Dear NCA Community,
I hope you all enjoyed a relaxing and restful Fall Break with your families. As September draws to a close, I am delighted to share with you a fun and engaging experience your students enjoyed earlier this month.
Benjamin Rush, one of the courageous revolutionaries who signed the Declaration of Independence, advocated for free public education, writing: “If the common people are ignorant and vicious, a nation, and above all a republican nation, can never long be free and happy.”
At NCA, we offer students an American classical education rooted in the history of Western civilization and our country. Our purpose is to develop young men and women who are knowledgeable and virtuous - the opposite of Rush’s “ignorant and vicious” - to equip them for free and happy lives. Along with the Founding Fathers, we believe that a virtuous and educated citizenry is necessary in order for democracy to survive and flourish.
In 2026, we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Earlier this month, as part of our recognition of America’s 250th, NCA hosted the Freedom Truck, a mobile museum dedicated to our nation’s history with a focus on its founding. It was especially fitting to offer this patriotic opportunity on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
Our students experienced American history in a unique way by completing a Loyalist vs. Patriot survey, watching a re-enactment of the battles of Lexington and Concord, and even signing a virtual Declaration of Independence. They explored the Wall of American Heroes to learn about Sacagawea, Rosa Parks, Jesse Owens, George Patton, Babe Ruth, Louis Armstrong, and many others. The curriculum they study in their classes at NCA came alive as they engaged with interactive displays and read about important people and events that shaped our nation.
I hope that some of you were able to accompany your students on Saturday when the exhibit was open to the public. In case you were not, I have included some pictures at the bottom of this letter.
Thank you for your continued support of NCA and your partnership with us as we work together to form the next generation of knowledgeable, virtuous citizens.
Sincerely,
Matthew Reger
Head of School
