Changed Lives
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Isabella Gomes says that she was shy and quiet, but that all changed one day in seventh grade, when her choir teacher, Mr. Fraiser, made her sing in front of the entire middle school in the food court. “It was terrifying, but I came out of my shell,” Gomes recalls. “Mr. Fraiser could see that I just needed that push.”
Isabella is in the Class of 2021 and has grown up in the school, beginning King’s Way PreK class in 2005. Since then, she’s been in middle school drama, played the flute in band, been a rep in the ABS, played high school soccer until a knee injury forced her out, and was a cheerleader her sophomore year. Currently, Isabella is in choir, National Honor Society, and Chapel Leadership. When not at school or church, Isabella can be found as a model for local clothing boutique Willows, and volunteers her vocal and piano talents to local venues and charities, including “100 Women Who Care.”
What’s in the future for Isabella? She’s narrowing down her options and knows that she wants to go into design, marketing, or work in worship music in some capacity. She’s praying and asking the Lord the right road to take for her next steps, and feels like King’s Way is a safe place for her to explore those options and take a few small steps at a time until the Lord open doors. Isabella hopes to pursue the passions and talents that God has given her and is content that until then, she can continue to learn more about person that God created her to be.
Isabella’s ultimate dream? “Hillsong in Sydney, Australia. That’s the dream.”
Class of 2021
Class of 2020
You could describe senior Mason Bertrand as a self-starter, but that would be an understatement.
Mason has been at King’s Way since he was in preschool and he’ll be in the first “virtual” graduating class, thanks to world events. Around the same time that he began King’s Way, Mason began taking karate. He is a two-time black belt, having earned the kids version and the adult blackbelt over the years. Mason’s parents own East West Martial Arts and Mason has worked for them for four years.
Seeing a need on campus, Mason created a coffee shop/cafe called “The Klatch” that served students and teachers with their daily dose of caffeine, all while giving Mason some experience running a business. School comes first, however, and he had to close the cafe for a couple of weeks to take a break and catch up with the stressors of senior year.
Mason has taken classes beginning in Middle School at King’s Way that made an impression on him, enough so that he started a side business of photography and videography. He also took Graphic Design 1 & 2 in High School, which he uses in the final edits of his work. He’s been published in Vancouver Magazine, and continues to look at the world through his camera lens.
Looking back, Mason’s favorite teachers were the ones who who were considered the hardest, the ones who had a reputation of being “strict.” He was nervous to be in their classes, but soon realized that they were just expecting more from him – and he was proud to see what he could accomplish. “I’ll never forget how I learned the lesson to do it right the first time. It’s now engrained in me.” Chemistry with a side of discipline and integrity? Mason is an example of King’s Way living out their mission to partner with families to provide a Christ-centered education for the whole child, leading to life change in each student.
How did King’s Way help Mason prepare for the future? “It helped to grow my personal faith. Going here kept me on track and pushed me to be a better ‘me.'”
In the fall of 2020, Mason will attend George Fox and major in Business & Marketing.
You could describe senior Mason Bertrand as a self-starter, but that would be an understatement.
Mason has been at King’s Way since he was in preschool and he’ll be in the first “virtual” graduating class, thanks to world events. Around the same time that he began King’s Way, Mason began taking karate. He is a two-time black belt, having earned the kids version and the adult blackbelt over the years. Mason’s parents own East West Martial Arts and Mason has worked for them for four years.
Seeing a need on campus, Mason created a coffee shop/cafe called “The Klatch” that served students and teachers with their daily dose of caffeine, all while giving Mason some experience running a business. School comes first, however, and he had to close the cafe for a couple of weeks to take a break and catch up with the stressors of senior year.
Mason has taken classes beginning in Middle School at King’s Way that made an impression on him, enough so that he started a side business of photography and videography. He also took Graphic Design 1 & 2 in High School, which he uses in the final edits of his work. He’s been published in Vancouver Magazine, and continues to look at the world through his camera lens.
Looking back, Mason’s favorite teachers were the ones who who were considered the hardest, the ones who had a reputation of being “strict.” He was nervous to be in their classes, but soon realized that they were just expecting more from him – and he was proud to see what he could accomplish. “I’ll never forget how I learned the lesson to do it right the first time. It’s now engrained in me.” Chemistry with a side of discipline and integrity? Mason is an example of King’s Way living out their mission to partner with families to provide a Christ-centered education for the whole child, leading to life change in each student.
How did King’s Way help Mason prepare for the future? “It helped to grow my personal faith. Going here kept me on track and pushed me to be a better ‘me.'”
In the fall of 2020, Mason will attend George Fox and major in Business & Marketing.
Class of 2020
From Our Families: King’s Way = Life Change
My son has been part of the King’s Way family since he was 3. When we first toured the Learning Center one of the remarks was how they love the kids like they are their own. Fast forward 5 years later and I can tell you without a doubt that my son is loved day in and day out.
