HB359 Defeated
February 12, 2026
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
We did it!
HB359 — the bill that threatened the independence of private schools across Virginia — has been DEFEATED!
This afternoon, in a special meeting of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Elementary and Secondary Education, the bill was continued to 2027, effectively defeating it for this session.
This happened because parents showed up. Because schools spoke out. Because families called, wrote, and met with their legislators. Because at Parental Rights Day we made it impossible for lawmakers to ignore the voices of parents all across the Commonwealth.
Despite attempts to label HB 359 as “focused only on the federal scholarship tax credit,” or "maintaining the status quo," the language told a different story. The bill would have imposed government mandates on curriculum, testing, licensing, and even religious instruction, essentially forcing private schools to conform more and more to a public-school model.
Virginia families saw through it. They poked the bear, and you responded.
Today proves something important: people’s voices matter. When we stand together, we can stop bad policy and defend educational freedom.
But the fight is not over. The careful drafting of this bill shows there is an ongoing effort to chip away at private school independence and parental rights. Those who want a one-size-fits-all education system are not backing down. And neither can we!
Enjoy this victory. Then let’s get back to work protecting and expanding education freedom across the Commonwealth.
Thank you for your prayers and support.
Consolidated Campus with Reorganization and Upper School Principal Search
February 05, 2026
We are still on track to be on one campus next year at our New Generation Home on Cedar Green Road. We have signed contracts for both of our Staunton campuses. The sale of the ES/MS Thornrose Avenue campus (the former Statler Complex) should close this month, and the HS Market Street campus sale should close in March. Both are still in their “Due Diligence” periods. Demolition and asbestos abatement have begun in the middle wing of Cedar Green. Renovations should be complete by August 1.
When we consolidate for next school year, some organizational changes will take effect. We will be organized into a Lower School for Preschool through 6th grade and an Upper School for 7th through 12th–a more natural alignment of like-classes and schedules.
Cherie Morel will continue as the Lower School Principal. The Upper School will consist of the High School (9th-12th) and the Middle School (7th-8th). The MS will remain distinct and separate while under the leadership of a new Upper School Principal. Julie Yeomans will remain the Middle School Dean of Students, providing leadership to the MS.
We have begun the search for a new Upper School Principal. If you or anyone you know is interested in the position, please have him or her email a cover letter and resume to GCS@gcswarriors.org. We hope to have the position filled by the beginning of the summer break.
Shalom.
“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7
Potential Sale of School Buildings
January 08, 2026
I am writing to inform you about the possibility of the ES/MS campus being sold. The property has been on the market for a while with many different parties interested, but none of them materialized. A business has submitted an offer for the ES/MS property. The CFC elders replied with a counter-offer, and the business has verbally accepted it. The contract has not yet been signed but is in the final stage of ironing out small details. The due diligence period runs through most of January. This means the business can back out of the deal until the end of the due diligence period and lose their down payment. They are being aggressive in their due diligence: They have already had appraisers and engineers in the buildings.
What does this mean to us? We may begin the 2026-27 school year with everyone located at Cedar Green. We have finalized the plans for the middle wing so construction can be completed in time for school start after the summer. It will be exciting to have everyone on the same campus, but we will be very tight on space and still need to pursue raising the funds to complete the last wing (E Wing).
We also have a serious offer with a counteroffer on the HS campus. Negotiations are in process.
This is not a done deal, so please pray for the process and wisdom. We will keep you informed about the progress of both of these exciting opportunities.
Shalom.
“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7
Dress Code or Uniform?
October 30, 2025
Various studies have shown that when we dress nicely, we actually feel better, behave better, and learn better. I have experienced that through my years in Christian education. Today's society is very casual and resists being told what to wear; this creates the tension which is lived out in every Christian school.
We have had a number of parents provide feedback on our current dress code, so we have decided to conduct a formal review, which will include a survey and a parent committee to address our current dress code and provide guidance to the GCS leadership in determining the future of the dress code/uniform issue.
One of the problems with whatever line is drawn, is that some students will always push the boundaries. The goal is to make the boundaries as clear as possible and the enforcement easier. Thank you for your thoughts on this subject. Please click on the Dress Code link to complete the survey.
Shalom.
“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7