What are students being trained to love—and to what end?
When we addressed that question (and the merits of a classical Christian education) in a previous blog post, we concluded that Wilson Hill students are trained to love what is beautiful, good and true—absolutes rooted in the triune God of Scripture.
Above all, we want to raise up men and women who live fruitful lives in the service of the Kingdom of Christ. The unique blessing of a classical Christian education is in its ability to transform students in the present and impact generations to come, instilling habits and forming disciplines that will last a lifetime.
We recently reached out to several Wilson Hill graduates to see the immediate effects of their Wilson Hill education and hear how they have navigated the transition from high school to college and careers.
How did your education at Wilson Hill prepare you for your life beyond high school?
“After leaving WHA, I felt ready to tackle college life, having received so much wonderful instruction from my teachers,” said Isabel, class of 2021. She attended New Saint Andrews College, and now, she and her husband are expecting their first child.
Isabel explained that her experience at Wilson Hill improved her writing, public speaking and ability to connect well with other students, preparing her for a smooth transition into college.
“WHA helped me become adept at interpersonal communication which helped me grow connections with other students, professors and people in the workplace much more easily,” added Evan, class of 2019.
Multiple graduates emphasized college readiness, including one class of 2019 student who commended her Wilson Hill education for “over-preparing” her, making college assignments feel like a breeze.
“To this day I still feel like I learned the most from high school rather than from both colleges I have attended,” said Sarah.
“The rigor of WHA completely prepared me for my pre-med program,” said Benaiah, class of 2023 and a current freshman at Bob Jones University. “The high expectations leveled upon me in high school allowed me to prepare for the high expectations that are being leveled upon me in college. The pre-med program at my school is extremely rigorous. 99% of students get into medical school. If I hadn’t needed to learn how to study well in order to pass my classes at WHA, I would not be the 4.0 student I am today.”
I honestly cannot emphasize how life-changing WHA was for me. I don’t know who I would be without it.
—Kieran, Wilson Hill Class of 2023
How did your Wilson Hill experiences specifically equip you for your career?
“Wilson Hill prepared me to research well, discuss well and ask questions well,” said Sarah. “Being able to research on your own is a major part of college and post-college careers, and being taught to find information for yourself and having an ad fontes approach to learning really helped.”
This spring, Sarah is graduating with a degree in natural science with minors in social studies, Bible, geology and environmental science from Cedarville University.
“I was blessed to do some paleontology work as a senior capstone project and was able to present that research and win an award for it at a national geologist conference,” she said. “I now hope to pursue a master’s degree in museum sciences and continue my love for history and paleontology.”
What do you love most about what you have pursued since high school graduation?
“I love working in a field that provides meaningful changes to people’s lives and helps them survive and manage their condition after dealing with a myocardial infarction,” said Evan, who attended Oklahoma Christian University and currently works as a biomedical researcher.
Also studying to work in the medical field, Benaiah said he loves getting to “experience and observe and learn about the glory of God that can be seen and observed in nature and in the human body.”
Wilson Hill alumni enjoy volunteering at LINK 2024 Field Day.
What are you most thankful for about your Wilson Hill education?
From gifted teachers who influenced their current fields of study to lifelong friendships, the graduates we spoke to emphasized the ongoing impact their time at Wilson Hill has on their present season of life.
“The teachers were formative for me,” said Benaiah. “I could name teacher after teacher who I’ve come to love and who has poured themselves into my education.”
“I am so thankful for the connections and friendships I was able to make through WHA and the opportunities the school provided for us,” added Sarah. “Our professors were humble and kind enough to treat us as academic peers. It really goes a long way when those you respect treat you with respect in return. It increases your own humility and provides the confidence to pursue things you initially may have thought you weren’t old enough or qualified enough to do.”
“WHA showed me the value of a Christian community,” said Kieran, class of 2023. “When I transitioned from this [environment] to a secular community college, it was a shock to the system. I had never been in a place where I was not surrounded by Christians all the time, but now I’m in a school where I only know a handful of Christians. Because WHA emphasizes teaching students how to think and because they provide deep-rooted theology and spiritual care, I was able to better navigate this new community with confidence in my relationship with Jesus. I honestly cannot emphasize how life-changing WHA was for me. I don’t know who I would be without it.”
Look for part two of this series soon, where you can read more stories and reflections from Wilson Hill graduates on how their classical Christian education has shaped their present and prepared them to confidently approach their future endeavors.
If you’re interested in giving your own children a Wilson Hill education, registration for the 2024-25 school year is open, and spots are filling quickly. Register today to save their spot.