Testimonials

Victoria

Liberty University

What do you love about Eastern Christian School?

I love the environment and community here at EC. Everyone knows everyone and it always feels like one big family. I know I’m surrounded by students and teachers that help me and strengthen my walk with God everyday. I’ve been able to develop close relationships with my teachers that have helped me tremendously grow through the love and care they show us. I also love the fact that I get to hear how God is working in student and teachers lives here at EC.

Describe one of your favorite teachers and tell why he/she is a favorite.

This is a hard one, I honestly love all of my teachers but I’d have to say my favorite teacher is Ms. Van Ryn. She is someone who has been a light in my life since my freshman year and always encourages me to do my best and walk with God always. She is such a strong mentor in my life and helps me in every situation I am in. Through her I have been able to see more of God and learn more about Him. Her classes have ignited my passion to want to learn more about the world and how we can show love to everybody, always. She consistently models her Christian faith to everyone she encounters and I know she will continue to be there and help me grow even more on this next adventure in my life.

In what ways have you grown in your faith as a result of your experience at Eastern Christian School?

I don’t know where to start. EC is the reason I am so strong in my faith and the reason I came to know God. Through my bible classes, early morning devotions, chapel services, and prayer in each of my classes everyday I was able to grow more and develop a deeper understanding of what it means to be a Christian. One of the coolest things I get to experience everyday is our teachers praying for us. Knowing that my teachers care so much and pray for us not just in the classroom but on their own time has been a huge blessing and encourages me to do the same for others. My faith has brought me to where I am today and going to school at EC is the reason why my faith is so strong.

At Eastern Christian we talk about an education that is “Engaging. Nurturing. Transforming.” How did you experience this kind of education at EC?

I get to experience this everyday when I walk into school. Every class I have is engaging in many different ways. My teachers are the reason for that. They have taught us many new things about subjects and challenge us to think deeply and work hard. EC has a very nurturing environment. The faculty here cares so much about all their students and help us thrive in many ways. They show up to all our after school activities, cheering us on and come in early before school to help us on an assignment we didn’t understand. I definitely have been transformed in many ways here and that is through getting to learn more about God and how He is working through my life. I can honestly say I am a very different person then when I started school here. EC has transformed my life by giving me the passion where I was able to go on missions trips, serve others, and be be at the hands and feet of Jesus.

How do you feel that EC prepared you for graduation, college/career and life?

EC has helped prepare me by teaching me how to live my life for God. I have learned valuable lessons here like why it’s so important to serve others, how to strive for excellence in all I do, and make the most of of every situation I am in. Getting to attend a school like EC has given me the foundation to build my life on His love. I will carry that with me through college and all that I do and encounter in life.

What opportunities did you experience at EC that you don’t think you would have gotten to experience anywhere else?

What other school allows you to travel the world with some of your best friends either all over Europe getting to learn and see completely new things, or to Guatemala, Tanzania, India, etc. serving people living in poverty and showing them Gods love. This school gives us life impacting opportunities and also really fun ones like all the students competing in a tug of war competition in the mud pit or have a huge slip n slide in front of the school. We have got to host a huge Christmas festival with lots of dancing, singing, and games to kids that don’t have as much as others. Some of the best opportunities I have gotten to experience here were the unique ones and these are experiences I will hold with me for a lifetime.

What would you say to a prospective student considering joining Eastern Christian School?

When I met some kids who attended EC at a youth group and heard how awesome their school was I wanted to come. I made the decision myself to come here but I was still filled with anxiety and fear when the thought of switching schools came to mind with completely new faces and a completely new environment. However, that fear will most likely leave you on the first day like it did for me. Everyone is so welcoming here and not once have I ever felt like I didn’t have anyone. All I have to say is do it. It was one of the biggest but most rewarding decisions of my life and I am so thankful for the environment here at EC that makes me feel like I’m at home everyday when I walk into school.

Chaeyeong

Temple University

What do you love about Eastern Christian School?

I love how I can share my beliefs with the class, how every class is based on the Gospel, and how I can go to anyone when I am in need. EC has been my family to me since I decided to transfer here. I know that all the faculty and staff are always here to help me with anything, and they are really passionate about their jobs.

In what ways have you grown in your faith as a result of your experience at Eastern Christian School?

