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Community members from across the region gathered March 26 to learn about the vision for Christian Crossroads Academy, a classical Christian school planned to serve families in Stanley and nearby communities, including New Town, Tioga, Watford City, and Berthold.
The evening was hosted by Kelly Patten, the academy’s founding director, who leads advancement and development efforts. He guided attendees through a program that included personal stories, an overview of classical Christian education, and next steps for the school.
Throughout the evening, one idea came up often: education works best when families and schools work together.
“This is a place where parents are welcomed,” Patten said. “Parents should have an active role in their children’s education.”
A Vision Centered on Community and Connection
Speakers described the school as more than a place for learning. They said it is meant to be part of the community. Several noted that the COVID-19 years raised concerns about education, especially the loss of connection between students and teachers.
One story shared described a simple moment during COVID isolation, a smile through a window, that left a lasting impression. It served as a reminder that relationships matter in both school and daily life.
Speakers said they want to reconnect what they called the “head and the heart,” shaping both how students think and who they become.
Raeni Murray of Johnson’s Corner Academy, near Watford City, shared her experience with classical Christian education.
“At the end of the day, education is not just about what a student knows,” Murray said. “It’s about who they become.”
She said strong schools help build faith, character, and purpose, shaping students for life beyond the classroom.
National Movement 
with Local Roots
Additional perspective came from Concordis Education Partners, a group that helps start and support classical Christian schools.
Heather Lloyd, founder and director of Concordis Partners, said the organization works closely with schools as they grow. She noted that Concordis is also working with Turning Point USA to expand classical Christian education across the country.
“Our mission is to walk side by side with classical Christian schools,” Lloyd said.
She said the goal is to help schools stay strong and focused on their mission while developing the whole child, mind, body and spirit.
Gene Leichty, a development consultant at Concordis with family ties to Jamestown, North Dakota, said this type of education is growing nationwide, with hundreds of schools already in place.
“We’re not just preparing students academically,” he said. “We’re preparing them to engage the world with wisdom, clarity, and conviction.”
What is Classical Christian Education
Speakers explained that classical Christian education follows a time-tested model.
Students move through three stages as they grow: grammar, logic, and rhetoric. Younger students build knowledge, older students learn to think deeply, and high school students learn to express ideas clearly.
Subjects are taught together rather than separately, helping students see how ideas connect. The goal is to build understanding, not just memorize facts.
Jim Langager, a classically trained teacher from northwestern North Dakota, was introduced as someone who brings practical classroom experience to the model.
Community-Supported Model
Organizers are explained how the school will be funded. Christian Crossroads Academy is set up as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Support will come from several sources, including corporate sponsorships, student sponsorships, and North Dakota tax credit programs.
A new federal program beginning in 2027 will allow individuals to receive up to a $1,700 tax credit when donating to approved scholarship organizations. These funds can help families cover tuition and other education costs.
Organizers said the goal is to make the school accessible to families who want it.
“We don’t want finances to be a barrier,” one speaker said.
Invitation to Participate
As the evening ended, attendees were encouraged to take an active role in supporting the school and helping it grow.
Families, teachers, and community members were invited to get involved through enrollment, volunteering, financial support, or sharing information. Organizers said the school will grow through community support.
For many who attended, the evening offered a clear look at a different approach to education and what it could mean for the next generation.
“It’s about more than a school,” one speaker said. “It’s about forming young people who are ready for life, with wisdom, character and purpose.”
Opening a classical Christian academy was a vision of Fred and Joyce Evans. They were inspired after visiting with Dr. Mark Pierson, President of Liberty Resource. He was enthusiastic about the transformation of their children once they changed to a classical Christian school. Burl and Theresa Evans, as well as Gordon and Danita (Evans) Bye, have worked together to bring that vision forward as the Founding Board.
From the beginning, the Founders envisioned the Academy as community-based. Thus, they established a local board to support that goal. The community board includes Doug Kinnoin, Jackie Nelson, Megan Fritel, and Ty Mitchell, who serves as president. Danita Bye also serves on the community board, helping connect the founding vision to local leadership.