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Non Nobis: The Story of the First Generation of Logos School
In the fall of 1980, Moscow, Idaho—“the split pea and lentil capital of the world”—had about 13,000 residents, of which about five thousand were students at the University of Idaho. On the south side of town, the basement of the Paradise Hills Church of God sat unfinished, housing only the occasional mouse family or two. On the west side, a new roller-skating rink was being completed. Elsewhere, floppy-haired Tom Garfield was assisting high-school art classes, drumming in a band, and totally unaware of the part he would play in launching Logos School and a sweeping national movement for classical, Christian education.
The first behind-the-scenes book from the world of classical Christian education, Non Nobis is the full account of what it actually took to start a pioneering classical Christian school, as told by Logos School’s founding superintendent, Tom Garfield. Logos School certainly began humbly: no experienced teachers, no customized curriculum, no investors, and no set salaries for anyone. But the Lord blessed this tiny school in the chimney of Idaho beyond what anyone could have expected. Hundreds of thousands of teachers and students and homeschools have benefited from the classical, Christian education from the trailblazing work done by Logos School. Today, the Association of Classical Christian Schools has over two-hundred and forty members worldwide, rigorous and faithful homeschooling is on the rise with huge nationwide organizations like Classical Conversations, and Logos School itself is able, by God’s grace, to begin looking in faith towards its second and third generations.
Tom Garfield’s humorous anecdotal style is perfect for this story. Whether he is describing broken bones, old bus problems, school uniforms, the first Atari 400, angry parents, the dead skunk, developing classical methodology for the first time, conflict in the community, trouble with the IRS, or why Christian education is more than “God posters in the classroom,” Garfield gives a first-hand account that is full of simple wisdom, wide-eyed gratitude, and much encouragement for teachers and homeschooling parents alike—or indeed for any Christians who find themselves working on small, faithful, but seemingly insignificant projects.
The first behind-the-scenes book from the world of classical Christian education, Non Nobis is the full account of what it actually took to start a pioneering classical Christian school, as told by Logos School’s founding superintendent, Tom Garfield. Logos School certainly began humbly: no experienced teachers, no customized curriculum, no investors, and no set salaries for anyone. But the Lord blessed this tiny school in the chimney of Idaho beyond what anyone could have expected. Hundreds of thousands of teachers and students and homeschools have benefited from the classical, Christian education from the trailblazing work done by Logos School. Today, the Association of Classical Christian Schools has over two-hundred and forty members worldwide, rigorous and faithful homeschooling is on the rise with huge nationwide organizations like Classical Conversations, and Logos School itself is able, by God’s grace, to begin looking in faith towards its second and third generations.
Tom Garfield’s humorous anecdotal style is perfect for this story. Whether he is describing broken bones, old bus problems, school uniforms, the first Atari 400, angry parents, the dead skunk, developing classical methodology for the first time, conflict in the community, trouble with the IRS, or why Christian education is more than “God posters in the classroom,” Garfield gives a first-hand account that is full of simple wisdom, wide-eyed gratitude, and much encouragement for teachers and homeschooling parents alike—or indeed for any Christians who find themselves working on small, faithful, but seemingly insignificant projects.
298 pages, Paperback
First published March 21, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 15, 2024
Such a delight to finally get to read this one. Although I don't have direct ties to Logos—not a former student or parent—the school has been an immense blessing to my community and to many friends. So I felt all the feels all the way through as I got to know many friends and acquaintances better through hearing more of their stories associated with Logos. How could I not love sentences such as "Coach Puckett was a joy to get to know" when I have experienced the joy of getting to know the former-Coach former-Puckett? And of course there were many other observations in that vein.
I am a big fan of authors narrating their own books, and this was no exception. I have only one quibble. In English, "et cetera" is pronounced "et setera." If you wanna get all Latin-fancy, I'll accept "et ketera." And I won't fuss too much at "ek setera." But "essetera"??? No. Absolutely not. Public-flogging-worthy. Stop it, Tom! Stop it!
I am a big fan of authors narrating their own books, and this was no exception. I have only one quibble. In English, "et cetera" is pronounced "et setera." If you wanna get all Latin-fancy, I'll accept "et ketera." And I won't fuss too much at "ek setera." But "essetera"??? No. Absolutely not. Public-flogging-worthy. Stop it, Tom! Stop it!
September 1, 2025
Loved this so much! We are so blessed and grateful to be able to send our kids to Logos School. Praise the Lord!
June 29, 2018
What humble beginnings with wonderful fruit resulting! It's amazing to see God do grand things with nothing but His lowly faithful servants. I pray the same can be said for Christ Church Academy.
December 20, 2021
2021: A great re-read. Thankful we get to learn from their experiences and example.
2017: Entertaining and moving. Inspiring to read what God does with humble people who are faithful to glorify Him and love His children.
2017: Entertaining and moving. Inspiring to read what God does with humble people who are faithful to glorify Him and love His children.
January 30, 2022
It was nice a historical account of the school. There were multiple spelling and grammatical errors that should’ve been picked up by their word processing software.
