After visiting 100 schools, Timothy checked all the boxes for the McNally Family.

Tim and Jana McNally never imagined that one school tour would change everything for their family. When they first considered Timothy Christian Schools for their three children—Wilk, Theo, and Zo—they were simply looking for a strong, faith-based education. But what they found was something far beyond their expectations.

“We toured Timothy first,” Tim recalled, “and it felt like we didn’t need to see anything else.” From the moment they walked through the doors, they could sense something different. It wasn’t just the warmth of the staff or the commitment to faith-based education—it was a feeling of home.

For Jana, who has spent decades in education—first as a public school teacher, then as a university professor—the decision carried additional weight. “I’ve been in over a hundred schools across the Chicagoland area,” she shared. “And the moment I walked into Timothy, I knew this was different. It was the best school I had ever walked into.”

She immediately recognized what set Timothy apart. “Everything I teach my students about best practices in education—authentic learning, cooperative learning, early literacy techniques—it was all happening here. I was just blown away.”

“Everything I teach my students about best practices in education—authentic learning, cooperative learning, early literacy techniques—it was all happening here. I was just blown away.”

Still, the McNallys knew enrolling their children would be a significant investment. But when their oldest son, Wilk, started kindergarten at Timothy in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, their decision was solidified. “That first year, everything was shutting down, and our main thought was, ‘How do we make sure we can continue at Timothy?’” Tim said. “That’s how much it meant to us after less than a year.”

The excellence-driven academics at Timothy Christian Schools were another defining factor. Jana saw firsthand how teachers individualized learning to meet each child’s needs. “It’s not just that the academics are strong. It’s how they do it. They truly educate one student at a time,” she said. She watched as teachers seamlessly adjusted instruction to challenge students at every level, ensuring no child felt singled out for struggling—or excelling. “It’s done in such a fluid way, you’d never know who’s in which academic tier,” she explained. “Everyone is just getting exactly what they need.”

Beyond the academics, Timothy nurtured their children’s confidence and character. “Each of our kids has a different personality, and their teachers have helped them discover their gifts and purpose through God,” Jana said. “The confidence they’ve gained—it’s incredible.”

For Wilk, now in 5th grade, that meant growing as both an athlete and a student. He found inspiration in watching Timothy’s varsity athletes pray before games, reinforcing the values his parents had instilled at home. For Theo, who is in 2nd grade, it was teachers who encouraged his interest in both sports and animals, which fostered his love for learning. And for Zo, the youngest and a kindergartner, it was the joy of finally joining a school she had visited in her baby carrier since infancy, surrounded by classmates who had done the same.

The McNallys know Timothy is more than a school—it’s a Christ-centered community that has embraced their entire family. “It’s hard to imagine being anywhere else,” Tim said. “Even when our kids graduate, leaving will be difficult because this place has become a part of us.”

Why the Van Dykes Chose Timothy Over Other Top-Rated Schools

Aryn and Tom Van Dyke’s decision to send their two children, Reese in third grade and Brooklyn in kindergarten, to Timothy Christian Schools was not made lightly. Especially since they live in Wheaton, home to a top-tier public school and other well-regarded Christian schools. However, their commitment to Christ-centered education made Timothy the right choice.

“It was a little bit of a hard choice because we live in a good school district, but we both came from Christian backgrounds and wanted that same foundation for our kids,” Aryn shares. “We wanted their principles at school to align with what they’re learning at home.”

Their decision was about finding an environment that nurtured both academic growth and spiritual development. Timothy fit the bill. Aryn continues, “My dad always said, ‘Do it the right way, not the easy way.’ And we love that Timothy believes in going beyond. We think that supports that standard.”

From the moment they entered Timothy, Aryn and Tom felt a deep sense of peace. “We are confident our girls will receive a rigorous education in an environment that supports their faith,” Aryn says. “The academic rigor at Timothy has really pushed Reese in ways we never expected. It’s amazing to see how much she’s learning.”

“Timothy has been an incredible experience for our family,” Tom says. “It’s not just a school—it’s a community that shares our values and helps our kids grow academically and spiritually.”

What sets Timothy apart for the Van Dykes is its individually-customized approach to learning. At Timothy, each child receives a tailored education to match their unique needs. “The academic experience is not just about pushing students to the next grade level; it’s about meeting them where they are,” Aryn shares. “We appreciate the small reading groups, where children are grouped by ability, ensuring that no child is left behind. Everyone gets the attention they need, and that makes such a difference in their confidence.”

For Tom and Aryn, Timothy’s Biblical worldview is just as important as academic excellence. “We want our kids to be well-rounded—academically, socially, and spiritually—and Timothy is helping make that happen,” Tom explains. “The school values not just academic success, but also kindness, generosity, and spiritual growth.”

This approach has fostered a deep sense of community. “We’ve built this community where you’re excited to raise your kids because we know they’re getting the same values at school that we teach them at home,” Aryn says. “The strong sense of community extends beyond the classroom, providing a network of support that is invaluable.”

For the Van Dykes, Timothy Christian Schools isn’t just where kids learn—it’s a Christ-centered community that shares their values and supports their children’s growth academically, socially, and spiritually. As Aryn puts it, “It’s so comforting to know that the staff, teachers, and other parents are all on the same page.” This unified approach to education and faith gives the Van Dykes the confidence that their children are being prepared not only for academic success, but also as the foundation for their faith.

“Timothy has been an incredible experience for our family,” Tom says. “It’s not just a school—it’s a community that shares our values and helps our kids grow academically and spiritually.”