Individually-Customized Education Powers Academic Growth

When Terrance and Jessica Garmon noticed their daughter was reading chapter books at the age of three, they began looking for a school that could truly nurture her gifts. Jessica recalls, “In preschool [before she was enrolled at Timothy], we had trouble keeping her engaged because she was well ahead of her peers. But at Timothy, she is continually stretched in meaningful ways that keep her excited to learn.”

Their son Davis’ story unfolded differently. Born with vocal cord paralysis, his earliest days included extended hospital visits, countless tests, and many sleepless nights. Jess reflects, “It makes me emotional to see how far he has come. There was a time when he could barely cry. Now, by the grace of God, his speech is clear and strong, and both cords function perfectly.”

That desire to find a school that could meet the unique needs of both children ultimately led the Garmons to Timothy. “We visited so many schools,” Jess explains, “but Timothy just felt right. We could sense the difference.”

Terrance adds, “It was not only the facilities. It was the students. They were warm, personable, giving me high fives in the hallway. Everyone seemed joyful. Our kids are energetic and full of personality, and we wanted a place where we would be welcomed and feel celebrated.”

Today, Tyler is in second grade and Davis is in first grade, and both are thriving within Timothy’s faith-centered, individualized approach to education. The Garmons also have three other children, including one in preschool, as well as newborn twins, so they understand firsthand the importance of finding a school partner they can trust.

Jess reflects, “We did not always know how to guide a child reading at three, or how best to support Davis after all he went through. Timothy has walked alongside us in ways that matter. They are helping our children grow in wisdom, confidence, and faith, and that is a gift we treasure deeply.”

MTSS: The Engine Behind Academic Growth

Stories like the Garmons’ are not exceptions—they’re the result of Timothy’s proven academic model. At the heart of Timothy’s classroom is MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Support), which ensures that every student receives just right instruction. Here’s how it works: MTSS includes targeted small-group instruction and six-week data reviews on every K–6 student. Teachers adapt instruction dynamically, re-grouping students, and refining lessons based on what the data reveals. At its core, MTSS is a framework that combines universal screening with targeted instruction. That data fuels Timothy’s half-day Data Day meetings, where classroom teachers, interventionists, and administrators gather around laptops—snacks and spreadsheets in tow—to place every elementary student into one of eight to ten carefully calibrated reading and math groups. Groups meet three days a week for 30–35 minutes. With nine adults available during that instructional block—including two veteran reading specialists—Timothy keeps its most intensive intervention groups to just four students or fewer. On-level and extension groups rarely exceed twelve. This structure turns a busy grade level into a setting where each child experiences personal attention. 

A Partnership

For the Garmons, Timothy’s MTSS model has been transformative. “Davis used to be a man of few words,” Terrance shares. “Now he is flourishing. And Tyler, who might have been restless somewhere else, is challenged and engaged. Timothy helps both of them grow in the ways they need most.”

Jess agrees. “The beauty is in how seamless it feels. You cannot tell who is getting extra help or who is working ahead. Every child is simply learning at the pace that is right for them.”

That partnership has led not only to academic progress but also to a deeper sense of joy and confidence. “As parents, our prayer has always been that our kids would know who they are in Christ, be stretched, and continue to grow,” Jess says. “Timothy has walked alongside us in that journey, and for our family, it has been such a blessing. It is hard to picture being anywhere else.”