Get to know our vision, our mission, and the beliefs that shape everything we do.
We exist to partner with parents in providing a Christ-centered, classical education that nurtures both character and academic excellence. Education is discipleship. By building a classical, Christ-centered program, we extend the ministry of the church into every subject—teaching not just what to think, but how to think through a biblical lens.
“To cultivate a joyful learning community that inspires wisdom, virtue, and faith—equipping children to think deeply, love truth, and serve others.”
Fincastle Classical Scholars is an independent 501(c)(3), governed by its own Board of Directors—but it is not a stand-alone effort. FCS meets at the Fincastle Baptist Church facility, its board members serve as members of the church, and the school holds to the same Statement of Faith as FBC. We view this partnership as a strength: a closely-knit community rooted in one shared faith and one shared building, extending the church's ministry into the classroom.
The doctrinal foundation shared by Fincastle Classical Scholars and Fincastle Baptist Church.
We believe the Bible is the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God. It was written by human authors under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and contains no error. It is the supreme and final authority for all matters of Christian belief and living.
We believe in one eternal God, Creator and Ruler of all things, who exists in three co-equal Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—yet is one God.
We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, co-equal with the Father. He lived a sinless human life, was crucified as the perfect sacrifice for our sins, rose bodily from the dead, ascended into Heaven, and will return to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.
We believe the Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son. He convicts the world of sin, regenerates believers at salvation, indwells every Christian, empowers godly living, guides into truth, and bestows spiritual gifts to build up the body of Christ.
We believe that all people are created in God's image but have sinned and are separated from God. This separation brings spiritual death and brokenness that only Christ can redeem.
We believe salvation is a free gift of God's grace. It cannot be earned by good works or human effort. Salvation comes through faith alone in Jesus Christ, by trusting in His death and resurrection for forgiveness of sins.
We believe that all who are genuinely born again and united to Christ are eternally secure. Salvation is kept by the grace and power of God, not by human effort.
We believe every person will exist forever either in eternal fellowship with God in Heaven or eternal separation from God in Hell. Heaven and hell are real and everlasting.
We believe baptism is an act of obedience following salvation. It does not save, but publicly symbolizes a believer's identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
Kayleigh Conrad was born and raised in Botetourt County and graduated from Liberty University in 2015 with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Over the past decade, she has taught in a variety of settings, including a classical Christian school in Harrisonburg, Roanoke City schools, and a classical private school in Raleigh, North Carolina. Her first experience in classical education sparked a lasting passion for the classical model.
After having her first two of three children, Kayleigh and her husband made the decision to move their family back to the Roanoke Valley. There, she began homeschooling her children and serving as Director of L'il Scholars Preschool at Fincastle Baptist Church.
For the past five years, Kayleigh has carried a vision for a hybrid classical school in Botetourt County. She is excited to see that vision become a reality through Fincastle Classical Scholars, and grateful for the opportunity to serve local families and follow where the Lord is leading.
Fincastle Classical Scholars is led by Director Kayleigh Conrad and governed by a Board of Directors in accordance with the school's By-laws, Mission Statement, Statement of Faith, and established policies. Board members serve in specific roles and partner with the Director to protect and advance the mission and distinctives of the school. The Board meets quarterly, with additional meetings held as needed.
Kayleigh also currently serves as Director of L'il Scholars Preschool, a ministry of Fincastle Baptist Church that has become a trusted part of our community—so much so that it currently maintains a waiting list. Fincastle Classical Scholars grows directly out of that same ministry, extending its Christ-centered, nurturing approach into the elementary years.