The “Allegory of the Cave” in Book VII of Plato’s Republic is about the nature of education. Plato describes a scene where prisoners are chained to a wall at the bottom of a cave. Behind the wall is a fire shining light onto the wall that the prisoners are facing. Between the fire and the wall people manipulate puppets and dance them around, broadcasting shadows on the wall that the prisoners can see, and this is all they can see.

Plato likens this state of being to that of humanity. Specifically, we humans are born and then continue in life to see shadows rather than that which is really real. For Plato, it is the educator’s role to release those prisoners and lead them up and out of the cave so they can begin to see what is really real—more importantly, so they can see that which is true, good, and beautiful, as opposed to seeing mere shadows.

When discussing this with our team, one thing struck me: I am prone to seeing shadows. In other words, I often live and think in such a way that I miss seeing what is true, good, and beautiful. More importantly, I miss seeing the ONE who is true, good, and beautiful. It reminded me of a quote from St. Augustine: “You have made us for yourself, Oh Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you” (Confessions). My heart is often restless, even though I know WHO will put it to rest. This is why we need one another.

At Hill Country, this is our goal. We want everything we do to be aimed at helping our students (and ourselves) see what is true, good, and beautiful. Most importantly, we want them to see the ONE who is perfectly true, perfectly good, and perfectly beautiful. Yes, we want them to learn algebra, and while they are learning algebra, we want them to see beauty and order embedded in creation by a perfect and orderly Creator. And we need others’ help to do this well.

As a parent, this is why I’m thankful to partner with this school. This is also why, as an educator, I am grateful to be partnering with all of you to help your children come to know, love, and serve their Lord and Savior.

With you in Christ,

Eric DeVries, Head of School