What Missionary Parents Say About Black Forest Academy

COMMENTS FROM PARENTS OF BLACK FOREST ACADEMY GRADUATES

Country:  Serbia

Why did your family decide to send your children to BFA?

          Social needs, academic needs – not able to meet in the location where we serve.

How did BFA meet your needs and/or expectations for your child?

          Gave great opportunities for him to develop socially, given leadership opportunities, great and challenging academics, solid Bible teaching, allowing him to be the person God

          created him to be.

How has BFA impacted your child, family, and ministry?

Enabled our son to have a great high school experience that allowed him to grow in all aspects -   physical, spiritual, intellectual, emotional

What have you appreciated most about BFA?

            Care of the staff and teachers

Countries:  Romania and Germany

Why did your family decide to send your children to BFA?

Our daughter wanted to because she realized that the American school system was better for her and a Christian school too.

How did BFA meet your needs and/or expectations for your child?

            BFA made her enjoy school again through which she discovered new strengths in her life.

How has BFA impacted your child, family, and ministry?

Through BFA the lives of two of our girls were completely changed. One daughter ended up at Asbury College and the other daughter also wants to attend a Christian college in the US (Huntington).

What have you appreciated most about BFA?

            All the staffs’ dedication, great organizational gifts, encouragement.

 

Country:  Moldova

Why did your family decide to send your child to BFA?

We had reached the end of our home schooling capacities. We needed a solid academic foundation and a strong finish. We also needed a quality social environment for our daughters who were living with us in an isolated situation. BFA has fulfilled all these needs with excellence.

How did BFA meet your needs and/or expectations for your child?

            The entire program, academically and residentially has greatly exceeded our expectations.

How has BFA impacted your child, family, and ministry?

It has given our daughters greater confidence in themselves. It has brought out their strengths and corrected their weaknesses. It has given them a well-rounded opportunity for development in many areas of their lives.

What have you appreciated most about BFA?

We have appreciated the broad range of course selection and the fact that the school was able to give us credit for our home school courses. We have appreciated the fairness and compassion of the faulty and dorm staff. They’ve been willing to listen to the students’ opinions, perspectives, and needs.

Country:  Bulgaria

Why did your family decide to send your child to BFA?

Desperation! We wanted him to have good preparation for university. I (mom) came to the school for the PBU extension program and loved the place and people I met.         

How did BFA meet your needs and/or expectations for your child?

Very well! He has grown immensely in independence - in cooperation – in organization – spiritually and in so many ways.

How has BFA impacted your child, family, and ministry?

It gave our son so much opportunity for academics, sports, and friendships. It freed us to do the ministry God called us to do.

What have you appreciated most about BFA?

The friendliness of the entire staff and teachers. I never met a bad attitude in any dealings with them. The desire for discipleship as a priority. *The staff has been tremendous! Our great thanks to God for them!

Country:  Mali, Africa

Why did your family decide to send your child to BFA?

There was a war in Ivory Coast so the school was forced to move to a new area in Senegal. The new area could not take MKs from other missions. They would not guarantee our children a place.           

How did BFA meet your needs and/or expectations for your child?

All three kids could be in the same school. They have a relationship with God and values that have maintained.

How has BFA impacted your child, family, and ministry?

We have kids that have a heart towards ministry and God. They are well prepared for university.

What have you appreciated most about BFA?

            The quality of students. They are polite, intelligent, and Godly.

Country:  Germany

Why did your family decide to send your child to BFA?

We like the ethos of BFA, the care and support that the students get. BFA encourages students to give their best and brings out their gifts and talents.    

How did BFA meet your needs and/or expectations for your child?

We saw how our son developed and matured as a person and how he took responsibility for himself and others.

How has BFA impacted your child, family, and ministry?

It was a very positive experience for all of us. It also gave us the opportunity to stay in ministry.

What have you appreciated most about BFA?

-          The support of the dorm parents and RA’s (HBR dorm)

-          How the spiritual aspect of BFA shapes the students

-          The holistic approach to education.

Country:  Slovenia

Why did your family decide to send your child to BFA?

