Skip Navigation

Fran Matthews

Fran Matthews
Fran Matthews
Teacher/Elementary Director
Phone: 843-661-7464
Employed Since: 8/10/2010
13 Years Experience At School

Where were you born?

Born in Florence, grew up in Lamar, South Carolina (lived here all my life)

What is your educational background?

Graduated with honors from Lamar High School in Lamar, South Carolina
Graduated summa cum laude from Coker College in Hartsville, South Carolina with a BA in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. Received the President’s Cup for Academic Excellence.  

What is your philosophy of Christian education?

We are, thankfully, not a Christian school where we teach academics with “a little bit of Jesus on the side.”  We are, in fact, Christ-centered, such that everything we do is done in an effort to draw closer to Him, make Him known to others, and ultimately bring Him glory through our efforts.  Schools (and teachers) must be equipped to help students identify and utilize the gifts and talents God has given them, make right choices, think deeply and critically, and serve others, all for His glory.  As the Bible explains, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.  There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.  There are different kinds of working, but the same God works for all of them in all men.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)  Educators must steadfastly help students learn their identity in Christ, acknowledging “our worth and identity come from what God created us to be, and our security must come from knowing what Jesus Christ has done for us on the cross.” (Graham, Teaching Redemptively, page 128).  Students must be educated as a “whole child” and not merely academically.  This education must reach children in all areas, ministering to students academically, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and socially.
To educate students in a way that is pleasing to the Lord, all subject matter must be studied in connection with the truth of God.  Subject matter should not be presented as merely content to be learned, just as curriculum should not be presented in isolation, but rather in the larger picture of creating a connection between the subject and what it teaches about God and His nature.  Since education should serve to help students know God and make Him known to others, each subject area should in some way help reveal to students who God is.  Educators must be intentional and strategic in providing learning opportunities for students to examine this and should also be willing to follow the leading of the Spirit in their teaching.  In an early childhood setting, it can be challenging to help young children grasp an understanding of a complex God, who, by His own revelation, is beyond what the human mind can truly understand or comprehend.  “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.  “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)  Yet, as the Bible clearly explains, even the youngest of children are of importance to Jesus and their humility can, in fact, be inspiring.  There should be a focus upon helping them become thinkers and have a foundation of truth.  Exposure to Scripture will lay the foundation for them as they continue to grow in wisdom and begin to think more maturely and more deeply.  “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) There is power in the Word of God, and knowledge of Scripture gives students a powerful tool for their lives as they begin to hide the Word in their hearts.  “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.  I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.  I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.  Praise be to you, LORD; teach me your decrees. With my lips, I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.  I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.  I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.  I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.” (Psalm 119:9-16)
For believers and followers of the Lord Jesus, a Christian philosophy of education goes hand in hand with a clearly Biblical world view.  Because God is an excellent communicator, it is the responsibility of Christian schools to prepare the pupils entrusted to them to be good communicators as well.  Although God does not need people to spread His message, He has chosen to use them to advance His Kingdom.  Authentic education helps students know the one true God, discover the purpose of the Lord in their lives, and go on to lead a life of service to God and others, all to honor Him and bring Him glory until the day of completion in Christ Jesus.  (…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.  –Philippians 1:6)  This task, while seemingly daunting, is only possible through a school family of prayerful believers dedicated to fulfilling God’s personal calling in their own lives to educate His people and willing to fully trust and rely upon the power and strength of the Lord to accomplish it.  That is exactly what you will find at The King’s Academy!  (“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  –Philippians 4:13)  
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.  See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” (Colossians 2:6-8)

What is your favorite thing about TKA?

Collectively, we all LOVE the Lord and we love each other!  It is our desire to love our students well with the love of Christ by providing a nurturing environment where students feel cared for, challenged, equipped, and loved.  

What is something fun or interesting about you?

I am married to Joey Matthews (who serves on our TKA Booster Board and loves to be “the voice” of the TKA Lions) and we have two TKA graduates of our own, our daughter, Sarah, and our oldest son, Mason.  It was a tremendous blessing for them to be educated here at TKA in the truth of God’s Word.  Our youngest son, a 4th grader here, is a quirky curly redhead who thoroughly enjoys being at TKA as well!  We are now GRANDPARENTS, who are prayerfully hopeful that our grandson, Jayden, will also have the opportunity to attend The King’s Academy.
Also, if you see a resemblance between the school nurse and myself, it is because I have the amazing privilege and honor of serving here at The King’s Academy with my (older!) sister, who is the best school nurse around!   What a great blessing it is to serve the Lord alongside her at His school!