Pugh - FCS Stories

My journey to Faith Christian School (FCS) has truly been one of God's timing and guidance. Before I came here, I spent five years teaching third grade in public schools, but by the end of my last year there, I felt in my heart that it was time for a change. That's when I came upon the FCS website, and absolutely fell in love. I immediately felt connected to the mission and values of this school. After speaking with Mrs. Brown and Mr. Baur, I knew I had found a place where I could teach with purpose.

I currently teach second grade, and I absolutely love this age group. There’s something magical about watching these young students discover the world. I especially enjoy teaching math because it’s such an exciting time for them—multiplication, division, and even the concept of regrouping in addition and subtraction. It’s so fun to watch their eyes light up when they understand a concept for the first time.

At FCS, we are committed to a classical Christian education model, and I wholeheartedly believe in this approach. We aim to teach what is good, beautiful, and true, and to help students recognize God's presence in everything they learn. Every lesson here is prayed over, and it’s clear that the Holy Spirit is active in all that we do.

As a parent, I am equally blessed to be part of the FCS community. I am so grateful for how deeply my own child, Lina, has benefited from this school. Though she’s only been here for three months, I already see such a beautiful change in her. She is blossoming into a curious, enthusiastic learner who now sees Jesus in everything around her. She loves what God loves and it has been convicting to me to continue to see His glory in everything as well.

Being both a teacher and a parent has been rewarding. Initially, I was nervous about the overlap in my roles, especially in how I would relate to other parents and students, but it has been a beautiful experience. As a teacher, I get to pray with other parents and discuss Jesus openly in a way that I never imagined possible. Seeing both the parents and the children here as image bearers of Christ changes the whole dynamic of the parent/teacher relationship.

I look up to so many people here. I watch them closely walk with Jesus. I try to stay in the Word every day and pray about this assignment the Lord has given me, and he continues to bless it. Seeing my students and my own child as not my own, but Christ’s, changes everything.

One of my favorite memories with my students is teaching them about the true meaning of Christmas and Easter. I also love the opportunity to pray with them and teach Bible lessons. Their questions often challenge me, and I find myself going back to dig deeper into my own faith. They stretch me, and in the process, I grow closer to Christ.

At home, my husband and I are fairly new parents. Our approach to parenting has been greatly impacted by Faith Christian School. We know that children will sin, and when they do, they need a consequence, but they also need to be reminded of their Savior. We do not do this perfectly and are still learning daily. We are trying to plant seeds of truth in our children so that when they have a choice to make, they choose what Jesus would have done. We also recognize that productive struggle is needed for children to grow and succeed. Our goal isn’t just for Lina and Joel to be happy, but for them to grow more into the likeness of Jesus each day.

Looking ahead, I pray for continued growth at FCS. I am excited to see how God will use this school to shape future generations, and I’m grateful to be part of this beautiful community. The work we do here is not in vain; it is eternal. Raising disciples for Christ is one of the most important tasks in the world, and I am so thankful that I get to be part of it, both as a teacher and as a parent.

Together, we are making an eternal difference.

The work we do here is not in vain; it is eternal. Raising disciples for Christ is one of the most important tasks in the world, and I am so thankful that I get to be part of it, both as a teacher and as a parent.

- Maria Pugh, Second Grade Teacher