EC starts each day with a devotion, and this allowed me to start my day with God’s presence in me. EC connects all the subjects and God so that we can be certain about God’s existence on every perspective. Also, the Bible class prepared me to be ready to answer non-Christian’s questions about God.

How do you feel that EC prepared you for graduation, college/career and life?

EC is a place where I could develop my writing skill. In almost every class, I had to write papers about each subject. They were very challenging but worth it because as a prospective nursing student, I know that writing is the most important life skill.

What opportunities did you experience at EC that you don’t think you would have gotten to experience anywhere else?

I loved organizing and experiencing Christmas festival and the Elementary School’s Field Day. Making connections with little kids encouraged me to serve those in need in the future as a nurse. Also, I was given a chance to go on a mission trip to Guatemala. Our team organized VBS for children and went on a construction at a local school, which made me realize how big the world is.

What would you say to a prospective student considering joining Eastern Christian School?

Be involved! I know that it will be hard the first time, but if you get used to it, you will be able to manage your time better and use it wisely. I heard that time management is the key for success in college. I hope you all could practice it at EC before you go off to college.

Stephen

Grade 12

What do you love about Eastern Christian School?
EC is much more nurturing than other schools. You are allowed to become your own as they steer you in the right track. Even if you get derailed, you can get a second chance sometimes and it can really boost your confidence and set you on a path for greatness.

Describe one of your favorite teachers and tell why he/she is a favorite:
That’s not fair. I don’t think I can pick a favorite. So many teachers have shown that they cared in little things. They teach in a way that allows me to learn at my best, they are willing to fix their mistakes and learn from them, they are people that are like friends and parting with them is a little painful. I really can’t choose a favorite because all the staff has been so great and loving.

In what ways have you grown in your faith as a result of their experience at Eastern Christian School?
When I first came, my faith was lukewarm. I think I really started to develop more passion after the apologetics unit in bible class. I learned not only how to defend my faith, but I saw it as something worth defending. If it is worth defending then it is worth following with all my heart. I pray at some point everyday, usually in the morning and evening, I have started read the bible with the goal to eventually read the entire thing and changed my heart to more eagerly accept the guidance of the Lord.

The Eastern Christian tagline is “Engaging. Nurturing. Transforming.” How do you experience an education that is engaging, nurturing and transforming at EC?
Well, I was engaged slowly. Freshman year there was maybe one of two classes that I gave my all because I just wasn’t interested. Junior year is where that changed. I was enthralled with my classes first semester and a lot of that positive energy carried me to the end of senior year. My development in the faith has been nurtured through the guest speakers in chapel, Christian faculty, and well structured bible classes. I can honestly say that I have been transformed into a respectful, God fearing, intelligent, young man thanks to EC.

How do you feel that EC is preparing you for graduation, college and life? What are your plans after you graduate?
I took some college level classes so I have a little taste of the college experience. When I graduate I plan on attending the University of Maryland and obtaining a degree in Aerospace Engineering and get a job designing jet engines.

What sets EC apart from other schools?
Staff. It really is the people we see everyday that makes this school unique. You can transfer curriculum, you can transfer schedule, you can transfer anything you want in EC, but without the amazing staff that’s at EC, anything else will continue to fall short.

Andrew

Grade 12

What do you love about Eastern Christian School?
I love the community at Eastern Christian. Fellow students, faculty and parents support students in their extracurricular activities whether it’s sports, music, theater or other clubs. As a student athlete, I always appreciated when the school community would come out to our soccer games. Their presence always added to a more exciting atmosphere.

Describe one of your favorite teachers and tell why he/she is a favorite:
Mr. Zacharias is one of my favorite teachers because he is always willing to help inside and outside of class. His teaching style made math more understandable for me.

In what ways have you grown in your faith as a result of their experience at Eastern Christian School?
I’ve been at EC since Kindergarten. The years of being taught from a Christian worldview have strengthened my faith and reinforced what I’ve learned at home and at church. Through challenges I have come to trust more in God’s plan for my life.

The Eastern Christian tagline is “Engaging. Nurturing. Transforming.” How do you experience an education that is engaging, nurturing and transforming at EC?
The teachers and faculty at EC are approachable. You can engage in conversation and build relationship with teachers. The EC community is nurturing. Staff, students and parents make up a strong, supportive community. EC has transformed me into a more confident student, a stronger athlete and a more mature Christian.

