Meet Mrs. Schlyper & Family
Horizon Christian School was doubly blessed back in January 2021 when Tamara Schlyper became the front desk receptionist at our elementary and middle school. Her two children have since joined the school and we are so happy to have this family as part of our school community. Keep reading to learn a little more about Mrs. Schlyper and why she and her family love Horizon Christian School.
HCS: What influenced your decision to join our school and describe your role and how you serve here?
Mrs. Schlyper: It had always been a dream of mine to work in a school setting alongside my own children, but we never had a firm timeline of when that would happen or where we felt called. We began praying for a door to open for us. One night I decided to browse the Horizon website as I'd always heard great things about the school and had church friends that attended and loved it. I clicked on "Employment" and realized the door the Lord wanted me to walk through was applying for this position! I like to think of my role as manning the Command Center!! My daily tasks range anywhere from attendance and general clerical work, to nurse and ad-lib counselor. As the first person you see when you enter our school, I love that I get to warmly welcome parents and students alike. My goal is to know every student's name and I'm happy to report that I'm nearly there! 
HCS: What key factors influenced your choice to enroll your child at Horizon Christian School?
Mrs. Schlyper: We wanted a place where our children were more than just a number, but rather are treated as unique individuals with limitless potential. Horizon teachers struck us as being motivated and engaged in their classrooms - which was a dramatic difference from what we were experiencing in public school during 2020. Even with the challenges of COVID, at Horizon Christian we saw teachers lifting that burden from students and renewing a sense of normalcy to their classrooms. We also noticed (and appreciated) the emphasis that teachers and staff put on teaching and cultivating Christian principles in a secular world.
HCS: Has Horizon Christian lived up to your expectations both as an employee and a parent?
Mrs. Schlyper: Everything we had hoped and prayed for with our transition to Horizon has come to fruition. We have teachers that actively champion our children’s success. We have staff that are dedicated to the school and its mission statement, and who work unbelievably hard to keep our kids in the best learning environment possible. We have parents who partner with the school to cultivate beneficial and harmonious relationships. We could not be happier.
HCS: How has Horizon Christian helped your children adjust to their new school?
Mrs. Schlyper: From day one, the administrators, teachers, and aides all went out of their way to welcome our children and create a smooth transition for them. One of the best ways they did this was by simply getting to know our kids and taking the time to truly invest in who they are as individuals. Now, they walk into school every day feeling confident because they are secure in their place at Horizon.
HCS: What has been some of your most memorable moments at Horizon Christian so far?
Mrs. Schlyper: I loved touring both the 2nd grade country projects and 3rd grade state projects. I made it a point to stop by each child's work and ask at least one question.They were all so proud of their work, which was such a strong reflection of the dedication these teachers had to engaging them in this assignment. Their excited squeals when they saw me approaching, "Mrs. Schlyper! Come check out Sweden! And China! And North Dakota!" are happy memories I will always hold dear in my heart.
HCS: What has been your children's most memorable moments so far at Horizon Christian?
Mrs. Schlyper: Chapel! Getting to worship alongside friends and teachers/aides has been very meaningful for both of our kids. They always have a LOT to share around the dinner table on Chapel Wednesdays.
HCS: In your opinion what do students get at Horizon Christian that they will not get somewhere else?
Mrs. Schlyper: Class sizes that promote one-on-one learning, individual attention, and relationship building. My kids love coming to school not just because of their friends, but also because of a loving staff that makes them feel like they are at home. Staff that nurtures their faith! 
HCS: What would you tell a family/parent contemplating whether to enroll their student at Horizon Christian School?
Mrs. Schlyper: As someone who both works at the school and has children attending, I can say with confidence that this school is exactly the place where we want our children to learn and grow. The integrity of the staff and teachers, the dedication from all levels of employees, and the commitment to putting Christ first is front and center in all we do. I'm so grateful to be a part of the Horizon family. As an employee, I can confidently say that after seeing what goes on "behind the scenes," I am so thankful that my children attend this school. I don't think a day goes by that I don't proclaim, "I love the Horizon team!"
