OUR FOUNDING BOARD

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Jonathan Grose serves as Board President, bringing both management skills and a deep commitment to Christ-centered education. A graduate of Mount Mercy University, Jonathan works as a software engineer by day, but his most formative leadership experience comes from years spent investing in children and families. He is a father of four, a former foster parent, a longtime AWANA leader, and a dedicated homeschool dad.

Jonathan’s vision for the school is rooted in caring for each child’s developmental growth and nurturing their experience of the love of Christ. He is passionate about blending educational philosophies—drawing from both Charlotte Mason and Classical traditions—to create a holistic approach that engages the heart and mind. He believes in an educational environment where children flourish and where strong connections with entire families are at the center of school life.

Jonathan is grateful to support a community that reflects these values and provides a place where his own children, and many others, can thrive.

Karlin Stutzman has served the board by casting the vision for a different way of doing Christian education. He is passionate about young people growing deep in old truths, and growing up into their calling as members of Christ’s body.

Growing up on an Iowa farm and in a private Christian school gave him a deep love for learning and God’s creation, and an appreciation of the value of Christian education. He began reading about classical education while in college, and was drawn to the disciplined approach, deep historical roots, and emphasis on character. This resonates with his own drive to understand his faith better.

Karlin spent a year after high school studying theology at a small Bible college, before obtaining a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Iowa. He has worked as a Mechanical Engineer for the last 10 years, and enjoys helping his wife Megan homeschool their two children as much as possible, and teaching Latin at a weekly homeschool co-op. For the last two years, he has been taking courses toward a Master of Studies degree in Classical Christian Education from New St. Andrews College.

Ben Grose worked as a teacher for seven years in the Cedar Rapids public school district before his ordination as a full time pastor at New Life Community Church. He attained a Bachelor’s of Education and Master’s in Special Education degree from Mt. Mercy University. He has a deep passion for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training the youth of his community in righteousness through Christian education and theological study.

Ben and his wife Amy have three beautiful daughters, and a son due to be born in April. Their household has been lovingly described as equal parts Ft. Knox and Barbie Dreamhouse.