Foster Family Profile - Isaac Newton Christian Academy

Foster Family Profile

Chris and Susan Foster met as students at the University of Iowa, where they were cheerleading partners for the Hawkeyes! They have been married for 17 years. Though neither of them attended Christian schools growing up, through prayer and discussion they developed a strong conviction that a Christian education was what they wanted for their children.

“A friend described Isaac Newton as his children’s' training ground before going ‘out in the world.’ We began to see the progression of a solid spiritual and academic foundation being laid and supported at Isaac Newton, then going on to a public high school which would be more ‘in the world’ while still living under our roof, and then on to college,” explained Chris.

“We also had the opportunity to hear John Stonestreet (Executive Director of Summit Ministries, a biblical worldview training organization) speak at an Isaac Newton banquet as well as at our church a few times,” said Susan. “After hearing him speak at the banquet about how vital it is to teach children the Christian biblical worldview of every area of life, we drove away, and with tears in his eyes, Chris said, "How could we not send our children to Isaac Newton?"

The Fosters point to teachers who teach and model Christian behavior as a strength of the Academy. “They help our children to learn and work through conflicts with Christ at the center, just like at home and at church,” said Susan. “They are learning that God is not in a Sunday box; He is with us in every single aspect of our lives, every day.”

Chris has found a great fit for serving at Isaac Newton as treasurer on the Board of Directors. As a research analyst at Aegon, he uses his accounting background to help the school steward its financial resources, and helps shape the vision for the Academy. With two children at the school, Chris is well aware of the financial sacrifice families make to send their children to Isaac Newton, and he is committed to careful financial oversight in every area of the Academy.

“I have developed some great relationships on the Board and feel like I am much more in touch with the families and staff at the school,” he said. Susan adds that it is important for their children to see dad serving and the importance he places on Christian education.

Susan, who taught middle school math and science for eight years in the Des Moines area, is currently a stay-at-home mom, but volunteers extensively at the school, and is the President of PTF (Parent Teacher Fellowship) this year.

“I am very detail/task-oriented and feel compelled to serve. Isaac Newton is a great place for me to have some ‘jobs’ that meet my need to complete tasks outside of the home as well as serve the families and staff there,” she said. “It connects me at the school, so I know people and feel very much a part of the family here. It also gives my children the chance to see their mom serving others, as Jesus modeled for us. We have a phenomenal army of volunteers that play an integral part of what the school is able to offer. Volunteers are viewed as valued partners on the education team and bring a wealth of experience and talents that help move the school forward,” she said

So what do the Fosters enjoy doing as a family? They love Wednesday Family Night at their church, New Covenant Bible Church, and enjoy having great family nights of their own. Some of their favorites are game night, picnic/play-at-the-park night, putt-putt golf night, and movie night. They attend Family Camp each Labor Day in northeast Iowa with some other families, and they love to go to Galena to see the changing colors in the fall, something that has become a family tradition.

“Soccer is something we enjoy a lot,” said Chris. “The boys play, I coach, mom cheers, and Alivia hangs out with her ‘sisters’ on the sideline. Dirt bikes are a new interest of ours in the past year. I ride with the boys and we’ve managed to survive with just a few crashes!”

“What a blessing the Academy has been for our family,” concluded Susan. “There is nothing more powerful than walking with Jesus, and this school consistently points our children to the Lord.”