Education has always been a cornerstone of community and personal development, but what happens when access is limited by financial and geographic barriers? Enter Josh Dyson, a man on a mission to transform the educational landscape through the C5 Urban School Initiative.
From Headmaster to Visionary Leader
After serving as the headmaster of the Classical School of Wichita for nearly 11 years, Josh Dyson felt a stirring in his heart. This wasn’t a simple career shift; it was a calling. “What is God asking of me?” became the question that propelled him into uncharted territory.
The answer came in the form of a radical initiative: C5 Urban School Initiative, a network of schools designed to make classical Christian education accessible to underserved communities. Dyson’s journey began with Hope Academy, a prototype school in Wichita, Kansas, that seeks to redefine what affordable, high-quality education looks like.
The C5 Urban School Initiative: Five Core Pillars
Josh’s vision is rooted in five “C’s” that define the C5 Urban School Initiative:
Classical: Anchored in time-tested educational principles.
Christian: Integrating faith into every aspect of learning.
Church: Partnering with local congregations to serve their communities.
Community: Ensuring education is accessible within walking distance.
Commission: Driven by the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations.
This holistic approach aims to restore education as a mission field, empowering churches to take a leading role in their neighborhoods.
A Bold Model for Accessibility
One of the most striking elements of Dyson’s plan is his commitment to making education financially accessible. By leveraging a sponsorship model inspired by Hope Academy in Minneapolis, the initiative aims to reduce tuition for low-income families by up to 97%. For some, this could mean paying as little as $38 per month.
But Dyson knows it’s not just about money. Transportation, location, and community involvement are also key barriers. That’s why Hope Academy is being planted within walking distance of underserved neighborhoods, ensuring that students can access education without logistical hurdles.
The Role of the Church
Josh Dyson firmly believes that education is a legacy of the church. Historically, churches pioneered education for the poor, but many have since stepped back, allowing the government to fill the gap. “Public education exists today because of the church’s legacy,” Dyson explains.
Hope Academy serves as a prototype for how churches can reclaim this mission. By opening their doors for weekday use, churches can transform into centers of learning and discipleship, impacting generations to come.
A Call to Action
With over 50 million students in public schools across the U.S., the need for accessible, values-driven education is urgent. Dyson challenges pastors, parents, and church leaders to reimagine what’s possible when the church steps into the educational arena.
For those interested in supporting this movement, there are three ways to get involved:
Open Your Doors: Allow your church to host or start a school.
Sponsor a School: Provide financial assistance to support operational costs.
Fund Scholarships: Help students access Christian education by covering tuition costs.
Hope for the Future
The C5 Urban School Initiative is not just about building schools—it’s about building a movement. A movement that puts faith into action, empowers underserved communities, and reclaims education as a mission of the church.
As Dyson puts it: “Education is the legacy of the church… Let’s reclaim it.”
Learn more about the C5 Urban School Initiative on their website or explore Hope Academy at hopeacademywichita.com. This blog post was generated from the following episode of the WISE and Otherwise Podcast with Dalena Wallace. Find more at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wiseandotherwise
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