Today we’d like to introduce you to Allyson Merkey.
Hi Allyson, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been working in education as a teacher since college and have always had a deep desire to start a school, but never imagined that God would actually make that part of my story. After beginning to have kids, I stayed home to take care of them and just assumed I would homeschool. As my oldest began approaching kindergarten, I started reading as much as I could on education so that I could offer my family a Christian and excellent education. I began becoming more and more drawn and compelled to teach with a classical Christian model, fully convinced this would be the absolute best education and most God-honoring as well. The more that my husband and I learned, we began thinking of the importance of this particular education not just for our family but for many like-minded families as well. We were convinced that education was one crucial piece in changing our surrounding culture that is steeped in emotionalism, deception, and foolishness. So, we got the crazy idea of starting of school we knew we couldn’t do it alone so we asked three other families if they would join us, and they agreed! We planned and prepared for 18 months and opened our doors fall 2022 with 27 students. Now here we are in the midst of our second year with 51 students and an amazing staff and community. Terra Nova is growing and thriving, and we couldn’t be more thankful!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Because God’s hand has been over every detail, the journey has been particularly smooth. We have partnered with Concordis Education Partners, and they have helped us tremendously with all the nitty gritty details and trainings. We were blessed with a turn-key facility in the heart of La Mesa without breaking a sweat. We’ve been given countless amounts of books, supplies, furniture, and significant financial donations. The community support has been absolutely incredible! We have been blessed with such wonderful families and teachers that have truly made it so wonderful and smooth. The most challenging thing has been balancing home life as a mom of four young children while running the school. But the Lord has been so faithful and good to us!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the founder and Head of School for The Terra Nova School. Wife to Jacob and mother to four young children, pregnant with twins due May 2024
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love the weather and surrounding beauty of San Diego! I absolutely love going to the beach with my family. But I cherish my church community, the school, and my friendships the most. The thing I like least about our city is how expensive it is, but at the same time, I am so grateful for the opportunities this thriving city provides.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Theterranovaschool.com
- Instagram: Theterranovaschool
- Facebook: Theterranovaschool
Image Credits
Beauty in the Still Photography
Life With Michelle Marie
