Capstone Classical Academy

🙏 As we continue our gratitude series this summer, today we celebrate our Phy Ed teacher and Coach, Mr. Jacob Drury!

"You made every gym class fun and helped me believe in myself. I am really grateful for all the encouragement and energy you bring to every lesson."

"Thank you for being my coach this year. Though I was timid at first, you helped me have the fortitude to get through it. You made track fun and I will definitely be coming back next year to do it."

Thank you, Mr. Drury, for all you do for our students and athletes!

🎓 Please join us in welcoming Mr. William Barron as our newest Upper School Science and Theology teacher!

With nearly two decades of experience at Cair Paravel Latin School in Topeka, Kansas, Mr. Barron brings a remarkable depth of knowledge and a passion for classical Christian education. Over the years, he has taught everything from high school sciences to theology, literature, writing, and history.

Known for his engaging and relational approach to teaching, Mr. Barron loves inspiring students to delight in learning. Whether guiding a science lab, leading a discussion on Scripture, or helping students make connections across subjects, he is committed to cultivating wonder, wisdom, and a lifelong love of learning.

We are grateful for the experience, enthusiasm, and servant-hearted leadership he brings to Capstone, and we look forward to the impact he will have on our students and community. Welcome to Capstone, Mr. Barron!

🙏 The school year may be over, but the gratitude continues.

During Gryphon Gratitude Days, students and families shared notes of appreciation for the faculty and staff who impacted them this year. Each Friday this summer, we'll feature a few of those messages.

Today we celebrate our Upper School Math Department Chair, Mrs. Michelle Bertsch! Here's what one student had to say about her impact:

"Thank you for being an amazing teacher. You have been an amazing role model for this school, and made math fun and more enjoyable to learn. You have been one of my favorite teachers, and I am grateful for you!"

Thank you, Mrs. Bertsch, for all you do!

🧐 Every school forms students in some way - academically, culturally, and spiritually.

Today’s "Compared to What?" reflection comes from a family who experienced another educational environment before coming to Capstone and found something distinctly different in the pursuit of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty.

"It’s been a meaningful change for our family, and we are very grateful."

🎓 We are thrilled to welcome Miss Katherine Sinkovitz as our new Upper School Dean!

Coming to us from Michigan, Miss Sinkovitz brings a deep love for classical Christian education and experience teaching across elementary, middle, and high school classrooms. She has also served as a Dean of Academics and most recently as a Hillsdale College School Leader Fellow, helping cultivate strong classical pedagogy and leadership within the Hillsdale network.

With degrees from Hillsdale College and George Washington University (and a Ph.D. in Classical Education currently underway at Faulkner University) Miss Sinkovitz brings both wisdom and joy to the work of forming young minds.

She has long admired Capstone’s mission from afar, and we could not be more excited to welcome her into this community as we continue pursuing Truth, Goodness, and Beauty together. Join us in welcoming Miss Sinkovitz to the team this summer!

🏆 Capstone Athletics is continuing to grow, and we are looking for passionate coaches who want to make a meaningful impact on student-athletes. We are currently seeking coaches for:

• Volleyball - girls
• Cross Country - girls and boys
• Basketball - girls and boys
• Golf - girls and boys
• Track & Field - girls and boys
• Strength Training - girls and boys
Depending on the sport, opportunities are available at different levels, including elementary, junior high, junior varsity, and varsity programs.

Please reach out to Kelsey Jensen, Athletic Director, at [email protected] or visit www.capstoneclassical.com/campus-life/athletics to complete the coaching questionnaire and express your interest.

🎨 This year's Capstone Colloquium will be a place to wander. To move slowly. To notice what’s been made by hand.

Colloquium attendees will encounter a Jerusalem-style marketplace featuring handcrafted pottery, original artwork, and student-created pieces. Mark your calendars for September 2nd to take part in the experience.

🧐 “Compared to what?”

In logic, comparison is often necessary before we can rightly judge whether something is true, good, or effective. Claims become clearer when they are measured against real alternatives and lived experience.

That’s the heart behind this summer series. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing reflections from families who experienced other educational paths before finding Capstone - and what they discovered along the way.

Today, we begin with one family’s perspective on the difference classical Christian education has made for their child:

"Our son joined Capstone in August 2025 at the start of his Grade 7 year, after previously attending public school, and this first year has been an incredibly positive experience for him and for our family."

"We truly appreciate Capstone’s partnership with families, its genuine care for each student, and the way it helps students become thoughtful, grounded, and engaged members of their community."