August 8, 2024

Dear Aristoi Classical Families:

As we prepare for the beginning of this academic year, I have a few updates that I want to share.  

First, Aristoi Classical had the main building and the Lawson Building tested for mold. The results showed some minor remediation needs to happen to two classrooms (105B and 105C) and their adjoining restrooms. The results for the Lawson Building have shown extensive remediation will be necessary. As a result, we are moving forward with a revised campus layout. It is unlikely that we will be able to hold classes or offices in the Lawson Building for the foreseeable future.  

We will move forward keeping grades kindergarten through fifth grade on this campus. We will need to be creative with space and combine some homerooms, but this will allow us to continue to offer a classical education to our wonderful community. Additionally, we are looking for facilities to house our logic and rhetoric school students for a semester to give time for remediation and the build back. When we have secured a location, we will immediately communicate that to the community.  

Once a definitive plan is in place and facilities have been secured, the School Board plans to hold a Town Hall meeting for the Aristoi Cypress community. After a date has been selected, we will communicate that to you.

Second, Aristoi Classical has submitted a revised academic calendar for the 2024-2025 academic year. We will now begin school one week later than originally planned. This change in start date has necessitated a few other changes to the academic calendar.  

• Monday, August 19 start date
• Friday, October 11 will be a full day of school
• Tuesday, December 17 - Friday, December 20 will be full days of school
• Tuesday, May 20 - Friday, May 23 will be full days of school 

We have been faced with some challenges that can be disheartening. They can also tempt us to focus more on the negative than the positive. This is natural. However, I want to encourage you all to take this as an opportunity to live out our Aristoi virtues. This period of suffering will certainly help us grow in magnanimity and courage, while also uniting us more strongly in not only our classical mission, but also as a community. Aristoi Cypress is a gift and a blessing. Let us never forget that. We have survived previous challenges, and we will do so again.  

In The Lord of the Rings, Frodo finds himself overwhelmed by the challenges that face him. In a moment of doubt, he says to Gandalf: “I wish it need not have happened in my time.” Gandalf responds, “So do I…and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us ....” With the time that is given us, let us meet these challenges with joy and laughter, grit and perseverance.  

Thank you all for your support of classical education. The pursuit of the True, the Good, and the Beautiful is a worthy endeavor, and we are grateful to partner with you in that journey.

With gratitude,

Brenda Davidson

Interim Superintendent

Mark Pertuso

Headmaster - Aristoi Cypress