What is your name?
Grace Kadlec
How did you get involved with Cornerstone Academy?
I began substitute teaching in Northfield schools fall of 2025. As I worked my way through the different school buildings, I subbed in the classroom of Kris Johnson – a Cornerstone Academy board member. Her name sounded familiar, and as we talked, she brought up the school.
About 6 months prior, my friend and the Administrative Assistant of Cornerstone Academy Rachel Reiland, had shared Kris’s contact information with me. Rachel had told me briefly that Kris was a part of a new Christian school in the area. At the time, I was interested in teaching/substitute teaching. I never reached out, and pursued substitute teaching through Northfield schools instead. I felt God was calling me in that direction. As I made my way through all the schools – high school, middle school, and elementary – I landed in Kris’s classroom! The rest is history!
What church do you attend?
Canvas Church located in Dundas. I am on staff as their Youth Pastor.
What is your role on the board?
Like my role as a Youth Pastor, I wear many hats while serving on the board. I have helped out with fundraisers and events, connecting and building relationships with local churches, helping out Rachel with administrative things and the newsletter, and substitute teaching when I am needed.
Why are you passionate about Classical Christian Education?
I’ll be honest, before I met Kris and Board Chair Kathy, I was not familiar with Classical Christian Education. I grew up in public school, but went to a Christian college – North Central University in Minneapolis. On the other-hand, my husband Josh grew up in a Christian school – Bethany Academy in Bloomington, now called United Christian Academy. He attended Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa.
Both my husband and I grew up in Christian homes, but with different educational upbringings. Growing up, we both attended youth group and had a strong relationship with Jesus, and still do.
I became on fire for Jesus in high school which led to the direction of pursuing pastoral ministry. Throughout college, I served in the youth ministry at Cedar Valley Church in Bloomington. To keep it short and simple – because the Lord impacted my life as a student, He lit a fire in my heart for the next generation.
Our kids and youth need Jesus – a strong relationship with Him to get through all the trials and temptations they will go through growing up. If I didn’t have Jesus growing up, I would not be serving on this school board and on staff as a Youth Pastor.
When I joined the board, I had opportunities to visit Classical Christian Schools in the area. What I witnessed is a community of parents and teachers who share a commitment for teaching children to love learning and grow in godliness. Smaller class sizes ensure that teachers know their students and are better able to serve them individually. Students know they are loved and not just another face in the crowd.
For the kids I will have someday and the youth I pour into, I want to teach children to love learning and grow in godliness. To know they are loved and not just another face in the crowd. If they are able to have a Classical Christian Education, I know they will be set up for success in many ways.
In a way, I see Classical Christian Education similar to how Jesus did ministry – speaking truth, caring for his flock, and teaching to love learning (from parables and God’s Word).
