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About Beth Derech
A house on the Way
Beth Derech means "house of the way." We are a small classical Christian school in Woodland, Michigan, where teachers disciple students the way Jesus taught his own: up close, through relationship and example.
Mission & Vision
Aligning hearts, imaginations, and lives with the Kingdom of God
Our mission is to equip students with the highest quality Christian education for aligning hearts, imaginations, and lives with the Kingdom of God.
Our vision is an education that forms the whole student. Through embodied learning and close community, we want students to live out a holy, incarnational faith that shows the values of the Kingdom in their families, communities, and the world.
The school handbook names five commitments that guide everything we do: Christlikeness, excellence in education, relationships and community, service, and being worthy of imitation.
Our Approach
Why a discipleship education
Four convictions shape the school day, from morning prayer to the last class.
Rigorous Christian education
Spiritual disciplines come first. Prayer, Scripture, and worship are woven into a liturgical rhythm of learning, so that study itself becomes a way of loving God with the mind.
Citizens of God's Kingdom
We prepare students to live as citizens of a greater Kingdom: people of wisdom and character who think clearly, act justly, and carry their faith into every part of life.
Service
Following Christ means serving others. Students learn humility and compassion by meeting real needs, and they practice their faith instead of only studying it.
Helping our community
A Christian school strengthens the town around it. We partner with families and neighbors in Woodland so that students grow up rooted in a place and committed to its good.
Classical Latin School Association
Beth Derech is a member of the Classical Latin School Association (CLSA), a network of schools committed to a Christ-centered education in the classical liberal arts tradition.
Membership connects our teachers with training and resources from schools that share our convictions, and it holds us to a high standard as we grow. It fits our own model of discipleship: relational learning, formation of character, and academic work done to the glory of God.
What We Believe
Statement of faith
Beth Derech confesses the historic Christian faith as summarized in the Apostles' Creed. The school handbook sets out our full statement of faith, including a statement on marriage and sexuality.
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 BeachFinancial Team
- Sue CollinsFinancial Team · Tuition
- Heather CollinsFinancial Team