A New Space for Community at CVS

Families choose online Christian education for important reasons: flexibility, safety, academic excellence, and faith integration. Yet one common question we hear is, “How will my child build friendships and experience community?”

The Gathering Place is one of the ways we are answering that question. It reflects our heart as a school — nurturing students academically, spiritually, and socially. The name of this space is inspired by Acts 2:44:

“All the believers were together and had everything in common.” (NIV).

From the early church to our virtual classrooms today, we believe meaningful connection matters.

More Than a Course — A Community

The Gathering Place is an interactive online space within our existing LMS where students meet live, engage in discussion, and participate in shared interests. While academic courses remain central to your child’s education, this initiative focuses on something equally essential: belonging.

Through live virtual classrooms, guided discussions, and interest-based clubs, students see familiar faces, share ideas, collaborate on projects, and grow together — all within a structured and supportive environment led by our teachers and administrative staff. This is where conversations continue beyond assignments. This is where friendships begin.

Clubs Already Underway

We have been so encouraged by the response to our first gatherings.

  • Our Bible Study, offered since 2020 and led by Ms. Kaptein, continues to be a beautiful time of thoughtful conversation and spiritual growth. Students ask meaningful questions, engage deeply with Scripture, and encourage one another in their faith.
  • In the fall of 2025, we launched our Yearbook Club. Students are creatively capturing the memories and milestones of the school year while learning valuable organizational and leadership skills. They take meeting minutes, follow through on action items, create task lists, delegate responsibilities, and collaborate as a team. It has been both a creative and highly educational experience. They are excited to share their finished product with the school in the spring.
  • This week, our Book Club launched, bringing readers together to explore stories and discuss themes that sharpen both critical thinking and communication skills. Having Ms. Petrone lead this group has created another meaningful opportunity for students to connect with a teacher outside of regular coursework.

Coming Soon

Later this month, we will launch our Writing Club. This group will provide students with a dedicated space to share creative writing, respond to prompts, develop their skills, and encourage one another’s work. Whether a student loves storytelling, poetry, journaling, or simply experimenting with words, this club will offer a nurturing environment to grow in confidence and creativity.

Why This Matters

Online education does not have to mean isolation. In fact, when approached intentionally, it can create unique and meaningful opportunities for connection. For many students, these shared spaces become the highlight of their week — a time when they are not only learners, but active participants in a vibrant and supportive community.

We Want to Hear From You

As we continue building The Gathering Place, we would love your input. Are there clubs or groups your child would be excited to join? We invite you to share your ideas and suggestions. Our vision is to create a space at CVS where every student can find something that sparks interest and fosters connection. We are deeply grateful for your partnership as parents, and we look forward to seeing how The Gathering Place enriches your child’s experience this year.