Weekly
Chapel
Worship, Scripture, and teaching together as a school, led by our chaplain, Pastor Victor Collins.
Classical Christian Education · Woodland, Michigan
The Good.
The True.
The Beautiful.
Beth Derech is a school built on Christian discipleship. We form the hearts, imaginations, and lives of students in step with the Kingdom of God, teaching the way Jesus taught: through relationship, love, and formation.
ביתBethHouse, a place of belonging
דרךDerechThe way, the path
ViaVia et Veritas et VitaThe Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6)
Our Educational Philosophy
Education as discipleship
Our philosophy follows the ancient pattern Jesus used with his own students. Learning is more than passing along information. It shapes what students love and imagine, engaging their hearts and habits as much as their minds.
Relationship
Teachers walk alongside students, as a master with apprentices.
Love
Learning grows best where students are known and cared for.
Transcendence
Every subject points beyond itself to the One who made it.
Incarnational Faith
Belief that is lived out in community and the world.
Formation
Intellectual, moral, and spiritual growth held together.
Holistic Academics
Along the classical path
Students move through the stages of the classical trivium, with immersive, formative learning that integrates intellectual, moral, and spiritual growth at every step.
I
Grammar School · K–5
Grammar
Building a foundation of knowledge, language, and wonder while young minds love to gather and remember.
Taught by Gabrielle Sheldon
II
Upper School · 6–12
Logic
Learning to reason well, ask good questions, and test ideas against truth.
Taught by Nathan Collins
III
Upper School · 6–12
Rhetoric
Speaking and writing with wisdom and grace, ready to carry the Gospel into the world.
Taught by Nathan Collins
Our Mission
To equip students with the highest quality Christian education for aligning hearts, imaginations, and lives with the Kingdom of God.
Christlikeness
Forming the faith of students by attending to their cognitive, emotional, spiritual, and physical development. Holiness is our priority.
Excellence in Education
Quality above quantity. What matters is not how many students enroll, but who they become.
Relationships & Community
Education flourishes in deeply connected communities. We foster the strong bonds that authentic discipleship needs.
For Homeschool Families
Join us for the parts you can't do alone
Homeschool families can opt into school chapel, music, and gym. Your children learn alongside ours while you stay at the helm.
Homeschool co-op
Music & Art
Our homeschool music class co-op, taught by Jess Spangler. Students learn to make beautiful things to the glory of God.
Fall semester registration opens each summer. Contact us to save a spot.
Physical education
Gym
Games, fitness, and teamwork with Kathy Newcombe, caring for the body as part of whole-person formation.
From the Headmaster
Welcome to Beth Derech
Dear students, parents, and guardians, welcome to a new academic year here at Beth Derech School of Discipleship. It is a joy and a privilege to serve as your headmaster in a community devoted to academic excellence and spiritual growth.
We pray this year forms students who live out a holy, incarnational faith and carry the values of the Kingdom into their communities and the world.
Nathan M. CollinsHeadmaster · In His Service
Our People
The community behind the school
Faculty
- Nathan CollinsHeadmaster · Logic & Rhetoric (6–12)
- Gabrielle SheldonGrammar School (K–5)
- Pastor Victor CollinsSchool Chaplain
- Jess SpanglerMusic & Art
- Kathy NewcombeGym
Board of Governors
- Mike BeachChair
- Leon PatrickVice-Chair
- Darcy BeachTreasurer
- Kathy NewcombeSecretary
- Victor CollinsMember
- Derek GunnMember
Financial Team
- Darcy Beach
- Sue Collins
- Heather Collins
Giving
Help raise disciples who know the Way
Beth Derech is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit school. Your gifts keep tuition within reach for families and support our teachers, chapel, music, and art. Gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Online
Give online
A one-time or monthly gift by card or bank transfer.
Online giving coming soon
By mail
Send a check
Make checks payable to Beth Derech and mail to:
115 N Main St.
Woodland, MI 48897
Other gifts
Talk with us
For gifts of supplies, instruments, or your time, or to plan a larger gift, reach out to the headmaster.
Visit or Reach Out
Come walk the way with us
Questions about enrollment, homeschool electives, or a tour? The headmaster would be glad to hear from you.
“Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life.”JOHN 14:6
Phone(616) 560-6866