March 4, 2018
I read this slowly over several months and was sad to finish it because it felt more like a conversation (one-sided, of course). It's like Tom is right there with you telling you all (and I do mean ALL) about the past 35 years since the beginning of Logos up until now. Having read it over a period of several months has given me this strange feeling that Tom Garfield is now a friend of mine... so I do hope that I have the opportunity to meet him in person one day. :)
I truly enjoyed this book! I will admit, there were about 3-4 different times where I was in tears over the incredible faith shown by so many in this little town of Moscow, Idaho. They trust God with *everything* and He has blessed them tremendously. When I see that kind of faith and obedience displayed for all to see, it is very difficult for me to not get a little choked up.
This little school inadvertently helped to jump-start an entire classical education movement in America, which has led to so many fantastic classical schools and classical resources for home educators such as myself. I've heard Doug Wilson refer to a great two-word prayer, "Geronimo. Amen." I think that is an excellent way to describe it all. They jumped in with faith and obedience and watched God do his work. God is so good, so gracious, so merciful! I cannot thank God enough for what He has done in this. Now hundreds of thousands of children are receiving an education that centers around Christ, demonstrating that everything is for His glory and not our own.
Non Nobis
Nōn nōbīs, Domine, nōn nōbīs, sed nōminī tuō dā glōriam
Psalm 115:1 Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory
I truly enjoyed this book! I will admit, there were about 3-4 different times where I was in tears over the incredible faith shown by so many in this little town of Moscow, Idaho. They trust God with *everything* and He has blessed them tremendously. When I see that kind of faith and obedience displayed for all to see, it is very difficult for me to not get a little choked up.
This little school inadvertently helped to jump-start an entire classical education movement in America, which has led to so many fantastic classical schools and classical resources for home educators such as myself. I've heard Doug Wilson refer to a great two-word prayer, "Geronimo. Amen." I think that is an excellent way to describe it all. They jumped in with faith and obedience and watched God do his work. God is so good, so gracious, so merciful! I cannot thank God enough for what He has done in this. Now hundreds of thousands of children are receiving an education that centers around Christ, demonstrating that everything is for His glory and not our own.
Non Nobis
Nōn nōbīs, Domine, nōn nōbīs, sed nōminī tuō dā glōriam
Psalm 115:1 Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory
February 12, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this, partly because I remember some of the events he talks about. It was good to learn the method to the madness.
The subtitle is "The Story of the First Generation of Logos School," and I think that's important. The story of Logos is not without its hiccups. But it's only Round One in what I hope will be a long history. Plenty of time for improvement.
Lots of grammatical/punctuational errors, for those who keep track of that kind of thing.
The subtitle is "The Story of the First Generation of Logos School," and I think that's important. The story of Logos is not without its hiccups. But it's only Round One in what I hope will be a long history. Plenty of time for improvement.
Lots of grammatical/punctuational errors, for those who keep track of that kind of thing.
November 1, 2017
Loved it. The organization and structure of the book became slightly random toward the middle/end, but still really great. As someone who has been recently consumed by the principles behind starting a classical Christian school, reading about the practical necessities and issues that come up was helpful (and sobering!).
April 3, 2020
Great book on the beginnings or reemergence of the Christian classical school movement. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Garfield and his winsome personality comes out in his writing. I recommend this for anyone wishing to learn more about the movement or wanting to be involved in it. The verse that comes to mind is from Zechariah 4:10 "Do not despise the day of small beginnings..."
October 9, 2025
Encouraging. We’re in year three of having started a classical Christian school here in our town, and I could relate to much of what Tom described, all while also seeing all of the incredible work they’ve done in order for hundreds of schools to learn from their mistakes and thrive. God has been faithful in our small beginnings, and we are thankful to stand on the shoulders of Logos School!
September 30, 2017
Just finished this walk down memory lane! Stan and I are forever grateful to you Tom, and everyone that made Logos possible, not only for our own children, but for our grandchildren! Blessings and prayers for the generations to come!
October 28, 2024
An incredible, humbling, and refreshing history of the beginning of Logos School and its involvement in the resurgence of the classical Christian education. Funny how familiar so many of the stories sound to our experience as a young school. Tom Garfield seems like an endearing character.
May 6, 2017
It was enjoyable to read and inspiring. It makes you want to step up and make an impact. Tom provided a lot of insight and the stories were amusing like you would expect from him.
June 27, 2017
Humorous, challenging, and encouraging.
September 23, 2017
Read this with our school board. It's full of humble thanks to God and some hilarious stories of God's grace to and through the small beginnings of the classical Christian ed movement at Logos.
November 4, 2024
Entertaining, humorous, well written.
January 21, 2025
Loved it. Charming, inspiring, and deeply indebted to the Lord.
August 5, 2025
Inspiring.
September 18, 2025
A delight. And a good reminder to pray constantly that God may establish the work of our hands.
October 13, 2024
Was not expecting this to be as good as it was. Well written, witty, and personable.
What I took away from this: Planning is crucial, *doing* is just as crucial
What I took away from this: Planning is crucial, *doing* is just as crucial
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews