About Rivendell Academy
Rivendell was founded in 2026 by Kate Santana, an educator and homeschool mom who fell in love with teaching first and then with true, classical education, rooted in wonder and imagination, forming the whole person to love and commune with God.
Rivendell offers something unique in the Lehigh Valley and beyond - a hybrid homeschool program deeply rooted in “The Great Tradition,” which is our Christian heritage, passed down to us through millennia.
It is our deep desire to come alongside what you are already doing at home to disciple your children, providing a rich academic experience that will enhance their overall education.
We are partners with you - not replacing you, but working with you to form your children in virtue, in knowledge, and in wisdom.
We use The Children’s Tradition curriculum, which is quite different than other “classical” models like Classical Conversations. You’ll find our curriculum very similar to that of those using a Charlotte Mason approach at home. Families who join our program receive TCT - usually $250 - for just $25.
It is our goal that the families who join Rivendell are supported in understanding the philosophy, in making curriculum decisions for their own family, and in bringing truth, goodness, and beauty into their homeschool.
Rivendell Statement of Faith:
In keeping with our mission to provide a Christ-centered education, we affirm the following foundational truths of the Christian faith.
The Holy Scriptures
We believe the Bible is the inspired, authoritative Word of God. It reveals His character, His purposes, and His design for humanity, providing the foundation for faith, life, and instruction.
The Triune God
We believe there is one eternal God who exists in three distinct Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Together, they are one God, equal in glory, power, and majesty.
Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, fully God and fully man. Through His sinless life, sacrificial death, and bodily resurrection, He made salvation available to all who place their faith in Him.
The Value and Dignity of Every Person
Because every human being is created in the image of God, each person possesses inherent worth and dignity. This value is not earned or dependent upon age, ability, background, achievements, or circumstances, but is bestowed by God Himself. We affirm that every person, just by virtue of the fact that they exist, deserves to be treated with dignity and given the opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Loving Our Neighbor
Jesus taught that the greatest commandments are to love God wholeheartedly and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Biblical love calls believers to protect the vulnerable, pursue righteousness, and extend grace while remaining faithful to God's truth.
Love and Truth
We believe that genuine Christian love can never be separated from biblical truth. Jesus is described as being full of both grace and truth, and He taught that God's truth brings genuine freedom.
As followers of Christ, we seek to speak the truth with love, demonstrating compassion without compromising Scripture. True freedom is found in God's truth, and authentic love is expressed through faithful obedience to Him.
Christian Community
Scripture calls believers to love one another sincerely, deeply, and consistently. The love described in God's Word is patient, kind, humble, forgiving, and selfless. It rejoices in what is true, bears burdens willingly, hopes faithfully, and perseveres through hardship.
Without this Christlike love, even great knowledge, remarkable accomplishments, or impressive faith have little value. Therefore, Rivendell Academy seeks to cultivate a community marked by humility, grace, mutual encouragement, and servant-hearted love.
Biblical Understanding of Marriage and Human Sexuality
Our understanding of marriage and human sexuality is rooted in the teachings of Scripture.
We believe that God created mankind for a relationship with Himself and with one another. Human flourishing is found in living according to His design.
Because sin entered the world, every part of human life, including our relationships and sexuality, has been affected by brokenness. All people are in need of God's grace and redemption through Jesus Christ.
We believe God established marriage as a lifelong covenant between one biological man and one biological woman. Within this covenant, sexual intimacy is God's good and intended design.
Accordingly, we believe that sexual activity outside the covenant of biblical marriage is inconsistent with God's design for His people. As Christians, we are called to pursue holiness in every area of life while extending grace, compassion, and the hope of the gospel to all people.
We believe that restoration is found only through Jesus Christ. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He offers reconciliation to those who place their faith in Him, for we are saved by grace through faith.
Have Questions? Let’s Talk
Send us a quick note — we’re excited to help you in your homeschooling journey.