Pinecrest Blog

Benefits of Summer Reading

Aloha Summer! It’s that time to grab some books, find a cozy spot, and engage in reading! But wait…it’s summer, why are we reading! Isn’t this a time for a complete break from school?

Research Shows that Playing an Instrument Greatly Benefits the Brain

The Power of Music on the Brain
Music is more than just entertainment; it is a powerful force that shapes the brain and fosters essential life skills. Scientific studies have shown that engaging with music enhances cognitive function, improves memory, and strengthens neural connections. But beyond the scientific benefits, participating in a band program provides students with invaluable leadership opportunities that prepare them for future success.

Marriage as a School of Virtue

February is considered the month of love, thanks to the celebration of the Feast of Saint Valentine, which began in the 8th century. World Marriage Day also happens each February in the Church. Did you ever consider that marriage serves as a school of virtue, shaping not only spouses, but also their children, and, by extension, society?

Why I Am Grateful to Work in a Catholic School

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak to our freshman girls PE classes about the benefits of having required strength training as a part of their daily school schedule. The skills they are learning and the habits they are building, if continued, will benefit every aspect of their overall health for years to come.

5 Ways Your Child Can Benefit from Smaller Class Sizes

There are many factors to consider when choosing the right school for your child —curriculum, extracurriculars, and school culture — but have you ever considered how the size of your child’s class can have a profound impact on their learning experience?

4 Practical Ways to Live Out the Virtue of Humility

At Pinecrest Academy, we often speak of developing the mind, body, spirit, and heart of our students. And as part of our Virtue Program, humility is one of the virtues we work to instill in our students. As we strive to form Christian leaders who will transform society, understanding and practicing humility is paramount.

Pillars Offers a Village to Parents

Parents, you weren’t meant to do this parenting thing solo! Building a "village" of fellow parents with children the same age is a game-changer for navigating the ups and downs of raising kids today.

How Your Kids' Team Sports Foster Leadership

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." - Martin Luther King Jr.
In a world that often emphasizes individual achievement, team sports shine as beacons of collective growth and character development. At Pinecrest Academy, we recognize that the values instilled through participation in team sports—discipline, persistence, teamwork, humility, and diligence—are not just game-day skills, but lifelong virtues that shape future leaders. Let's explore how lessons learned on the field translate into success in life's greater arena.

Five Benefits of Learning Cursive Writing in School

Many of us can recall growing up hearing the mantra in school of the importance of the three R’s: Reading, wRiting and aRithmetic.”

Helping Your Child with Time Management and Study Skills

Have you finished your homework? No? What did you do with all of that time you had since school ended?

How to Foster the Important Virtue of Humility

"The three most important virtues are humility, humility, and humility." - Saint Bernard of Clairvaux
In a world that often celebrates self-promotion and self-importance, the virtue of humility shines as a beacon of light and grace. Humility is an important virtue to foster on the journey towards holiness. In this article, we will explore the essence of humility, drawing inspiration from biblical examples and practical ways to incorporate this virtue into our lives.

It’s Not About the Uniform

For the last 21 years, my husband Mike and I have invested in the mission of Pinecrest Academy. We came to the private PreK3-12 Catholic school because we wanted our children to experience their Catholic identity all day long. We saw the wearing of a school uniform as a valuable asset in helping our children master very important skills and virtues. In the modern language of education, their “soft skills” were being tested. So, maybe, just maybe, it isn’t ALL about the uniform?

How to Cultivate Your Children’s Faith at Home

In the fast-paced world we live in, finding time to teach our children about our faith can be a challenge. Yet, the home is not only where we live, but also where we shape the spiritual foundation of our children. People often say that the family acts as the domestic church. Here, the first seeds of faith take root, and our children learn to pray and nurture their relationship with God. In this blog post, we'll explore the concept of micro-evangelization, focusing on those little moments that can have a profound impact on our children's faith journey.

The Importance of Unstructured Breaks for Students

Incorporating frequent, outdoor unstructured breaks that allow for free play during a school day is very beneficial to school-aged children. If you consider the highly competitive nature of standardized tests and the growing pressure on students - and teachers - to perform at greater levels, the academic stakes are high. This can be especially true for middle school children who are already going through a changing and transitional period. But what about the mental, physical, social, and emotional stakes?

The Four Basics

Summer Break is over, and another school year begins! As parents, we know it can be a busy time of year trying to fit in all of the back-to-school events, sports, and extracurricular activities. Not to mention getting back to a regular bedtime and routine…with the sun still blazing at bedtime!

This Pilgrim’s Progress…

Over the years, it has been a privilege and a blessing to accompany our High School Juniors to Washington DC for what has become known as the DC Pilgrimage. The 2022 pilgrimage was in one word - AMAZING. The culmination was the March for Life, but the entire trip became an opportunity for students to experience integral formation in action. This year included the class of 2022 and 2023 (COVID-19 kept juniors from attending in 2021).

Am I just Old-Fashioned?

For the past several weeks, my social media pages have been plastered with pictures that my friends across the country are posting of their children at Homecoming. These are friends from California to Georgia, from large schools to small schools - public and private, alike. Something about these photos has struck a chord, and I have found myself giving a lot of thought to modern fashion trends for youth today.

Why Brigitte Lueder ’21 is Spending Her Summer in the Rocky Mountains

Brigitte Lueder ’21, attended Pinecrest Academy for six years, was active in athletics, was a member of several honor societies, served in several clubs, and won the Leadership Award freshman year. She is carrying her leadership skills with her as she enters the next chapter of her life! Brigitte is spending her summer giving back to our planet, working for Rocky Mountain Youth Corps (RMYC). She is a member of the conservation corps in the RMYC through the first part of August 2021. The organization is based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, but Brigitte and team are hiking all around the Rocky Mountains, as well as up to Wyoming and Utah! Brigitte shared her plans with us in the spring, prior to leaving for Colorado.

What Exactly IS Conquest Club and Why Should Boys Join?

Jesus Villareal is a 2021 graduate of Pinecrest Academy and thrived during his 15 years at the private Catholic school in Cumming, Georgia. Conquest Club was a key part of his growth as a young Christian leader. Conquest is a Catholic Youth Ministry program for boys grades 5-12 which focuses on fostering faith, friendships with Christ, and positive life choices. Here’s what Jesus had to say about his Conquest experience.

What does Fourth Grade Have to do with Middle School?

Your child is comfortably in the midst of an elementary school routine by his fourth grade year, and middle school isn’t exactly on the radar quite yet. But, should it be?