Thirty-plus years ago, a small group of parents asked a life-changing question – what if there could be a Christian school here in Calaveras County?  They soon banded together, found a location, enlisted a teacher or two, and just started.  As I picture what that might have been like, I wonder if those parents knew that this small little thing they dreamed of would grow into what it is today.  

Today, we are a thriving school serving students TK – 12th grade.  We are a school that offers a rigorous education and deep discipleship.  We are a school of great love for our students and a great mission for training them in mind, body, and soul.  Since that first parent meeting, along the way, we’ve changed locations, we’ve put in a sports court, we’ve added a high school, we’ve expanded our name, and we’ve adopted a classical method of education.  Some changes here and there, yes, but the original core, the original dream of that first group of parents has remained the same – to train students even as we are a beacon of Christ’s love to the community.

And, what a beacon we are blessed to be.  We have students who have graduated from our high school and have gone on to be teachers, artists, theologians and health care providers.  We have students currently who serve our community through diaper drives, packing relief bags for the homeless, and helping at community fundraisers.  We have teachers and parents who serve in their church’s children’s ministry and worship team and love their neighbors by hosting Bible studies or neighborhood potlucks .

However, I don’t know if that original group of parents could have foreseen one of the biggest ways we have become a beacon to the community – through the annual Christmas play.  This is an all-school effort that is paid for exclusively through the raising of funds through the Walkathon.  Every family raises money to help fund the Christmas play so that we can do the play for free.  Free for our school, free for our neighbors, free for every single person in our community.  

Because when you get a captive audience seated in the most beautiful theater in the area, you have the opportunity to spread the love of Jesus Christ.  You have the opportunity to bring hope and peace during a season that often drains people of hope and peace.  The annual Libertas Academy Christmas Play is integral to our desire to serve the residents of Calaveras County and beyond.

So, those original parents who dreamed up this school and started our story?  This year’s Christmas Play is a homage to them and their vision.  The story of Libertas Academy, yes, is one of excellence in education and dedication to training students in mind, body, and soul.  But it is mostly a story of love.  Christ’s love through a group of parents with a dream.  Christ’s love among our staff and our families.  Christ’s love from the Board to the students.  Christ’s love poured out through the production of the Christmas play.  Libertas Academy is the story of all of us walking and reflecting Christ’s love.  

Holly Kalton
Head of School, Libertas Academy