open a new location soon. They are looking to break ground in the spring on 18 acres of land near 64th Ave S and 43rd St S in Fargo, once the snow melts away and the ground is sufficiently dry. They will also continue to expand their class and grade sizes. Currently, they educate students pre-k - 6th grade, and will be going up a grade each year until graduation.
"They'll be 7th graders next year and we'll graduate those rascals in 2029, " said Fisher.