Testimonials
Read what others have to say about TPS and our courses. Use the dropdown to show a sampling of all the testimonials or filter to get a sampling for each subject. Select “TPS” to see general comments. Visit our Subject Planner to learn more about the curriculum and core courses for each subject.
Subject:“I would wholeheartedly recommend TPS English 1. My writing has improved tremendously because of this course. I do not fear writing anymore, and I feel more comfortable when I sit down to write. The teachers for this course are absolutely awesome. They took the time go over the material in detail and to encourage me. TPS English 1 is a great course for anyone struggling and uncomfortable with writing, as well as those who just need to polish their skills.”
Michael G (student – English 1)
“This course offers a healthy balance between learning British history (covering over 1,300 years of literature) and continuing the practice of writing composition. Through reading and discussion, the teacher guides students in reading literature and interpreting it correctly. I recommend this course to any student that wants an exciting change in their studies.”
Mya M (student – British Literature)
“I really enjoyed the reading material that we covered in this class. It was very interesting and made learning about the topics fun.”
Elle B (student – Elementary Humanities: History and Literature of the United States)
“…my ACT test returned with a perfect score in English. Wow!”
Hannah M (student)
“This course changed the way I view writing and the power of words. The teacher chose a wonderful collection essays for us to read during the week, and our in-class discussions always provided a gateway to deeper conversations about literature, etymology, and even theology or philosophy. These energetic discussions and lectures always lifted my spirits about the difficult and demanding task of preparing for the AP exam. I can say, without a doubt, that this has been my favorite composition course out of the past four years of literature and writing courses at The Potter’s School. I would highly recommend this course to any ambitious students out there who want to transform their essays and writing strategies while exploring the diverse world of non-fiction.”
Natalie A (student – AP English Language and Composition)
“This course really teaches a lot! This remarkable class taught me about important people, kingdoms and empires. We also learned a lot of new vocabulary! The class gave me a full picture of life in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Israel, Greece, and Rome. Sometimes, we even played review games to go over our last unit! People might say history is boring, but in reality it can be fun.”
Benjamin W (student – Elementary Humanities: History and Literature of the Ancient World)
“TPS Western Literature has been one of the most influential classes I’ve ever taken. The teacher has fostered in me a newfound love for writing and appreciation for meaningful prose. In observing the different styles of literature, from the adventurous works of Homer and Mark Twain to the deeper, meaningful compositions of Shakespeare and Wolf, I understand more fully the effects literature has had in the course of Western Civilization – first how it is influenced by the current ideas of the time it was written, and second how it will influence the next generation of thought and communication. If you want to develop a sense of appreciation for fine literature, writing and the “grand conversation,” take this class!”
Christian C (student – Western Literature)
“This class showed me that children’s literature isn’t just fiction, but you can find many important themes and ideas in children’s books. Most people tend to overlook the power of children’s literature, but by taking this class I have learned lessons that have deeper meanings when analyzed carefully.”
Emma W (student – Children’s Literature)
“TPS English has been a giant blessing for me. Not only is the environment safe, fun, and godly, but the curriculum and teaching style I have experienced makes the courses the most enjoyable and instructive classes I’ve ever taken. I used to earn consistently low grades in writing, but after just a couple short years I’m earning much higher scores on a weekly basis. Thank you TPS English!”
Gabriel B (student)
“I would wholeheartedly recommend TPS English 1. My writing has improved tremendously because of this course. I do not fear writing anymore, and I feel more comfortable when I sit down to write. The teachers for this course are absolutely awesome. They took the time go over the material in detail and to encourage me. TPS English 1 is a great course for anyone struggling and uncomfortable with writing, as well as those who just need to polish their skills.”
Michael G (student – English 1)
“Our students have taken TPS English and Math (and more) starting at elementary age. We love the rigor of the courses and the biblical worldview. We have seen fabulous SAT Reading/Writing test scores (750 out of 800, in grade 8) and Math Level 2 SAT Subject Test (800 out of 800!). We plan for our youngest to start TPS English and Math as soon as he is old enough.”
Kim H (parent)
“This course is a great way to get both English and History. Yes, there may be two classes per week, but the homework is less than what it would be if you took English and History separately. And the teachers are AMAZING.”
Isaak J (student – Medieval, Renaissance, Reformation History, Literature and Composition)
“TPS English has enabled our children to achieve excellence in grammar and composition. The high quality of the instruction and assignments has enabled our children to make vast improvements in their ability to be independent writers.
Overall, the TPS English teachers provide an outstanding, high level of detailed corrections to our children’s writing to constantly help them improve. Our children have learned logical, systematic paragraph development and how to clearly explain their ideas in writing through this process. Our children will be well prepared to be independent thinkers and writers in college and beyond.”
