Calvary students create things with their hands as part of a Charlotte Mason curriculum focused on simplicity and atmosphere.
A Focus on Things That Matter
By Cheryl Ward
Head of School/Executive Director
Calvary Schools of Holland
Recently, I was given a tour of a large local church. As my guide took me through bustling rooms where activity was evident in every corner, a little smile crossed his lips as we approached a nondescript door that no one would ever notice if it weren’t pointed out to them.
“This is my favorite room,” he said. “This is a specially designed room for those in need.” I was intrigued and wondered what he could possibly mean. A large group of people passed us talking loudly, but as we stepped over the threshold and the door closed, almost like magic, all of the noise stopped.
I looked around at a large, crisp, white room with seating for 50 or fewer people. There were no decorations; no color anywhere – and most notably – absolute stillness. I was astounded and opened the door, stepping back and forth several times. “What is this place?”
“It’s the quiet room,” he said. “It’s sound-proofed and has minimal stimuli. We designed it for those with special needs. Those who need a quiet space to worship. It even has its own outdoor entrance.”
I was touched.
Quiet spaces.
I heard recently that one of the biggest problems with modern life is not necessarily the things we are engaging with or thinking about, but the endless cacophony of white noise that distracts us and keeps us from thinking at all. Cell phones, social media, TikTok, streaming services – it’s all white noise. We can’t pay attention anymore.
How can we listen to God when we are training ourselves not to listen at all?
Calvary Schools is like that clear, still room. In a world of overwhelming entertainment and noise – our school is a space that is “other” – a place of peace and calm, with room for the Holy Spirit to work. We don’t use personal devices, movies, or social media in school. We don’t do things just for entertainment. It’s not because these things are bad (though they can be used for bad purposes); it’s that they often distract us from what is most important.
They distract from things that matter: human connection through making eye contact, pondering a living idea in a text, noting the exact shade of blue in the sky, working through a relational issue with trusted friends. We need silent spaces to reflect on our relationship with the Lord, to wonder how we might grow, and to listen to God’s answers. These too are acts of worship.
Charlotte Mason wrote a lot about simplicity and an atmosphere that is intentional and conducive to growth. We have a strong focus on reflecting on ideas, being outdoors, creating things with our hands, and many quiet spaces that allow our minds to work while at school.
Calvary Schools – a favorite place. A quiet space that is specially designed for relationship and worship.
Click to hear one family share how their children’s character has been shaped at Calvary Schools.
Cheryl Ward is the Head of School & Executive Director at Calvary Schools of Holland. She has served the Calvary community since 2015, stepping into her current role in 2021. Cheryl’s passion is transforming educational settings through the underlying philosophy, relationships, structures, and processes that support them. She has a bachelor’s degree in education and a second degree in Biblical studies, as well as a master’s of education degree. She has been an advocate for Charlotte Mason education, and an Ambleside affiliate, since 2009.