TCA Moments Blog

This TCA Moment was written by Mrs. LuAnne Crane, 1-6 Grade Music Teacher at The Classical Academy East Elementary:

One of my greatest delights as a TCA Elementary Music teacher is that sweet interruption at my door that happens on some Friday afternoons. I look up and smile seeing another group of prospective Kindergarten parents here on a tour. As I welcome them in I’m transported back to the decision we made 22 years ago to enroll our own children at TCA. I see the earnestness in these parents’ eyes. I sense their anxiety as they’re hit with the realization of releasing their youngster out of the safety of their home. And I can relate. 

I begin to share with the tour group a bit about TCA's philosophy and our music curriculum, but I quickly dive into the deeper purpose: Assisting parents in their mission to develop exemplary citizens. It’s not just a cliché, it’s a calling. I tell them I’ve personally seen it play out in our family for over two decades with our own TCA alumni.

My sons are now 35, 32, and 28. They serve their communities in engineering, art and medicine. Yes, the rigorous academic expectations of TCA certainly gave them a strong education. But as a parent, what I love most is that TCA's foundational virtues continue to mold them as adults today: Engaging in respectful conversations. Searching for truth. Identifying beauty. Problem solving. Respect for differing opinions. Lifelong learning. Perseverance. The freedom to fail (though we didn’t love that one when our son took three attempts at the MCAT). And the list goes on.

Our sons had teachers who challenged—and sometimes frustrated—them with high standards. But we were always partners. We were on the same page. We were all striving for the success of my children. I knew when I sent my sons out the door every morning, we were pulling in the same direction; I wouldn’t have to undo seven hours of teaching at our dinner table that night.

It delights me to look at these young families now and know what’s in store for them. As a teacher, I get to set a rich buffet of truth, beauty, and goodness before young hearts and minds every day in my classroom. Can I be assured that every first grade boy or sixth grade girl will choose to eat from this table? Perhaps not—our students are whole persons with individual choices to make. But I can put my head on my pillow at night knowing I’ve done my best to expose the next generation to the values and character needed to be successful citizens in our great nation. I’ve seen it play out.

“Mom & Dad,” I tell them as they leave, “You’ve chosen well.”