The Livesay family moved to Tyler and joined Brook Hill in 2013 after Reed assumed a leadership role at Pine Cove Camps. Reed and Julie have been married for twenty-four years and have two children. Conner graduated from Brook in in 2019 and is currently studying Business at Texas A&M University. Emily is in her senior year at Brook Hill and is planning to attend Baylor University in the fall. Julie also serves as a substitute teacher and part-time receptionist at Brook Hill. As long-time Brook Hill parents, we wanted to hear their perspective on the value of the Brook Hill experience.

Julie, what brought your family to Brook Hill?

We first looked into Brook Hill at the recommendation of a friend. We were looking for a great middle school for our son to attend.  We toured and quickly saw what a warm, friendly, and inviting school Brook Hill is.  We ultimately chose Brook Hill because of the Christ-centered education and the community feel of the school.  We were also drawn to Brook Hill because of the many extracurricular activities that are offered.  Our children have participated in football, basketball, baseball, track, cross country, choir, drama, volleyball, mock trial, and academic competitions.

What did you love about each stage of the Brook Hill Experience (Lower, Middle, Upper)?

At every stage, we have always loved the student-teacher-ratio at Brook Hill. The teachers are able to give special time and attention to their students and because of the smaller class sizes, teachers get to invest in their students and get to know each child as an individual.

Since I am a substitute teacher at the Lower School, I get to see first hand what a unique learning environment Brook Hill really is.  The Lower School is a greenhouse for learning where students enjoy coming to school; they are excited to see their teachers and their friends, and their parents know their child is being taught from a Christian perspective.

I also love that students and teachers alike can pray at school, talk about the Bible freely, and discuss what it means follow Christ.

In your opinion, what is the lasting value of a Brook Hill education?

For us it would have to be the exceptional teachers at Brook Hill and the personal interest they give to each student. A Brook Hill student knows that their teachers truly care about them, pray for them, and want them to be all that God has created them to be. Brook Hill teachers go the extra mile for their students and they are committed to preparing their students for life beyond the classroom. That kind of relationship students form with their teachers lasts long after they leave school and follows them into adult life.

What surprised you the most about Brook Hill?

We were surprised about how the administrators genuinely listen to our concerns and want to make the school the very best place possible for your child to learn.  The teachers and staff work with you and take feedback seriously.  We appreciate the partnership that is created when parents and the school work together to impact students academically, spiritually, emotionally and physically.

Thank you for sharing with us! We are so grateful to have your family at Brook Hill and are excited to be part of your story. Thank you for trusting us to take care of Conner and Emily and help them grow into the people God has called them to be!