How do you feel that EC is preparing you for graduation, college and life? What are your plans after you graduate?
Through supportive teachers I have learned to be an advocate for myself. I understand the importance of communicating with teachers and building relationships with them in order to get the most out of my educational experience. I’ve grown in my confidence and that will help me in college and life. This fall I will attend St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, NY to study Sports Management and play on their D-II Men’s Soccer Team.

What sets EC apart from other schools?
The teachers and students set EC apart from other schools. The teachers are always willing to help you with any questions you have. They support you in your school work and other activities. EC is a supportive, friendly community.

Tara

Grade 9

What do you love about Eastern Christian School?
There are so many things I love about Eastern Christian, but what really stands out to me is the love that fills the building. The teachers truly care for each and every student, and I have made some incredible friends. New students are welcomed with open arms, as I was when I first came to EC. We learn about God and His love for us in every subject and have times to praise Him and serve as His hands and feet.

Describe one of your favorite teachers and tell why he/she is a favorite.
I honestly could not pick a favorite teacher. While they all have their different personalities and fun quirks,  they share the same goal: to see us succeed and help us grow in our relationship with the Lord. The teachers come up with the most creative ideas to help us learn. I love learning about science and history from teachers with the same beliefs and values as me, as opposed to a public school where the state required teachers to teach us history and science from an evolutionary perspective. Also, I love how in High School’s SOAR program, we are encouraged to explore our inner creativeness and discover so many God-given talents that we may not have realized we had.

In what ways have you grown in your faith as a result of your experience at Eastern Christian School?
EC incorporates faith into every aspect of school. We always start and end our day in prayer, but every moment in between we are learning and growing in our faith, whether through discussing our beliefs in our classes, devoting an entire class to studying God’s word and understanding it, or putting what we learn about God’s word into action. The teachers model wonderful examples of what having faith in God is like and are people who I look up to, not just as a person, but for their faith in Christ.

The Eastern Christian tagline is “Engaging. Nurturing. Transforming.” How did you experience an education that is engaging, nurturing and transforming at EC?
When I first considered transferring to EC, I was worried that the grass seemed greener on the other side from where I was standing at the time. But the truth is, they water the grass on the other side! They give us the tools we need to achieve our goals and be the best we can be. And while we are getting to our goals, they nurture us along the way. The teachers at EC truly want to see us succeed and are willing to put the effort and time into helping us reach our goals.  When they say “Engaging. Nurturing, Transforming.” they truly mean it. They engage you in service to God’s people and dive into the Bible, teaching you all about it. They nurture you, encouraging you and always being there for you. And transform you, giving you confidence, knowledge, and faith.

How do you feel that EC prepared you for graduation, college and life?
EC has provided me with a fantastic education. They gave me all the tools I need to succeed and are willing to put extra time in, other than just class time, to see me succeed. Not only have they given me such a great education, but they incorporate faith/character building exercises to make sure that we continue to grow in our relationship with the Lord. EC teaches the importance of being the hands and feet of Jesus, while also showing us that serving can be fun too! They teach us how we can serve and then encourage us to get out there and actually serve.  Having faith/character building exercises incorporated into school has really provided me with such a well-rounded education.  I realize the financial sacrifice that my family is making to send me to EC, and I truly do  appreciate and value my Christian Education.

What would you say to a new student considering joining Eastern Christian School?
When I was considering switching schools to EC halfway through 7th Grade, I shadowed at EC, LOVED it, and then started having second thoughts about whether or not I actually WANTED to switch schools. Thinking about it is one thing, but actually doing it is another. Its tough, leaving everything I’d ever known to go somewhere completely different. My mom, an EC alumni, asked me if when I was in EC’s school building, if I felt like I was home. At that time, it was hard for me to think of any school as home, but once I actually got to EC, and experienced school from EC’s perspective, I could absolutely say that I was home. EC is my home away from home. The students and teachers are all one big family and it’s so nice to know that they are all there for you always.

