Parents of Timothy alumni, Joel and Jill Rhiner attended back-to-back graduation ceremonies this spring for two of their three sons. Their middle son, Jared, graduated from Northwestern Law School, which is ranked 13th in the nation according to US News and World Report. And their youngest, Jack, graduated with a degree in finance from the University of Arizona, ranked #20 for public undergraduate business programs according to US News and World Report. Leading the way was Justin, the oldest Rhiner son, graduating from Texas Christian University in 2018 and well into his career at the Oak Brook-based Hub Group. 

The Rhiner boys’ success doesn’t end there. Jared, who also has an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering from the University of Wisconsin, was recently recruited by Chicago-based legal giant, Kirkland & Ellis, in their intellectual property litigation group. And Jack, fresh out of college, landed a job working in the futures markets at StoneX Group, a Fortune 500 global financial services company. 

Would they sacrifice academic rigor at Timothy for a Christ-centered environment? The answer: A resounding no. “The sweetest surprise of all was that we could have both,” Jill said. “Timothy has a strong academic program and a Christ-centered environment. There’s no trade-off.”

So how did the Rhiner boys manage to not only get accepted to top-tier universities, then land impressive jobs? It goes without saying that all three have immense drive, intellect, and glowing test scores. But, their mother, Jill, credits their success back to the caring, committed teachers at Timothy Christian High School. 

It’s easy for Jill to look back and see the turning point, not only for her boys, but for the whole family. In 2010, the boys were enrolled in the local public school and doing, as Jill recalled, just fine. While the public school had a challenging program of academics, something was missing. So as Justin entered high school, the Rhiners started investigating other options.

“We wanted the boys in a smaller environment where they could be more involved,” Joel recalled. “We also wanted them to have a Christ-centered education that would set a firm foundation for the rest of their lives,” Jill added. 

They found it at Timothy Christian Schools. “We instantly liked the positive environment,” Jill said. “It was evident that every teacher loved the Lord.” 

But still, she had a gnawing worry. Would they sacrifice academic rigor for a Christ-centered environment? 

The answer: A resounding no. “The sweetest surprise of all was that we could have both,” Jill said. “Timothy has a strong academic program and a Christ-centered environment. There’s no
trade-off.” 

Pictured from left-to-right: Jared, Joel, Jill, Jack, and Justin

The boys thrived at Timothy. They loaded their schedules up with AP and honors classes. Because Timothy was smaller, the boys had opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities that they may not have been able to at a larger public high school. They found their spot in athletics, making lifelong friendships along the way.

To her delight, Jill watched her boys develop academically, spiritually, and socially. “Christ-centered education is an investment in who your child will become as an adult,” Jill explained. “Not only did my boys get a foundation in faith, but their confidence as well as their abilities were strengthened through their entire time at Timothy. The teachers and coaches prepared and supported them every step of the way.” 

“We found parents who wanted their children to succeed and do well, yet still be grounded in the Word of God — and for us that was awesome.”

But Jill and her husband also found their spot in the Timothy community. 

“Timothy was just a better fit for us too,” Jill said. “We found parents who wanted their children to succeed and do well, yet still be grounded in the Word of God — and for us that was awesome.” 

Both Joel and Jill served on the school board. Jill also became deeply involved in Moms in Prayer, which meets once a week to pray for Timothy students, staff, and families. Jill has been involved with Moms in Prayer over 10 years. “We prayed for my kids all through high school. We prayed for them all through college,” Jill said. “Now they’re all in careers, and I’m still praying with Moms in Prayer.” 

All three boys are Timothy graduates: Justin in 2014, Jared in 2016, and Jack in 2019. Although it’s been four years since Jill has had any kids at Timothy, she still feels deeply connected to Timothy and credits Timothy’s teachers for setting up her boys for future success. 

“I would say they were absolutely academically prepared for top-tier colleges coming from Timothy,” Jill says. “With all of the Advanced Placement classes and the support of the teachers, they couldn’t have done any better going to college.” 

Now with all three sons launched into careers, Jill only has one regret. “I wish we would have moved them to Timothy sooner.”