SCL's Symposium Supports Classical, Christian Educators at Veritas School

March 20-21, 2026, Veritas staff and board members joined colleagues from across the country at Society for Classical Learning’s West Coast Symposium, Fueling the Mission: From Vision to Strategy. Hosted by George Fox University, this event brought together heads of school, administrators, and board members of classical Christian schools from across the country, unified in our mission and vision for this unique and growing movement for education in America. 

Dr. Joseph Clair, founder of George Fox University’s Honors Program, Associate Provost of the Humanities and Honors Division, and proud Veritas School parent, delivered the opening presentation. Dr. Clair offered a clear and compelling articulation of the classical Christian model through the lens of St. Augustine of Hippo, whom Dr. Clair called the patron saint of classical education. Augustine’s vision of education as the cultivation of "Ordered Loves" offered educators insights into how this movement can cultivate wisdom and virtue in students through exposure to the disciplinary skills of a Liberal Arts education and a curriculum that tells a big story. In alignment with Veritas School's mission to cultivate wisdom, virtue, and godliness, classical education can reorient and reform students towards love and worship of God and service of and ministry to the world.

Mr. Erik Twist, Principal Partner and President of Arcadia Education, presented on aligning mission, culture, and resources through disciplined strategic planning. He emphasized that for the sake of strategic resourcing, school boards and administrators must learn to say "no" to good ideas that dilute organizational focus. He challenged symposium attendees to love their students, parents, and faculty so deeply that their schools become the healthiest of environments where excellence thrives and every constituent flourishes.

In addition to the sessions by Dr. Clair and Mr. Twist, Mr. Ben Domingue of AmPhil offered practical advice and best practices for Development in a session titled "Fueling and Funding Your Mission." Mrs. Jean Kim, founder and Head of School at The Cambridge School, presented on "Strategic Stewardship" and the architecture of long-term planning. Mr. Jeff Yoder of Gordon College spoke on the work of Advancement as a form of spiritual and communal formation through storytelling. The symposium concluded with a case study by Mr. Justice Kerr, Head of School of Petra Academy, who shared insights from leading a capital campaign that funds building projects to support his school’s significant growth since 2020.

Beyond the encouragement and motivation gained by being surrounded by leaders who share a common vision, Veritas School attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose in refining the school’s operations and its service to the Newberg community. Veritas is grateful to the Society of Classical Learning for its hospitality and partnership in the ongoing work of advancing classical, Christ-centered education.