You’re not just choosing a school. You’re choosing the people who will walk alongside your child for hours every day, and you want a place where they can learn, grow, and thrive.
At Westbury Christian, we believe that place starts with teachers. And this fall, we get to celebrate one of ours.
Congratulations, Mr. Okwuonu
Kenneth Okwuonu, who teaches high school physics and engineering at Westbury Christian, has been named a 2026 Innovative Teacher of the Year by the Stanley M. Herzog Foundation. He is one of just 12 Christian school educators recognized nationwide. The Heartlander recently shared his story, and we couldn’t be prouder.
An honor like this is built over years, not moments. Mr. Okwuonu has invested 17 years in Westbury Christian students. Before that, he spent five years working as a biomedical engineer, and he brought that real-world experience with him into the classroom. Every lab he designs and every project he coaches reflects someone who loves his subject and loves his students even more.
Mr. Okwuonu, thank you. This recognition is well deserved.
What it’s like to learn from him
Ask what makes his classroom special, and three things stand out.
Students are seen before they’re taught.
His classes open with a few minutes of gratitude, when students share something good happening in their lives. It sets the tone for everything that follows. As he told The Heartlander, “If you want to capture the minds of your students, you need to capture their hearts first.”
Students see how faith and learning fit together.
Mr. Okwuonu recently began using the Teaching for Transformation framework, which helps students connect what they’re learning in physics to the bigger story of who God is and how He’s at work in the world. Science stops being a list of formulas and becomes a way to understand creation and care for others.
Students build things that matter.
His students work in teams to design and build projects for real people. One group developed an electric scooter for college students, starting with interviews to learn what their “clients” actually needed. Another built a Bluetooth speaker for our athletics program. They’re learning physics, and they’re also learning to listen, collaborate, and serve.
What that means for your child
Now picture your own child in a room like that.
Picture them walking into class knowing their teacher is glad they’re there. Picture them discovering that what they learn isn’t disconnected facts, but part of a bigger purpose God has for their life. Picture the confidence that comes from building something real, and the joy of seeing it help someone else.
That’s what happens when a child is taught by someone who cares about who they’re becoming, not just what they’re learning. Kids who feel known take more risks, ask better questions, and bounce back faster when something is hard. They don’t just get through school. They grow.
It isn’t just one classroom
Mr. Okwuonu’s award is his, and he earned every bit of it. But the heart behind it runs through our whole school.
Westbury Christian is home to 70 full-time faculty and staff who are dedicated to helping students grow in knowledge, faith, and character. We describe our community as faithful, wise, and diverse, and our teachers bring that to life every day, from our youngest learners through senior year.
Our mission is to cultivate the academic and spiritual growth of each student. Each student. That’s only possible when teachers know their students well enough to see what each one needs. This year our community has been saying it simply: Joy Lives Here. You’ll feel it the moment you walk into a classroom where students are known.
See It For Yourself
The best way to find out whether a school is the right place for your child is to meet the people who teach there. Here’s how to make your visit count:
1. Schedule a tour.
Book a private tour, join a monthly Coffee Talk & Tour, or attend our October All School Preview Day.
2. Meet our teachers.
Ask them how they get to know their students, how faith shows up in their subject, and what project their students are proudest of.
3. Watch the relationships.
Notice how students and teachers talk to each other in the hallways. That tells you more than any brochure.
Still gathering information? Start with our admissions overview or learn about tuition assistance and Texas Education Freedom Accounts.
Questions about the admissions process? Contact Amy Taylor, Director of Enrollment, at ataylor@westburychristian.org.
Your child deserves teachers who see them, believe in them, and help them discover who God made them to be. At Westbury Christian, that’s who we are. Congratulations again, Mr. Okwuonu, and thank you for showing us what it looks like.
Know a family looking for a school where their child will be known? Share this with them.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How is faith part of classes beyond Bible? Westbury Christian builds a Christ-centered, biblical worldview into every subject. In Kenneth Okwuonu’s physics and engineering courses, for example, the Teaching for Transformation framework connects the material students are learning to God’s bigger story.
Is Westbury Christian School accredited? Yes. Westbury Christian is accredited by the National Christian Schools Association (NCSA) and Cognia.
How can I visit Westbury Christian? Families can schedule a private tour, join a monthly Coffee Talk & Tour, or attend Preview Day. Coffee Talks are held the first Wednesday of the month for Lower School and the second Wednesday for Middle and High School. Find a time to visit.
