Choosing a Private Christian School in Montgomery County: 5 Tips from Dock Admissions

 

Choosing a school is about much more than comparing academic programs, extracurricular activities, or college outcomes. Families are choosing a community where their children will spend some of the most formative years of their lives.

For Sarah Rosenberger ('91), that is one reason she believes families considering Dock Mennonite Academy should experience the school for themselves.

Sarah begins the 2026–27 school year in a new full-time role as Associate Director of Admissions, transitioning from her previous responsibilities as Assistant Principal on Dock's EC–8 campus and Admissions Associate. Her connection to Dock, however, goes back much further. Sarah is a 1991 Dock graduate who also spent 10 years teaching on Dock’s EC–8 campus, giving her a unique perspective as both an alum and longtime educator within the community.

What should families look for when choosing a private Christian school? Sarah encourages parents to go beyond websites and brochures and experience the school community firsthand.

As Sarah begins this new role, we asked what advice she would give families exploring a private Christian school in Montgomery County and what she hopes they experience when they come to Dock. Her first piece of advice is simple: come and see for yourself!

1. Experience the Dock Community for Yourself

"Experience our school for yourself," Sarah encourages families. "Come for a tour and please ask any/every question that you have as a family."

A website can introduce families to Dock's academics, athletics, arts, faith integration, and other opportunities, but visiting campus provides a different perspective. A tour allows families to walk through classrooms and gathering spaces, meet teachers and students, and begin to experience the relationships and sense of community that are central to a Dock education.

And Sarah encourages families to come with questions. Choosing a school is an important decision, and the admissions process should give families the opportunity to learn whether Dock is the right fit for their child.

Families can contact the Admissions Office to arrange an individual campus tour. (Schedule a Visit or Request Information)

2. Bring Your Child—and Even the Grandparents!

Sarah also encourages parents not to experience Dock alone.

"Bring your child along for a tour," she says. "Grandparents are always welcome as well!"

Choosing a school is a family decision, and allowing children to participate in the process can help them begin imagining themselves as part of the community. They can see the classrooms, explore the campus, meet teachers, and get a feel for what everyday life at Dock might be like.

For Sarah, welcoming families is particularly meaningful because she once experienced Dock as a student herself. Some of the experiences that shaped her remain important today. When asked about her favorite Dock tradition, her answer comes quickly: singing together in chapel.

Learn more about chapels at Dock in the article, “Why Chapel Matters: How Students Grow in Faith at Dock Mennonite Academy”

Chapel is one small example of the shared experiences that help make a Mennonite Christ-centered education distinctive. At Dock Mennonite Academy, faith formation is not limited to chapel, Bible class, or special spiritual activities. It is woven into the life of the school as students learn, build relationships, discover their gifts, serve others, and grow in their understanding of what it means to follow Jesus Christ.

3. Experience a Day in the Life of a Dock Student

For families exploring First Grade through High School, Sarah recommends taking the experience one step further.

"Schedule a visit day for your child so they can experience a day in the life of a Dock student."

A student visit provides something even a great campus tour cannot fully replicate: the opportunity to actually participate in the community. Prospective students can attend classes, meet potential classmates and teachers, experience lunch and other parts of the school day, and discover what learning at Dock feels like.

For a child who may be nervous about changing schools, that experience can also make the possibility of attending somewhere new feel much more familiar.

Scheduled High School Visitation Days include: 

• Monday, October 12
• Monday, November 16
• Monday, December 7
• Friday, January 8
• Friday, February 12
• Monday, March 15
• Friday, April 16
• Monday, May 17

Elementary and Middle School families can contact the Admissions Office to arrange an individual student visit day.(Schedule a Visit or Request Information)

4. Discover Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

"Consider the opportunities Dock has to offer your child," Sarah says. "Attend one of our concerts, musicals, or athletic events."

Academics are an important part of choosing a private Christian school, but much of a student's growth happens through experiences beyond traditional classroom learning. Athletics, music, theater, service, leadership, chapel, Mini-Term, and other activities provide opportunities for students to discover their gifts, develop relationships, and become more deeply connected to their school community.

Learn more about the School Experience at Dock.

Attending a Dock event also gives prospective families another way to experience the school authentically. Come to a concert. Watch a game. Attend a musical. See students doing something they love alongside classmates, teachers, coaches, directors, and families who support them.

5. Find a School Where Relationships Matter

Sarah brings an especially valuable perspective to admissions because she has experienced Dock from several different vantage points—as a student, alum, educator, parent, administrator, and admissions team member.

Her move into full-time admissions reflects something important about the way Dock approaches welcoming new families. Admissions isn't simply about helping students enroll in a school. It is about helping families discern whether Dock can be a community where their child will be known, challenged, supported, and encouraged to grow academically, socially, and spiritually.

Dock seeks to educate the whole person. We want students to become thoughtful and capable learners while also growing in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, learning to live faithfully in Christian community, and discovering how their gifts can be used in service to others.

Those relationships are part of what Sarah now gets to introduce to new families every day.

And when she's not welcoming families to campus? You might find Sarah reading or in the kitchen. She enjoys cooking, especially experimenting with new recipes and cooking techniques.

Come Experience the Dock Difference

Sarah's advice to families considering Dock Mennonite Academy ultimately comes back to where she started: experience the school for yourself.

Walk the campus. Visit the classrooms. Meet our teachers. Bring your child. Attend a concert, musical, or athletic event. Most importantly, bring your questions.

Whether you're searching for a private Christian school in Montgomery County, exploring Mennonite education, or simply looking for a school community where your child can be known and encouraged to use their gifts, we would love to welcome you to Dock.

Come experience the Dock Difference—and meet Sarah along the way.

Contact the Admissions Team at admissions@dock.org to ask questions, arrange a tour, or schedule a student visit.  (Dock Open House and Visitation Days)

Early Childhood–Grade 8 Open Houses

• Friday, January 29, 8:45 a.m. — Early Childhood & Kindergarten
• Tuesday, February 9, 8:45 a.m. — Early Childhood & Kindergarten
• Saturday, March 13, 12:30–2:30 p.m. — Early Childhood–Grade 8
• Tuesday, April 6, 3:30 p.m. — Early Childhood–Grade 8
• Thursday, May 6, 3:30 p.m. — Early Childhood–Grade 8

Grades 9–12 Open Houses

• Saturday, October 10, 12:30–2:30 p.m.
• Saturday, April 10, 12:30–2:30 p.m.

Families are also welcome to contact the Admissions Office to arrange an individual campus tour. (Schedule a Visit or Request Information)