            Our daughter needed a social environment in which to learn that home school alone could not provide.

How did BFA meet your needs and/or expectations for your child?

Our daughter thrived in the dorm environment and found a place in athletics. Her academic needs were met as well as the social needs and desires. She was discipled spiritually and grew through small groups.

How has BFA impacted your child, family, and ministry?

We’ve been able to stay on the field in Slovenia because of BFA. There is no high school in the place we serve, and our daughter needed the “school” environment in order to survive. Our daughter blossomed at BFA.

What have you appreciated most about BFA?

The mentoring relationships have been most valuable. The dorm life is a blessing. People are BFA’s greatest asset.

Country:  Slovakia

Why did your family decide to send your child to BFA?

As we weighed out the pros and cons of boarding school, we knew that for our daughter’s needs we could entrust her to the academic, social, and spiritual values BFA offered.      

How did BFA meet your needs and/or expectations for your child?

In the primary areas mentioned above, BFA exceeded our desires for our children. They were challenged, encouraged, and given very abundant and creative outlets for the “Image-bearer” to be nurtured.

How has BFA impacted your child, family, and ministry?

Recently one of our daughters thanked us again for sending her to BFA. They’ve made lasting friendships (maybe a spouse!) and, frankly, dorm parents took some of the “heat” that often accompanies adolescence. We were enabled to focus on our ministry and can honestly recommend BFA to our concerned colleagues who need to provide a good educational option for their children.

What have you appreciated most about BFA?

Godly adults who reached out to our children, to bridge those occasional gaps in crucial, critical moments of their lives. BFA has many who keep their eyes and hearts open. God has so blessed our kids through these loving and caring staff members. Keeping standards high, while being “real” has meant much to us and our children. We’d heartily recommend BFA to others.

Country:  Germany

Why did your family decide to send your children to BFA?

Our son was going through dark years and the two options in the German school system weren’t appropriate for him. We knew of the encouragement and care he would get at BFA and were so thankful that 1) he was willing to come and 2) he got accepted!

How did BFA meet your needs and/or expectations for your child?

The education is excellent AND motivating (he went from failing grades to NHS!!); the teachers truly care for the kids and are for them, the Lord used this atmosphere and the truth taught and lived to win our son back to Himself.

How has BFA impacted your child, family, and ministry?

I have often joked about wanting to be a dorm mom or choir pianist or do something here… maybe someday. It’s a place where my heart is encouraged, and having our child so well cared for helps since we’re so far away.

What have you appreciated most about BFA?

All of the above! Our son has grown in character, in his relationship to Jesus, he’s had more role-models than just his dad and myself (in church planting the pickins are slim). I know BFA isn’t heaven, but it’s a place where kids can mature and grow in Christ if they choose to do so. His richest blessings to all who serve those great MKs!        

         

Country:  Burkina Faso, West Africa

Why did your family decide to send your children to BFA?

Excellent reputation and wide opportunities for our three sons during their Junior and Senior years of high school.

How did BFA meet your needs and/or expectations for your child?

            We were thankful for the excellent dorm experience and academic excellence for our sons.   

How has BFA impacted your child, family, and ministry?

BFA has met our sons’ need for college prep, SAT/ACT exams, athletics, etc. It has freed us up for ministry in B.F.

What have you appreciated most about BFA?

            The caring people and excellent academic excellence.

 

Country:  Congo/Switzerland

Why did your family decide to send your children to BFA?

We have always thought of the spiritual impact before deciding where to send our children and BFA is the right place for this.

How did BFA meet your needs and/or expectations for your child?

Our son got baptized at BFA and did well academically as well. Two of our sons received the Lord at BFA.   

How has BFA impacted your child, family, and ministry?

BFA has instored the spirit of leadership and ministry in our son. BFA has helped us to focus on our ministry without worrying about our son.

What have you appreciated most about BFA?

          Love, care give to our son.

Country:  Switzerland

Why did your family decide to send your children to BFA?

            The public schools were not able to provide an education our kids deserved.

How did BFA meet your needs and/or expectations for your child?

The commitment to academic excellence and the loving care for each student, coupled with a lot of fun and diversity.            

How has BFA impacted your child, family, and ministry?

            Seeing our kids enjoy deep friendships in a foreign field, gave us much joy and confidence.

What have you appreciated most about BFA?

            Christ centered quality education in the mission field we are called to serve.

Country:  France

Why did your family decide to send your children to BFA?

We had newly arrived in France. Our son spoke no French and was entering 11^th grade. We had no viable school option in Lyon where we were living. BFA was our only option for him to complete high school.

How did BFA meet your needs and/or expectations for your child?

BFA not only met our needs but far surpassed our expectations. My wife and I share our role as European Coordinators for our organization. We travel constantly. We could not have been able to carry out our ministerial duties without the possibility of our son being at BFA. Our son has treasured his time at BFA.           

How has BFA impacted your child, family, and ministry?

Our son has grown spiritually, emotionally, academically while at BFA. His athletic abilities have greatly improved. He is leaving BFA with much greater maturity, a passion for God, and is well prepared to transition to University studies. BFA provided exactly what he needed at this stage in his life.

What have you appreciated most about BFA?

We appreciate the DEDICATED staff at all levels. When faced with issues regarding discipline, BFA responded with firmness bathed in grace, allowing our son to face painful consequences but given a second chance. As parents, this response reflected the character of BFA, standing for truth extending forgiveness, and accompanying our son on his pursuit of following Christ. We are grateful beyond words for all that BFA has done for our son. THANK YOU!!

Country:  Ukraine

Why did your family decide to send your children to BFA?

We allowed our daughter to go to BFA after eight years of national schools. We felt that she needed to get in touch with her American roots, to be able to function well with English as her academic mother tongue, and to learn how to function in a setting where the values in society are congruent with her parents’ values.

How did BFA meet your needs and/or expectations for your child?

Additionally, we hoped that BFA would be the bridge that our daughter could use to cross over from national schools in Ukraine to University in America. BFA has met or exceeded our expectations.

How has BFA impacted your child, family, and ministry?

BFA has given our daughter the ideal situation to enable her to grow physically, emotionally, and spiritually during the difficult teenage years. We, her parents, have been able to continue in ministry unhindered by over-concern for our daughter’s well-being and with the knowledge that she is in the best place she could be….the place which God had prepared for her in this stage of her life.

Country:  Poland (US Military)

Why did your family decide to send your children to BFA?

It was by far our #1 choice when our daughters needed to be boarded during our assignment to Poland.

How did BFA meet your needs and/or expectations for your child?

They (BFA) exceeded the spiritual and academic expectations for our daughters. They also provided an amazing professional and emotional support network to see our daughters through a difficult transition in Fall 2007.  

How has BFA impacted your child, family, and ministry?

I can’t express adequately….but our children are confident, well-balanced and strong Christians who will meet future challenges – Bfa has “stoked” the fire of Christ in the hearts!!!

What have you appreciated most about BFA?

Loving, caring, support for All children. And administratively “top-notch” and flexible –- it made our jobs as parents as easy as possible.

Country:  France

Why did your family decide to send your children to BFA?

I have got some information about BFA when I was in USA as a research scholar from a former teacher of BFA.

How did BFA meet your needs and/or expectations for your child?

I’m really satisfied with school curriculum and school policy. Teachers are very dedicated and give their all effort to students.

How has BFA impacted your child, family, and ministry?

            My daughter has grown up with balanced of world view.

What have you appreciated most about BFA?

          Encouragement during hardship.

Country:  Germany

Why did your family decide to send your children to BFA?

            We arrived on staff in 2002 and Bryce entered 6^th grade at Sitzenkirch.

How did BFA meet your needs and/or expectations for your child?

After leaving a quality school, we were thankful to find that BFA had a strong academic environment as well as a good “family” feel.

How has BFA impacted your child, family, and ministry?

We have seen our son grow and mature both spiritually and emotionally over his high school years.

What have you appreciated most about BFA?

Our son profited greatly from his small group.

Country:  Not Given

Why did your family decide to send your children to BFA?

After having completed an analysis of schools from Milan to Dublin, we concluded that BFA offered the best combination of academic, social, and spiritual development for our student at a very reasonable cost.

How did BFA meet your needs and/or expectations for your child?

All of our expectations were exceeded and we witnessed the blossoming of our child in every sphere of life.     

How has BFA impacted your child, family, and ministry?

BFA’s greatest impact has been in success in seeing and taking our child’s potential and developing it. It has also provided a broad third culture experience and support for our child and her friends.

What have you appreciated most about BFA?

-          Relationships, Spiritual Emphasis

-          Committed teachers and staff

-          The extra curricular programs

-          The fine arts program

-          Positive academic in life context

Country:  Not Given

Why did your family decide to send your children to BFA?

            The Christian ethos, Christian friends, English speaking

How did BFA meet your needs and/or expectations for your child?

Our daughter had a wonderful experience here. She absolutely loved the Art department. Those teachers so positively influenced her life and future career goals and aspirations. She loved the small group she was a part of and she loved her World Views class. I know that BFA has had a far-reaching impact on her life and given her life long friends and mentors.

How has BFA impacted your child, family, and ministry?

Our oldest attended BFA as a boarding student and our youngest child plans to graduate from here. We have BFA as a family experience now.

What have you appreciated most about BFA?

I’ve appreciated the teachers, the open campus (for parents too now that we’re moved here). There is a tireless devotion to the kids (almost to a fault).

Country:  Not Given

Why did your family decide to send your children to BFA?

We wanted a quality Christian education in English for our daughter. We already knew that BFA was a quality school because her older siblings attended here.

How did BFA meet your needs and/or expectations for your child?

It allowed us to continue our ministry knowing that our daughter was receiving an excellent education in a Christian environment.      

How has BFA impacted your child, family, and ministry?

            Our daughter grew as a believer through her interaction with faculty, staff, and fellow students.

What have you appreciated most about BFA?

Our daughter’s small group leader was superb. She went out of her way to help and befriend her. The Christian life lived out at BFA is superior to what our other children discovered while attending Christian colleges in the USA.

Country:  Hungary

Why did your family decide to send your children to BFA?

            There were no other Christian schools in Europe with dorm accommodations.

How did BFA meet your needs and/or expectations for your child?

            Beyond expectations. It has been excellent for our child. 

How has BFA impacted your child, family, and ministry?

            It has impacted us all very positively.

What have you appreciated most about BFA?

            Our daughter has matured and grown into a lovely lady.

Country:  Not Given

Why did your family decide to send your children to BFA?

            Moved here with IMB for regional leadership work.           

How did BFA meet your needs and/or expectations for your child?

            Personal care; teachers truly care for student. Spiritual growth is high value.

How has BFA impacted your child, family, and ministry?

            Spiritual growth, world view, friendships

What have you appreciated most about BFA?

          Spiritual formation, academics

Country:  Not Given

Why did your family decide to send your children to BFA?

We had home schooled both of our children and felt they needed a couple years of school experience before returning to the States and starting college. We wanted them to also have experience growing socially with their peers.

How did BFA meet your needs and/or expectations for your child?

We are very pleased with both our children’s experience at BFA, both have matured through this experience. We were unsure at first what to expect but feel that BFA definitely met our expectations and even more.         

How has BFA impacted your child, family, and ministry?

Both our children loved it and have grown through this experience. They have become more independent, learned good study habits, and organizational skills. Sending our children to BFA kept us on the mission field longer. We had considered terminating before when our daughter started high school but were able to stay in Italy.

What have you appreciated most about BFA?

We have been so blessed to see how much each staff member of BFA truly care about each student. The dorm parents and RAs take their role seriously and really show love to each of the dorm students. It is just a great community to be in!

Country:  Not Given

Why did your family decide to send your children to BFA?

Our daughter had needs with slow processing which the Discovery program could address. Also, the international school in our capital city would have been too difficult. The spiritual emphasis here is what we wanted for our daughter.

How did BFA meet your needs and/or expectations for your child?

            Our expectations were far exceeded! Our daughter’s needs were fully met.

How has BFA impacted your child, family, and ministry?

Given us a great appreciation for positive relationships and fellowship. Reinforced our belief and faith in scripture and God’s faithfulness.

What have you appreciated most about BFA?

            Positive encouraging atmosphere. Sports programs. Small groups. Discovery program.

Country:  Not Given

Why did your family decide to send your children to BFA?

We wanted the combination of good academics with strong spiritual life. Two visits and info from other parents of students and of grads filled in the details.

How did BFA meet your needs and/or expectations for your child?

1.    there were good academics (teachers syllabus and tests (assignments) that prepared her well for US college (PTL for your teachers and their interest in the students)

2.    She grew tremendously in her faith, both the content/understanding as well as the experience and practice. (PTL for the whole staff!)       

How has BFA impacted your child, family, and ministry?

We have seen tremendous growth in our daughter during her two years here. This has given us confidence about her readiness for college and life in the USA while we continue to serve in overseas missions.

What have you appreciated most about BFA?

            The head and heart balanced approach to Christian life and faith modeled and exemplified by the entire staff. Christ is a passion and purpose that BFA takes seriously.

Country:  Not Given

Why did your family decide to send your children to BFA?

            Educational options were limited and poor.

How did BFA meet your needs and/or expectations for your child?

            You delivered a quality education and demonstrated incarnate theology.

How has BFA impacted your child, family, and ministry?

            He has grown in his faith and grown in his skills to live out his faith from his heart.

What have you appreciated most about BFA?

            Understanding cross-cultural kids. Redemptive ministry. Environments of grace not law.

Country:  Not Given

Why did your family decide to send your children to BFA?

Highly recommended by our fellow workers with the IMB. Our daughter graduated from BFA in 2007. We have three more children to follow her and our son’s path!

How did BFA meet your needs and/or expectations for your child?

In every way I’ve seen our son grow these past two years. Spiritually in his small group I’ve seen huge steps. Leading worship with his chapel band during chapel worship. Singing in the choir also (something he hasn’t done since he was 9 at our last church that we served Stateside). Taking leadership roles on in his dorm. Taking care of some middle school boys in his dorm (French connection) Being a leader on his soccer team et. Growth in every area!       

How has BFA impacted your child, family, and ministry?

My three younger children are counting the days till they’ll be “allowed” to come. Mom and dad see the “nest” emptying too quickly. Just knowing that our children are being encouraged/challenged in every aspect of life lets us concentrate more on our ministry. This institution has also helped our kids put one foot out the door in preparation for leaving the continent and heading to the States for college. This experience has made them so much more confident in life! Praise God!

What have you appreciated most about BFA?

The faithful obedient servants of the Lord who “love” on our children is what makes this “sacred” place so special!      

Country:  Not Given

Why did your family decide to send your children to BFA?

-          Good balanced academic program that we did not have in the field.

-          Good boarding possibilities

-          Many positive words from our older son.         

How did BFA meet your needs and/or expectations for your child?

- We appreciate fully for balanced education program in BFA; physically, emotionally, and

            spiritually.

- We would like to ask you to give additional attention to specific test schedules such as SAT

   tests while you plan senior trip or class parties especially for Juniors and seniors.

How has BFA impacted your child, family, and ministry?

With good academic care and personal and emotional care at dorm. We have been able to focus on ministries in the mission field.

What have you appreciated most about BFA?

Parental devotion and loving care of BFA staff. You have provided many good memories to our boys.

Country:  Not Given

Why did your family decide to send your children to BFA?

BFA is an English language High School with Christian foundations and international involvement. The attitude of teachers is to help students learn and grow academically, socially, and spiritually.

How did BFA meet your needs and/or expectations for your child?

            Provided a caring, supporting environment.           

How has BFA impacted your child, family, and ministry?

            Helped my child to grow well and strongly. Good healthy environment.

What have you appreciated most about BFA?

Sporting opportunities – mentoring – encouragement the child has received.