Chris P (parent)
“…every class is taught from a biblical perspective, integrating truth from Scripture into the material…
…every teacher I’ve had is enthusiastic about what he or she teaches, and I can tell the love they have for the material, for teaching it, and for those they are teaching…
…and now in English 6 my writing has reached excellence I would never have dreamed of…
…through TPS I’ve met some phenomenal people and made strong friendships…”
Victoria M (student)
“In just two semesters I’ve seen myself grow so much in how effective I am at formulating a true argument. The teacher gives excellent and specific feedback and tips regarding how to improve upon a student’s writing, leading me personally to not only be better at how my arguments “sound,” but also in how I understand the art of rhetoric. Not only has my writing improved, but so has my speech and ability to think quickly. I’m a competitor in a national speech and debate league, and my understanding of argumentation, how to use pathos, ethos, and logos, has spilled over into my success in debate. Through AP Language, I’ve had the privilege of developing my skills so I can communicate better and be more confident in my articulation.”
Kaitlin L (student – AP English Language and Composition)
“Out of all the English/Writing courses I have ever done, this one, by far, exceeds all. The course forces students to step out of their comfort zones and challenges them to find their voices as writers. For those looking for the best class to strengthen their writing abilities, look no further!”
Ethan B (student – Advanced Composition)
“This course shed a whole new light on History and English for me. Rather than just throwing out a bunch of names, dates, and facts for rote memorization, this class focused on truly understanding the history and the reasons behind the history. As we traced important events and movements throughout the years, we discovered how each event connected with the others and the causes and effects of these events. At the end of the school year I found myself amazed at how perfectly everything we learned fit together. We were able to trace the historical and cultural developments in literature and see the connections between the two. Rather than just knowing that the history happened, we actually studied and discussed it and truly learned to understand it. Additionally, this course matured my writing in ways I never expected. We learned to go beyond the basic five paragraph essay and explored new and deeper methods and styles of writing. This class taught me in a fun, engaging, and effective way, and was truly one of my favorite TPS experiences.”
Olivia B (student – Modern History, Literature and Composition)
“College British Literature has been one of the most interesting literature courses that I’ve taken. Though British literature can be daunting and hard to understand at times, the teacher guided us through from the Anglo-Saxons to the Modernists with confidence and ease. I’m happy to say that Areopagitica by Milton changed my mind, and that the War poets and the Modernists helped me think about life in a different way. I’ve learned the difference between the Romance and the Romantics, and exactly why Shakespeare was such a genius. If you want to laugh, get excited, be challenged, and learn a lot—this course is for you.”
Acacia L (student – College British Literature)
“Why would I recommend AP Lit and Comp? Oh let me count the ways… Actually I think I’ll narrow it down to a couple main reasons: 1. Literature analysis – honestly I saw this class less as AP Test Prep and more like AP Book Club. We spent the entire year diving deep into difficult books. Of course we parsed through the literary devices, but we also dug into the authors’ motivations, and how even these snapshots of the depravity of man testify to the goodness and grace of God. 2. Writing analysis – being an AP class, we definitely did our fair share of writing. I appreciated the rigor of the practice quizzes and practice free-response questions we were given, as well as frequent opportunity to write longer analyses. The teacher’s loving feedback helped shape us into sophisticated writers ready to tackle the test!”
Alyssa K (student – AP English Literature and Composition)
“From the first class, I knew that I chose the right course. I loved the class environment and how much student participation there was. Also, I enjoyed the literature and history texts that we read. It was engaging and very interesting. I learned so much from the feedback and comments, and through that process I have become a much better writer.”
Gabriela Z (student – American History, Literature and Composition)
“College American Literature is a thrilling course that pulls together different forms of literature from the Federalists Papers to The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to poems of Walt Whitman. It is an especially great class to take alongside a U.S. History course as students will be able to read firsthand accounts through this class of the history they learn about. Additionally, this course has interesting paper assignments that allow students to dive deeper into American literature and the history surrounding it. Overall I highly recommend College American Literature.”
Makenna M (student – College American Literature)
“Advanced Composition takes a writer and gives him experience and ability. It first focuses on improving the basic writing skills necessary, then moves on to the fun part of growing him as a writer. I disliked writing before I took this course; now I love it.”
David C (student – Advanced Composition)
“Leaving TPS, I was well-prepared for my college level writing courses and today I am the go-to proofreader at work.”
Amanda M (alumnus)
“The College Composition class has greatly improved my writing this year. I came in with little confidence as a writer and found myself very nervous about the class. The teacher worked to help me increase my confidence and to provide feedback that elevated my style of writing. After this class, I now feel ready to attend college next year with confidence that I have the foundation I need to be successful in my college writing courses. I would highly recommend this class to anyone.”
Rachel C (student – College Composition)
“My first TPS class was Writer’s Workshop in 6th grade. I proceeded to take four more years of TPS English, among other courses, before attending a rigorous college prep boarding school and then Wheaton College, where I majored in (you guessed it) English. My TPS courses set me up exceptionally well for a successful academic experience by teaching me not merely quality course content, but also independent study skills. Though I never would have guessed it back in 6th grade, it only makes sense that I’ve returned to TPS as an English teacher, passing on those same lessons and skills to the next generation.”