Prepare The Way

A generation rooted in Christ, shaped by wisdom, and prepared to love God and reflect His character.

what is classical education?

Three Roads Called The Trivium

Approach

At Prepare The Way, the Grammar Stage (ages 4–11) focuses on building a strong academic foundation as students joyfully memorize core facts across all subjects during their most receptive years for learning.

Base Camp

At Prepare The Way, the Base Camp Stage (ages 8–11), also known as the Dialectic Stage, strengthens grammar and writing skills while encouraging students to think more logically and express ideas clearly.

Summit

At Prepare The Way, the Summit Stage (ages 12–18) represents the Rhetoric Stage, where students learn to think critically, reason deeply, and communicate ideas persuasively across all subjects.

Meet Our Team

Celene Brooks

Director

Stephanie Acreman

Vision Team

Angy Cherington

Vision Team

Charissa Fuhr

Vision Team

Leah Shelton

Vision Team

Quick Links To Our Foundational Documents

Portrait of a Graduate

This portrait describes the graduate we are working toward — not a finished product, but a direction.

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Core Values

Every program decision, every family agreement, and every leadership action at Prepare The Way flows from these seven values.

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Educational Philosophy

This document is the theological and educational foundation underneath everything we do.

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Cultural DNA

Values tell you what a community believes. Cultural DNA tells you what it feels like to be part of one.

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Distinctiveness

Education is formation, community is a teacher, and every family has something essential to contribute.

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Belief Statement

This document serves as guidance to understanding the foundational beliefs of the Prepare The Way Community.

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Prepare The Way builds a community grounded in biblical truth, equipping families through accountability, support, and classical education. We exist to train up the next generation to love God and reflect His character.

Our Biblical World View

Community Overview

We encourage families to take time to review both documents to ensure they align with your family’s beliefs and to get familiar with our program structure.

Common Questions

Community Belief Statement

Still have questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

These are a few questions that we have answered before that could help answer some of yours!

Where and when will you be meeting?

We plan to meet weekly on Tuesdays at a church in the Rogersville, South Springfield, or Ozark area (facility pending). Our 28-week program runs 8:45AM–12:15PM (under 8), until 3PM (ages 8+), and 3:30PM (7th grade+).

What curriculum are you using for Approach and Base Camp?

In Approach, we will use Claritas Cycle 3 for the 2026–2027 school year. Students will participate in weekly memory work, along with hands-on science using the Claritas curriculum. Our science focus will be Chemistry, which intentionally aligns with and reinforces the weekly memory work.

In Base Camp, we will use the Claritas Fundamental Grammar Guide along with the Cycle 3 Grammar Workbooks. Students are grouped by age to ensure appropriate pacing and depth.

3rd–4th grade: Units 1–2, providing a strong introduction to grammar concepts

5th–6th grade: Units 1–3, offering a more in-depth study of grammar

Will you be using IEW?

Yes! Our Base Camp classes are split into two groups, each using an IEW curriculum tailored to their age. Both groups will participate in a Prominent Person event in February 2027.

Do you collect any fees or tuition?

We do not charge tuition. There is a $100 supply fee and a $100 facility fee per student, plus an additional $50 supply fee for Base Camp students.

What other activities do you plan to do as a community?

We host a variety of community events throughout the year, including Family Nights, Mom Nights, field trips, and Merchant Day.

Each upper level also participates in a capstone event:

Base Camp: Prominent Person presentation

Summit A (7th grade): Science Fair

Summit B (8th grade): Mock Trial

What role do we play as parents?

Since we do not charge tuition, we ask for something more valuable—your time. It takes many hands to make our community day run smoothly, and we encourage moms (and dads!) to serve in roles that use their God-given gifts, whether teaching, assisting, caring for younger students, or helping with setup and cleanup.

How are you different from other popular classical communities?

At Prepare The Way, our Approach program integrates memory work, presentations, fine arts, hands-on science, and intentional review time. In Base Camp, students focus on grammar and writing using IEW, building strong communication skills. We use Claritas curriculum across both programs, providing a cohesive and structured foundation. We also prioritize a scholé rhythm, allowing time for restful learning and curiosity. In our Summit program, learning is led by multiple moms, each teaching within their strengths, rather than one teacher leading the full day.