I’m a worrier. I always have been. However, I never worry anymore when I drop my son off for school. I know that he is loved and that he is safe. When my son was in kindergarten he wasn’t feeling well and went to his teacher (Mrs. Prince). She said that he was white as a ghost and looked like he was about to pass out, so she rushed him to the nurse. When I went to pick him up, she was still there with him. The fact that she stayed with him and then helped me carry my younger son out to the car put all my worries at ease, just knowing that he had a familiar and comforting face there with him while he was waiting for me to pick him up. My son is now in second grade and his teacher is actually the sister of his kindergarten/first grade teacher. She’s just as kind and amazing. There is never a doubt in my mind that my son is cared for and loved and is growing both academically and spiritually each day. His teachers are not the only ones that have been amazing. The aides at school are equally amazing. Today, King’s Way had an All School Chapel. I was sitting with my son, but also had my 4 month old with me and she was tired and fussy, which is unusual for her. One of the aides (Mrs. Petersen) came to stand with me and snuggled my little girl. It was in that moment, I knew that King’s Way not only loved my son, but my other kids as well. It’s a family.
If you’ve been on the edge and you’re not quite sure King’s Way is the school for you. I urge you to take the leap. You won’t regret it. If you have time, check out one of the All School Chapels. I’m not an emotional person, but I have to hold back tears during them. They renew my soul and help me to forgive myself for all the mistakes I make. Being a parent is hard. I know I mess up daily, but I live a life full of grace, not perfection. In all my mistakes as a parent (and as a person), King’s Way is not one of them. We’ve had some big changes in our family recently, but we know that keeping our son here is the right decision, even if it means we may have to make changes elsewhere.
Our family has been a part of King’s Way for 11 years, and we would highly recommend this school to anyone looking for a strong, well rounded Christian education, absolutely incredible teachers, a welcoming environment, athletics, STEM, and distance learning options. We are impressed with the quality of education that our boys are receiving, and with the kindness and love that they have received from their teachers all throughout their school career. I have also been an employee at KW for 6 years and it is an amazing place to work. Our staff truly love what they do, and we have a wonderful group of teachers, staff, and administrators that make it fun to go to work each day!! Take a tour and see for yourself what an amazing place it is!
This is the 2nd year my kids have attended King’s Way and it has been the most amazing school experience we have ever had. The teachers do more than care about academics and test scores, the truly love their students. My husband is going through cancer and we have been blown away time after time of how the staff and students support us. We have been impressed by the family feeling we get from the teachers as well as other parents. My kids have an amazing community of Christian friends surrounding them and walking beside them during this hardest time of their lives. In addition I love that my kids are learning more about God and are given opportunities to experience Him at school. The parent-teacher communication is great and I am always aware of how my kids are doing in all subjects. We feel unbelievably blessed to be a part of the King’s Way family, I HIGHLY recommend!
We have had 3 daughters attend King’s Way- our youngest has been here since preschool and is now a Junior in high school. I love that my children have had the privilege of having very attentive teachers that know my children well and have challenged them over the years to be the best version of themselves academically and spiritually.
While attending King’s Way, our girls have been able to participate in a variety of activities such as athletics, choir, student leadership, and service opportunities including missions trips to various parts of the world.
Their lives are better because of the amazing teachers, coaches and staff that have dedicated their lives into leading and discipling them. I am grateful for the many years we have had here at King’s Way!
My family has been a part of King’s Way for five years. The teachers at both the learning center and elementary school have provided everything we hoped for and more in an education. These incredible people care about growing my daughter’s academic skills, but also care deeply about her character as a classmate and friend as well as her relationship with God. They truly provide the “whole child” experience in a way that goes above and beyond. We are grateful to be a part of this amazing community.
All 4 of our boys attend King’s Way. We truly appreciate its safe environment, and that their faith is not hindered but encouraged to flourish and grow. The manageable classroom sizes are a huge benefit as well. For us, it’s worth every penny to have our boys at King’s Way.
Attending a school that is not too big and not too small can provide amazing opportunities for students… which is exactly what we found at King’s Way. My kids went there from K-12 and we are so grateful for the part that KW played in their lives! They had the chance to help lead worship music at chapels, participate on many sports teams, learn how to be leaders and to hear about God on a daily basis. Their level of academics (regular and advanced) and the caring teachers prepared my sons well for college and beyond. We are forever thankful for KW and highly recommend it!
We moved to Washington this past July. My wife and I were concerned about whether or not my children would be loved and accepted by the King’s Way community. Praise the Lord the families at King’s Way embraced our family and made us feel a part of the community immediately. King’s Way is a special school in Vancouver, Washington. If you enjoy a safe, friendly environment, King’s Way Christian School is an excellent place for your family.
We moved to Washington this past July. My wife and I were concerned about whether or not my children would be loved and accepted by the King’s Way community. Praise the Lord the families at King’s Way embraced our family and made us feel a part of the community immediately. King’s Way is a special school in Vancouver, Washington. If you enjoy a safe, friendly environment, King’s Way Christian School is an excellent place for your family.
We are so blessed to send our 3 boys to King’s Way Christian School. The school, the teachers, and the curriculum combine to create a learning environment where character is taught, modeled, and encouraged. Over the last few years, we have watched our boys grow and develop into young men who truly care about others, are developing a love for the Lord, and are receiving an excellent education at the same time. If you are searching for a safe, faith-based education for your children, we highly recommend King’s Way Christian School.