Upon reading Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte and Anna Karenina by Tolstoy, I knew there was an elevated learning to be had, coupled with and illustrated by writing that fully touched the heart, mind, and soul. I loved books and thus became captivated, as a young girl might, by the classics.  This influence fostered a hope that my children’s private Christian school would adopt the philosophy of a Classical, Christian school.

However, I, a parent and board member, could not convince the school that my quest for a classical education was worthwhile. I felt like a lone voice crying in the wilderness. My dear friend and confidante, Cheryl Lowe, and I often spoke of the importance of the classics and classical education. Cheryl, however, acted on her desires for classical education and subsequently founded the prestigious Highlands Latin School in Louisville and Memoria Press Publishing Company.

For several years after she began Highlands, Cheryl and I would often converse about starting such a school in Lexington. I probably do not have to explain that the very idea seemed absurd, daunting and altogether impossible. I was only sure of one thing; I would not be starting a school.

Cheryl, never one to take no for an answer, continued to encourage me, which eventually fueled my hope of beginning a classical Christian school. I knew full-well how a classical, Christian education would equip children for a life-long love for learning. I became convinced this was a meaningful challenge. The idea of offering a true classical education to students became a siren song calling to me. I considered the feat worthy, no matter the cost. The venture began. Cheryl brought her books from elementary school to show me, all while assuring me I could start a grammar school with only a few students. She told me I could even teach myself Latin, as she had done. As much as Cheryl had fortitude in staying after me, I seemed to have had starry eyes that made me believe I could begin a school. That seemingly impossible dream later became a reality with two students in my home, two hours per week, as I began teaching Latin and Roman history. 

Yes, I felt then and still do that I “run where the brave dare not go.” That impossible dream would require much tending and endurance through many trying times. However, be assured by all that is within me as I tell you this, I would not trade a moment of it for what students at LLS have learned in the ways of the Lord, in wisdom and virtue, and academics.

Today, we have students enrolled Jr. K through 12th grades. Confession is good for the soul, and I must confess that I’ve really had little to do with this dream. I am full of weaknesses and inabilities.  Corinthians tells us “strength is made perfect in weakness.” It would appear God has used my weaknesses to develop a school where children learn wisdom and virtue, which prepares them not only for their college education but nurtures their souls for eternity. Thanks to the prayers of many, many families and friends in the past and even now, we have stayed the course for these 18 years. We give God all the praise as we seek to glorify Him. I seem to simply stand by and watch what He does and how He does it. He has sent amazing administrators, teachers, parents, staff, and students who make our school what it is today."

Lexington Latin School is a liberal arts school solidly anchored to its founding purpose of being a classical, Christian school. My vision for LLS points to an even better future built on its short past. “Climbing Parnassus” is the symbol of that goal for our students. According to Cheryl Lowe: