By NATALIE SPAULDING
With many Alaskans discouraged with the current state of public education, the founding of Thomas More Classical School in Anchorage comes as welcome news to many families. TMC’s mission proudly proclaims the school’s foundation in classical, Christian pedagogy and their vision of an education aim toward Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. According to TMC leadership, the school seeks to educate students to be better human beings. In addition to learning facts and figures and developing marketable skills, Thomas More scholars will also grow in virtue, wisdom, and faith.
A few years ago, a group of like-minded parents formed the Board of Directors of Thomas More Classical School. Noting community feedback on the insufficiency of public schools, the Board began rekindling what school ought to be: a place that will “deepen faith, awaken God-given charisms, and equip each graduate with the knowledge and confidence required to pursue their unique calling and live as free and flourishing Alaskans.”
After completing a competitive application process, TMC was accepted into the Hillsdale College K-12 program which mentors new schools in the classical model and provides a robust, rigorous, and effective curriculum. The school plans to open in Fall 2026 with grades K-6. Grades 7 and 8 may also be available in Fall 2026 depending on community interest and Hillsdale College guidance. TMC plans to add one grade each year until it is a full K-12 private school.
TMC wishes to provide a private, but not elitist alternative to public education. The school desires a diverse, culturally rich student body, representing all walks of life. Sarah Spaulding, the school’s current headmaster, addresses the common concern that the classical education model promotes elitism: “The classics are not for the intellectual elite nor strictly for the affluent. The ideas found in classic literature and expounded through classic pedagogy are timeless, universal, and profoundly humbling. Through my experience in the classical education arena, both as a teacher and an administrator, I have seen kids come alive with the light of learning, grow in moral character, and embrace the challenges of serious academic pursuit. “
“My goal is to make education aimed at the good, true, and beautiful accessible to any family who wishes to pursue it.”
Sarah Spaulding, TMC Headmaster
Thomas More Classical School, opening Fall 2026, carries the torch of classical education to Alaska and offers a beacon to those searching for academically rigorous and morally sound education for their children. TMC invites parents to gather by our fire, feel the warmth of wisdom, and partner with us to keep the light of learning burning during this time of darkness in American education.
If you are interested in learning more about Thomas More Classical school, please consider joining one of the information sessions or events happening this fall. Applications for the 2026-2027 school year open for grades K-6 on October 1, 2025.
Natalie Spaulding, a 2025 Hillsdale College graduate, recently joined the Must Read Alaska team.
To ALL MRA READERS
Hillsdale College is worthy of your support. They operate with NO federal or state funds to pursue their mission. My children are adults now, but they would have benefitted greatly from the curriculum. I would encourage all to visit their website and learn more.
Also, sign up for Hillsdale’s monthly digest: IMPRIMIS. The authors carried on its pages offer great insight and wisdom.
Fantastic
Hillsdale is a great institution!
Hillsdale is the best news for Alaska in years.
Hillsdale also publishes the excellent monthly newsletter Imprimis. You can access Imprimis online but if you support Hillsdale they will send you the monthly hard copy. Hillsdale, besides being a top notch private college, also offers free online courses in many subjects such as economics, history, literature, philosophy, etc.
A classical education is the best but not good for every student. One does learn to be able to think critically and learn about the great thinkers of our time.
This is a very welcome addition to Alaska and I encourage parents to investigate the curriculum and look at what Hillsdale College has done in other states.
+1 for unbiased truth. David Boyle standing on business.
Welcome to Alaska Spauldings!!!!!
Hillsdale College is what higher education should be.
Hillsdale does not deceive and indoctrinate students. There will be no ‘colonizer’ and “Great Turtle” mythology in their curriculum.
Good news. Wonder how much tuition is.
Please bring a school out to the Mat-Su as well.
Glad to welcome [another] classical school to the Anchorage area.