With their work schedules and a river to cross, Erick and Christy Hanson weren’t sure they could send their girls to Covenant. But then, the Hansons discovered that they were eligible for bussing. Although they live on the west shore of the Susquehanna, the Hansons’ school district is within ten miles of the school. “This was a game changer,” Christy says. “It opened the door of opportunity for our girls to attend Covenant.”

The Hansons were looking for a faith-based school community where their three girls would be challenged and supported holistically. They were friends with some families whose kids were enrolled at Covenant. “These were families that we deeply respected,” Christy reflects. “We were struck by the exceptional character and conduct of their kids–the way they carried themselves with confidence and humility; their ability to think, speak and write well; how they interacted with adults over meaningful topics; and their faith and values. We wanted that for our girls.”

The Hansons, who came to Covenant in 2017, stepped away for a year to try a school closer to home, due to convenience at a time when their girls were getting involved in extracurricular activities. But the next year, they were back. “Our girls returned to Covenant and are even more grateful for the privilege of being part of the community there,” Christy says. “We love the classical model and high standards for learning. Our kids appreciate the discipline and rigor, caring faculty, faith integration, and the inter-grade relationships that are hallmarks of the Covenant culture.” Today, their daughters are in 11th, 9th, and 4th grades.

Covenant isn’t just down the street, but for the Hansons, the commute is still worth it. “We have not been able to find a school culture that is quite like Covenant, not only on the West Shore, but even in the greater Harrisburg region. We didn’t know much about the classical model before transferring there from public school, but we have loved the way it is shaping and preparing our girls. Covenant is a place with a unique culture that, honestly, isn’t for everyone. This is what makes it special.”