Let's Talk TCA Podcast

Unfortunately, we live in a world where bad things are often in the news — things ranging from natural disasters to wars to local tragic events. Such things can be emotionally difficult to process even for adults, and they can cause fear and sadness in kids. As parents, how can we shepherd our children when they hear news that might be scary to them? In this episode, Lower School Counselor Emily Eyre, Middle School Counselor Shawn Ledebur and Upper School Counselor Linda McDonough discuss how to talk with kids of different ages when they are concerned about events in the world around them. They share tips on how much information to share with kids, what questions to ask, how your approach can change as your children grow older and how to manage your own emotions as a parent when faced with such news. This pre-recorded episode is not in response to any particular event, but it is designed to be a resource parents can turn to whenever any such events happen.

Trinity Christian Academy's mission includes offering "a demanding, college preparatory curriculum." In this episode, Chief Academic Officer Dr. Fran Legband and our three school-level academic specialists — Stephanie Burgoon, Sherry Russ and Natalie Floyd — talk about what makes TCA stand out academically and how they work to continually improve the curriculum and instruction at the school. They discuss the new academic schedule and the new and innovative classes being offered. They also talk about how TCA ensures that the amount of homework is appropriate to the grade level of each student, and how those homework assignments are designed to be effective, worthwhile and foster a love of learning in students. In everything, TCA teaches with a biblical worldview; students don't merely acquire head knowledge, but are equipped to "grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and to become a faithful disciple of Him."

Chief Innovation Officer Lisa Wong rejoins the podcast to talk about TCA's first-ever Discover Week, which will take place February 23-27, 2026. Some Middle School and Upper School students will be taking part in Discover Week travel experiences, which they already registered for last spring. Most MS and US students will get to take special Discover Week classes that cover a wide variety of interests. Fifth-graders will have their own fifth-grade Discover Week experience, while students in grades 6-8 will choose from one of five themes for the week: Fitness and Health, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Creation and Craftsmanship, Performing and Literary Arts, or Food and Culture. Upper School students will have 36 Discover Week classes to choose from, where they can learn new subjects, life skills or hobbies. Most of these are half-day classes, so US students will get to take two classes that week. Juniors and seniors have the option to sign up for a Discover Week internship in fields of their choice; they will be paired with local businesses to gain hands-on experience and insights while being mentored by TCA parents or alumni. TCA parents can download a full list of classes on the Discover Week resource board. Students will sign up for classes themselves during school the week of October 13-17, 2025. If you have any questions, you can email [email protected].

A group of eighth-grade girls, led by MS Science Teacher CeCe Scott '00, met throughout the school year to read and discuss the book 10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know by author Kari Kampakis. On this episode of the podcast, some of those TCA eighth-graders interview Kari and ask her questions about the book and about life. Kari shares some great advice that can be helpful not only for girls, but for parents who are raising daughters. You can learn more about Kari and her books, including 10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know, her new devotional Yours, Not Hers and the upcoming Is Your Daughter Ready? 10 Ways to Empower Your Girl for an Age of New Challenges, at KariKampakis.com.

In this episode, Upper School Bible Teacher and Community Time Coordinator Jeremy Gregory talks about Upper School Bible classes, Chapel, apologetics and spiritual formation. As part of the new academic schedule for the 2025-26 school year, TCA is adding stand-alone Bible classes for freshmen and sophomores to go along with the existing Bible classes in other grade levels. Mr. Gregory explains how the new class sequence will teach students the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, over the course of three years. For senior year, students will be prepared to engage with others in college and the future by learning about different worldviews and apologetics. Mr. Gregory also talks about Upper School Chapel and the changes that already been implemented during community time this school year. Finally, Mr. Gregory and host Cynthia Yanof discuss how parents can respond when kids ask hard questions about theology, faith or life in general.