As a mother, there are many times when I think, “Oh, good Lord, why did I do that?” or “What was I thinking?” or “Those aren’t my kids.” (just kidding about that last one...sort of).

I think most parents think the same things. I can’t say I’ve always been a perfect mom; anyone thinking otherwise is welcome to ask my two boys for a quick reality check. But what I can say is that I pat myself on the back each and every day for putting my kids in Battle Academy.

Why does that make me the most awesome of moms, you may ask? As a parent, one of the most important things you can do is choose a school where your children will get not only a good, solid education by the book so-to-speak but also one where they get “schooled” in things like the arts, diversity, teamwork and personal responsibility.

At Battle they get all that and so much more.

Battle has the best teachers, the best administration, the best cafeteria and the best janitorial staff of any school. They also have the best field trips, community partners and extracurricular activities I’ve seen.

In the four years I’ve had kids at Battle I have not had one bad teacher. Not one. Beyond that, I have not even had a mediocre teacher -- they have all rocked it out of the park.  My kids are very different. Where one has a tendency to excel at most everything, the other has a tendency to struggle with certain critical skills like math and writing. At Battle, I don’t have to worry about the one getting bored and drawing on his desk to pass the time. And I don’t have to worry about the other falling behind because he’s not getting what he needs. They are both challenged and supported. And they are both treated as valued members of the Battle society. 

That comes from the blood, sweat and tears of teachers and staff that care. They care enough to stay after and help them “get it.” They put their names in for treats or recognition when they do well. And they call them out and make them personally accountable for mistakes. That’s real life.

I seriously can’t say enough good things about this school, and if you’ve bothered to read this far in the letter, you should be just as jazzed as I am that Battle Academy exists here in beautiful downtown Chattanooga. If I didn’t have kids, I would have some just so I could send them to Battle.  Well, maybe not...but when I look back at all the choices I’ve made for my kids, I can say that I would send them to Battle Academy again without hesitation. In fact the only thing that I wish I could say is that Battle Academy goes to the 12th grade. Unfortunately, it doesn’t. Maybe someday. 
 
It’s Teacher Appreciation Week -- thank you, Battle teachers.
 
Jessica Stone
jstone1224@comcast.net