The Heart of TCS: From One Generation to the Next

Walking through the doors of The Christ School again after many years, alumni Aubrie (Blackton) Smith felt an overwhelming sense of familiarity. Though it had been a long time and the school had changed and grown, it still felt like home.

For Aubrie, that feeling of home, rooted in shared faith and a strong sense of community, is what has always made TCS special. Now, she’s experiencing it all over again through the eyes of her son, Barrett, who began his first year in Transitional Kindergarten this fall.

Aubrie’s TCS experience was filled with meaningful friendships, opportunities to grow in confidence, and faith-filled learning that left a lasting impact. From cheerleading and learning new skills in Mr. McGee’s computer class to singing Dive by Steven Curtis Chapman in chapel, her memories are woven with moments that strengthened both her faith and her confidence. The Christ School built a foundation of faith that remains central in her life today and helped her develop confidence, especially through experiences like public speaking, that she still carries with her.

That same foundation of faith and friendship continues to guide her as a parent. Now with two sons, Aubrie hopes her boys will experience the same kind of lifelong friendships and community connections that she treasures. Many of the friendships she formed during her years at The Christ School have lasted to this day, and even her parents remain connected to families they met when she attended. To her, those lasting bonds speak volumes about the sense of community that defines TCS.

When it came time to choose a school for Barrett, the decision was an easy one. The Christ School was always her first choice. She describes the school as faith-based, close-knit, and truly unique, a place that continues to reflect the same values and sense of belonging she remembers from her childhood.

Seeing Barrett begin his own journey at TCS has given Aubrie a new perspective and a renewed appreciation for the school that helped shape her. What was once her foundation is now becoming his. It is a beautiful reminder that the heart of The Christ School remains strong, steady, and full of joy from one generation to the next.