Eric Cook’s journey into education is nothing short of inspiring. From an unexpected personal transformation during college to becoming a passionate advocate for classical Christian education, Eric’s story is one of calling, conviction, and commitment. As President of the Society for Classical Learning (SCL), Eric has dedicated his career to empowering schools, educators, and students to thrive.
A Calling to Teach
Eric’s path to education began with a profound personal conversion to Christianity at the age of 19, which reshaped both his perspective and purpose. Initially envisioning a life focused on personal success, Eric found a new calling to teach and invest in the lives of students and families. Starting as a history and literature teacher in a public school, Eric’s passion for engaging students in meaningful, philosophical discussions led him to explore new methods of teaching that moved beyond rote memorization.
He noticed that students, regardless of academic background, were deeply engaged in discussions about life’s fundamental questions—”What is good? What is true? Why am I here?”—but found few opportunities to explore these ideas within traditional education. This realization set him on a path toward classical Christian education.
A Champion for Classical Christian Education
Eric’s journey led him to Faith Christian School in Roanoke, Virginia, where he was introduced to the world of classical Christian education. This educational model, rooted in great texts and gospel-centered teaching, immediately resonated with his philosophy. Eric eventually became the Head of School at Covenant Classical School in Fort Worth, Texas, where he served for 13 years. During his tenure, he prioritized cultivating a thriving school culture, balancing academic rigor with the formation of wisdom and virtue in students.
His leadership extended beyond the school itself. In 2010, Eric joined the board of the Society for Classical Learning, an organization dedicated to supporting classical Christian schools. Over the years, his involvement deepened, and in 2022, he transitioned to a full-time role as SCL’s President. Under his leadership, the number of classical Christian schools has grown significantly—from 140 schools in 2010 to over 700 today.
Advancing Schools Toward Excellence
Eric’s leadership at SCL focuses on addressing the challenges schools face as they grow, from navigating facility expansions to refining governance and leadership structures. He emphasizes the importance of supporting school leaders through training, consulting, and leadership development to ensure that schools grow in size and thrive in quality.
In his own words, Eric sees classical Christian education as being about “forming wisdom and virtue in human beings.” He draws inspiration from timeless texts and foundational principles to help schools stay true to their mission while adapting to modern challenges. His work has taken him across the country, consulting with schools in over 40 states and helping them overcome hurdles at every stage of development.
A Vision for the Future
Eric remains optimistic about the future of classical Christian education. He believes a solid infrastructure, including abundant resources, training programs, and partnerships with donors and organizations, support the growing movement. His commitment to cultivating young, capable, and virtuous leaders gives him confidence in this educational model’s continued growth and success.
Through his work at SCL, Eric Cook exemplifies servant leadership, inspiring schools to embrace their high calling and empowering educators to foster environments where students can flourish. His journey reminds us that education is not just about teaching students how to make a living, but how to live a life rooted in purpose, character, and virtue.
Click here to listen to the full podcast episode.