Rachel Erickson has been named the new head of school at the Whitefish Christian Academy.

She replaces Hal Brunson, who will remain at the academy teaching middle-school humanities and continuing to oversee the school's efforts in earning accreditation through the Association of Christian Schools International. Erickson also will assist in that effort.

"He and I will be working closely together as we have been for three years," Erickson said. She previously served as the assistant head of school and director of admissions from August 2017 through June 2021.

Erickson started working at the private Christian school in 2010 as a second-grade teacher.

"I have a really good understanding of where the school has been, academically speaking, from a classroom perspective and how far it's come and the direction it needs to go," she said. "I can relate with teachers, empathize with them and strategize with them.

"In addition to being a teacher and administrator, I am also a parent," she added. "I have two children who attend the school."

Erickson holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Montana State University. She earned a certificate in school management and leadership from Harvard Business School in July 2021.

In the coming school year, she looks forward to rolling out a new reading curriculum and welcoming new teaching staff.

"We'll also keep rolling out Singapore Math curriculum," she said, referring to a teaching strategy that emphasizes understanding of mathematical concepts rather than memorization of formulas.

She also described the school's mission to help children develop spiritually as well as intellectually, "to send these kids out in the world and transform our culture."

"Our end goal is to give these kids the life skills and critical thinking skills to think for themselves," Erickson said.

Erickson said the Whitefish Christian Academy seeks to meet the needs of each student through smaller class sizes and more one-on-one time with teachers.

"Overall, my biggest goal right now is to build a safe and fun culture for students and teachers, and make sure the kids are reaching their academic potential," she said.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 406-758-4431 or [email protected].