In this episode of Capstone First Things, we continue to discuss some of the more sensitive, controversial topics and how we approach them in partnership with you. While we express these things in more detail in the handbook, we know that these important topics can get lost in the volume of information there and want to honor your trust in us by bringing them up here for your review and ongoing conversation.
Today, I want to talk briefly but meaningfully about three areas that often carry deep personal stories and strong emotions: how we teach regarding the sanctity of life, how we approach matters of race, and how parents can express concerns or challenge curricular materials when they do not align with your expectations. Our hope is that you’ll leave this episode feeling informed, encouraged, and invited into continued dialogue with us.
At Capstone, our approach to the sanctity of life begins with something many of you know well—the Capstone Community Covenant. In that covenant, we affirm an official position: that human life begins at conception, and that every human life is a gift to be treasured and stewarded with reverence for God and for His image in each person. Now, how do we teach this to students in a way that is both truthful and compassionate?
In our science classes, students learn the biological and empirical foundations of human development. They study reproduction, the marvel of human growth, and the continuity of life from conception forward. We want them to see the wonder and dignity of the human person through the evidence God has woven into creation.
In our theology and philosophy courses, we discuss why Christians throughout history have embraced the sanctity of life, and why the intentional taking of pre-born human life for comfort or convenience contradicts the goodness of God.
But let me be very clear: we do not conduct in-depth, targeted units on abortion, nor are we trying to sensationalize or politicize this topic in our classrooms. When related issues arise organically—as they sometimes do in upper-school science, history, government, theology, or philosophy—we address them with great discretion and great sensitivity.
We know that among our students and families are individuals touched personally by abortion or who have walked through the pain and pressure of unplanned pregnancies. We hold those stories with deep respect. Our goal is always to speak with truth and compassion, and to protect the dignity of every student in the room.
Turning now to matters of race, this is another topic where we want to lead with humility, clarity, and grace.
Capstone Classical Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity in any of its practices. That commitment is essential to who we are. But more than that, we believe it is part of our Christian calling—to honor the image of God in every person and to treat every member of the human family with dignity.
When race comes up in the curriculum, we do not shy away from truth. The sad and painful reality of human discrimination is thoroughly documented across history. So is the courage of those who have believed in the equal worth of all people and have labored for justice.
Our approach is not to moralize or to shame, and it is not to divide students into categories. Instead, we aim to teach history accurately, to explore it with compassion, and to model the unity that Scripture calls us to. In every class—from literature to history to the arts—our desire is to cultivate in students a posture of humility as they study both the beautiful and the broken parts of our shared human story.
Our hope is that students grow into young men and women who understand injustice without becoming cynical, and who see the image of God in every neighbor without exception.
As we close our three First Things episodes on controversial subjects in the curriculum, I want to speak about something very practical but very important: how you, as parents, can raise concerns about curricular materials.
At Capstone, we want our students to:
- Think clearly and listen carefully.
- To Reason persuasively and articulate precisely.
- To Evaluate all of life in the light of Scripture.
- And to recognize the difference between cultural influences and biblical truth.
To cultivate these abilities, we select books and materials that expose students to the great ideas of Western Civilization—sometimes through the works of faithful Christians, and at other times through the writings of people who disagree with Christianity. We believe students grow in discernment when they encounter a wide range of ideas in an age-appropriate way, guided by wise teachers.
That said, we also know that parents will sometimes have questions or concerns about certain materials. And we welcome that. Truly. The best education happens when parents and teachers are talking with each other, listening to each other, and working together.
Here’s how to approach us if you’d like to challenge or discuss a particular resource:
- If the material is part of the official curriculum, please contact our Assistant Headmaster.
- If the item is something housed or displayed in a classroom, start with the teacher.
- If it’s something from our library, reach out to our librarian.
Each concern is handled on an individual basis, thoughtfully and respectfully. And if you feel that a matter hasn’t been resolved satisfactorily, we encourage you to follow the school’s conflict resolution policy to continue the conversation.
Again, our goal in all of this is partnership. We are on the same team, pursuing the same good for your children. We won’t do it perfectly, and that is why we extend this invitation for you to sharpen us as we seek to improve in fidelity to our promises to you.
As we wrap up this particular series of topics, I want to thank you—truly—for your trust and your partnership.
The topics we’ve discussed touch on some of the deepest and most personal areas of human experience. And we want you to know that we engage these not as distant authorities, but as fellow Christians, fellow parents, and fellow learners who rely every day on the grace of God.
Our promise to you is to continue teaching with conviction and compassion, to hold firmly to the truths we profess, and to walk gently with the families God has brought to Capstone.
Thank you for listening, and until next time, keep on pursuing the Good, the True, and the Beautiful to the glory of God and the blessings of your neighbor.