What opportunities do you experience at EC that you don’t think you would have gotten to experience anywhere else?
EC is such a tight knit community where we all care for one another, praying for each other, comforting one another in hard times, and celebrating the good times. While we are such a tight knit community, it’s not hard for new students and their families to become a part of that tight knit group. When I first came to EC, I was welcomed with open arms and have become part of our big EC family. I had never experienced such a wonderful group of people and am so thankful to know them.

Alyssa

Grade 4

I’ve been at Eastern Christian School since I was in kindergarten. I’ve always loved how nice everybody is here and how helpful and caring they are. I have learned to trust and love God more and more here. I’m so glad my parents send me to EC. If they didn’t, I have no idea where I would be. EC is an absolutely amazing school and I feel like it’s helping me engage in my relationship with God. It is transforming me to be a better person and leading me closer to Christ Jesus. Overall, Eastern Christian is the best school ever!

Kimona

Fordham University

Currently, I attend Fordham University as a Political Science Major and Peace and Justice Studies Minor and my Eastern Christian experience is the reason I could get here. Eastern Christian provides countless opportunities for every student and continuously pushes all students to strive for their best. From the music ensembles, to the play, the musical, and various sports, Eastern Christian provides something for every student.

The loving, nurturing community has allowed me to form educated opinions, develop strong values, and discover my potential. The relationships I have formed among the peers in my class and the many teachers who have helped me along the way are incomparable to any other school experience. Eastern Christian’s community aspect is something I am grateful to have experienced and has formed a love and appreciation for all communities I am a part of.

In addition to the community aspect, EC has a pattern of consistently striving for excellence. Through the ever-expanding faculty and staff, the commitment to maintaining and improving academic standards, and the willingness to adjust tactics as necessary, Eastern Christian regularly goes above and beyond. In my years at Eastern Christian we have improved our community with diversity, have improved academics, and have continued to look forward with plans for future enrichment. A school that not only embodies Christian values but refuses to become stagnant is unlike any other.

My time at Eastern Christian is the reason I am who I am. Without my loving teachers, friendly classmates, and challenging academics I would not have found my passion for social justice, politics, and the visual arts. Eastern Christian has given me a strong foundation to continue to build on and has truly inspired me to transform the world.

Siobhan

Senior, Class of 2018

What do you love about Eastern Christian School?
I love that Eastern Christian is such a friendly environment. As a recent transfer student, the warm welcome and generosity from everyone was overwhelming. I also love how each class is truly Christ-centered. Whether math class, gym class or history class, you can be sure that God will be discussed in each class. This Christian perspective, along with a great education, really equips each student to see the world through a different lens.

Describe one of your favorite teachers
I honestly can’t complain about any of my teachers. Each one is extremely passionate about their jobs and always arranges extra, personal time to explain a lesson to you if you don’t understand it. Mr. Zacharias was my math teacher this year, and I quickly began to admire his true devotion to his job. Not only did he teach us every math lesson thoroughly, but each class was a fun and safe environment. Frequently, he would dedicate an entire math class to discuss how God is glorified through math. These discussions would not only give each student a new perspective on math, but it would also challenge them to seek God in new ways. In my opinion, an awesome teacher like that is hard to find!!!

In what ways have you grown in your faith as a result of their experience at Eastern Christian School?
My faith has grown in multiple ways at Eastern Christians!! There is a real openness to discuss God in every single class. Whether sharing a devotional in the morning, going to weekly chapel, or joining a bible group, there are multiple ways to seek God and form Christ-centered friendships. My friends and I have a weekly “prayer meeting” with one of our teachers at lunch to pray for the school. Being able to connect with a teacher and classmates through prayer is absolutely priceless to me. I know that all of my friends and teachers will be there for me in prayer to support me in good and in bad times.

The Eastern Christian tagline is “Engaging. Nurturing. Transforming.” How do you experience that in Eastern Christian?
The smaller class size of EC allows each teacher to personally know their students. Beyond that, each teacher is so willing to meet you before school, during lunch, or after school to assist you in any way you need. This personal engagement really makes each classroom a safe environment to be yourself. In the classroom teachers not only nurture us academically, but also spiritually. The opportunity to learn and be challenged in core classes while also incorporating God into many discussions is something I will never take for granted. This wider perspective of worldly classes combined with our faith really transforms each student. It allows each student to grow closer to God and be passionate about a particular class or club since we are taught it is all about glorifying God.

