When it comes to education, parents have choices. With public schooling, homeschooling, and private schooling, it’s important to find the right choice for your child to bloom and blossom.  

For Seven Oaks residents Kari and Jimmy Ardis, they found the right curriculum, a Christ-centered environment, as well as connections at Providence Classical Academy. They embrace the school's mission to provide a Christian education rooted in classical principles. 

 

Originally from Bakersfield, Jimmy met his wife Kari in Orange County, California, but returned to Bakersfield in 2017 to be closer to his family, just as they were expecting their youngest daughter, Maggie. They built their home in Belcourt, moving in in 2018. Since then, they’ve witnessed their community flourish with new stores and restaurants, but the journey to finding the right educational environment for their daughters—Jane, 10, and Maggie, 6—was anything but straightforward. 

 

Like many families, their educational path shifted dramatically due to the pandemic. Jane started her education in public schools, attending kindergarten at McAuliffe Elementary. However, when COVID-19 hit, the family transitioned into virtual learning, which posed its own set of challenges. Seeking a better fit, they enrolled Jane at Highgate Elementary School when it opened, and while it was a positive experience, the Ardis family felt a strong calling for a more faith-centered education. 

 

“During the spring of 2022, the Lord placed on our hearts the desire for our kids to have a Christian education,” says Kari. “Jimmy and I had many conversations about whether to homeschool or enroll Jane in a Christian school. We ultimately decided that homeschooling wasn’t the right fit at the time.” 

Their search for the right school led them to Providence Classical Academy, which had just opened its doors a year prior. Although they were initially unfamiliar with classical education, their connection to the school deepened because their nephew was attending kindergarten there. They were able to ask his parents questions about the curriculum and the teachers, leading them to feel confident in their choice. 

 

During an information night, Kari discovered the philosophy behind classical education, which emphasizes training students to appreciate the beauty and goodness of God’s creation. “It lays a solid foundation of theology, good habits, and service to others while exposing students to great works of literature, art, and music,” she shares. 

 

Jane has been at Providence since the third grade, and Maggie started kindergarten last year. Now in the fifth and first grades, both girls are thriving in an environment where they memorize Scripture, poetry, and creeds, read, and have books read to them that are at a higher reading level than their own, and engage in a variety of extracurricular activities. “They learn to narrate back what they have read, sing beautiful songs in choir, and even learn to defend themselves in karate,” Kari points out. “The school teaches them to be polite, respectful, and kind.” 

 

Kari appreciated the school’s emphasis on character development over standardized testing. “I didn’t want my girls to just know the correct answers for tests. I want them to be well-rounded, critical thinkers who love the Lord and want to serve others. That’s why we chose Providence, and we love the community there.” 

 

With a smaller student body, Providence fosters a close-knit atmosphere. “Everyone knows each other’s names,” says Kari. “Mrs. Becky Skaggs, the headmaster, is wonderful. She greets every student by name as they hop out of the car each morning.” The student-teacher ratio is another plus, with classes averaging only 10 students, allowing for personalized attention. 

“Most importantly, we trust them,” Kari emphasizes. “We know what they are teaching and what they believe, and they genuinely love the children they teach. Their values are rooted in Scripture, and they are passionate about a traditional way of learning.” 

 

The Ardis girls have flourished at Providence. “My girls are already smarter than I am!” jokes Kari. They’re reading great books I’ve never read.” Jane has even taken up crocheting, which she loves. 

 

Beyond academics, the school encourages community-building through events such as the annual Barn Dance, which features a pie auction, a cornhole tournament, and chili contest, as well as The PCA Event, which is their annual fundraiser. Recently, they hosted a Christmas recital and a Christmas Cookie and Puzzle night, fostering friendships among families. The Friday enrichment program also allows homeschooled students to participate in activities like choir, art and karate. 

 

As Providence prepares to move to a new building at Sovereign Grace Church at The Ranch at Stockdale, near Stockdale Hwy and Heath Rd in the fall, excitement is palpable among families. Currently located at Disciples Church on Allen and Hageman, the transition marks a significant milestone for the growing school community. 

 

Kari is enthusiastic about her involvement in the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) this year, which has allowed her to connect with other parents and stay engaged in her daughters' education. “It’s exciting to be a part of this community. The teachers are amazing and easily accessible if there’s an issue.  They truly want their students to succeed,” she said. 

 

The school’s philosophy of minimizing homework allows families to spend more time together, focusing on reading and play rather than excessive assignments. “We love our school and want others to know about it too,” Kari expressed. Despite being relatively unknown in the wider community, she believes in the school’s mission and its potential for growth. 

 

Providence Classical Academy has truly become an answer to prayer for the Ardis family, providing their daughters with a rich educational experience rooted in faith and community. As they continue to blossom in this nurturing environment, Kari and Jimmy are excited to see where this journey will lead their family. Training up their daughters in the ways of the Lord is providing a firm foundation for their future.