Hello! My name is Kristina Kotlus, and I am so excited about the vision behind Coram Deo.

If you’d like to learn more about me personally, you can visit KristinaKotlus.com, where I share my writing, testimony, and more. But today, I want to share the story of how Coram Deo began for me.

I attended Prince William County Schools from kindergarten through graduation at C.D. Hylton High School (Go Bulldogs!). When I had my own children, I assumed we’d follow the same path. Kindergarten went wonderfully for my first child, but in first grade, something changed. By October, he was bored. At conferences, we were told he was a “great kid” because he could sit quietly until the teacher found time for him. That explained a lot.

Though he was technically “on grade level,” he wasn’t thriving. He still struggled with reading, disliked school, and felt stagnant. We poured extra time into enrichment trying to spark his curiosity outside the classroom.

By January, I knew something had to change. Traditional schools had long waitlists, and local private school options just seemed like workbooks. So, I made a PowerPoint for my husband explaining how I thought we should homeschool.

We committed to “just one year.”

Sixteen years later, I’m wrapping up that “one year,” having homeschooled three incredible Jesus-followers who graduated high school with associate’s degrees. Along the way, I taught classes, led co-ops, tutored students, and even helped run and accredit a private school. All of it shaped my vision and clarified what I believe education can and should be.

Coram Deo is the school I wish had existed when my children were young.
Homeschooling is a beautiful calling, but it isn’t possible, or the right fit, for every family. Coram Deo exists to offer what I believe many parents would choose personally if they could: Christ-centered education, strong academics, meaningful mentorship, and a joyful, relational classroom community.

This dream began 16 years ago, and it’s my prayer that it will now bless your family. I’d love to share more about the vision and how you can be part of it—as a parent, educator, partner, or supporter.

For the Kingdom,
Kristina