How do you feel that EC is preparing you for graduation, college and life? What are your plans after you graduate?
Eastern Christian is preparing me for graduation and life in general by equipping me with a spiritual lens to see the world through. This lens will help me to seek God before all else in my future. In college, it will encourage me to make Christ-centered relationships and glorify God in everything I do. After graduation, I hope to attend college to study ministry.

Steve

Yale

What do you love about Eastern Christian School?
I love Eastern Christian School because we strive to be a unified body that’s always growing in new ways. Whether its by starting a STEAM program, integrating technology into classroom teaching, or allowing students to form new clubs, EC is always looking for new ways to express their love for us and rejoice in what God has blessed our community with. During my time as a highschooler, I had the great opportunity to help plan Culture Week. It’s amazing how so many people care to increase their knowledge of one another’s life experiences. The school culture is one where I feel like there is always a place for everyone to be encouraged. We’re so eager to cheer each other on to express our God-given talents, whether through attending a sports game or a musical. There’s just a clear sense of increasing love that emanates from EC’s faculty, students, and families. 

Describe one of your favorite teachers and tell why he/she is a favorite.
Mrs. Aceino has been such a light in my life since the moment I entered high school. I can remember going into the Open Art SOAR as a freshman not knowing what to do but sketch on scraps of paper. However, she encouraged me and many other students around to try out mural painting on the hallway walls. I was initially hesitant to make such a permanent mark on the school, but it’s so clear from the progress I and her other students have made that she is a master at imbuing confidence in others. The following year, I decided to join her Art 1 class, and because she met me at the skill level I had and built me up from there, I went on to be honored as a finalist for NJ Youth Art Month not once but twice! I’m so grateful for the way she pushed me to see my God-given talents even when I didn’t first have the confidence to apply them at a public level. 

In what ways have you grown in your faith as a result of your experience at Eastern Christian School?
Before being at EC, I wasn’t aware of the many ways I could connect with God. I usually limited my devotional time to reading from a devotional book and offering a repetitive prayer, but while doing that, I never really felt the awesome presence of God that I would heard chapel guests speak about. However, at EC, the sense of community through morning devotions made my spiritual life awaken in a new light. I learned to really hear God’s voice through collaborative devotions with classmates, and I had amazing teachers show me how to feel God’s presence with a sense of awe through nature and other ways I hadn’t previously realized could be so effective. 

The Eastern Christian tagline is “Engaging. Nurturing. Transforming.” How did you experience an education that is engaging, nurturing and transforming at EC?
The engagement came from teachers always pushing me to go past what I was comfortable with in terms of my art skills and academic rigor. While being engaged in the academics, there is always a support network of those wanting to nurture your skills, and that makes facing any challenge less overwhelming. EC also engages students to consider how Christ comes into play in subjects, such as history and english, where our vision of the world is transformed from a superficial one to a spiritual one, learning to analyze the state of our world from a Christian perspective. In every way possible, EC graduates leave high school feeling transformed both academically and spiritually. 

How do you feel that EC prepared you for graduation, college and life? 
EC prepared me to have a sense of purpose in the work I completed, which I feel will definitely keep me on track to deal with larger responsibilities as I go off to college and eventually live on my own. Teachers always made it clear that assigned projects are meant for us to learn from and glorify God with, not simply for getting a grade, and in extracurriculars, they supported my passions and let me to take on full leadership positions in clubs, such as Art Club and Geocaching Club. This sense of having a higher purpose for my work definitely prepared me for the college application process, and it will definitely carry on throughout my life. 

What would you say to a high school student considering joining Eastern Christian School?
Visit the school, and see how friendly everyone is in person! I guarantee you’ll find a group of people who not only have similar interests to you but also want to see you grow into the incredible person you’re meant to be. 

What opportunities did you experience at EC that you don’t think you would have gotten to experience anywhere else?
The opportunity to be part of a cohesive school culture of God-inspired love is something I don’t think I would have experienced elsewhere. It’s seen in the way teachers are concerned if their one of their students seems cast down, and it’s seen in how students want to see me happy on a day where I might be feeling tired and low. It’s clear to me that people at EC know they’re on this planet for a purpose greater than academics or their job, and having the opportunity to be in that kind of love is not something I think other places can easily replicate.