Faculty & Staff.

  • Founding Head of School

    Mr. Metcalf served as the Head of School at Knox Classical Academy from 2023 to 2024 and now serves in various capacities. He earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in accountancy from the University of Mississippi. He was a CPA for various public accounting and for-profit companies in Nashville, TN and Jackson, MS for eight years before discerning a call in educational administration. Since 2018, he has been the Finance Director or Head of School at Christian schools in Louisiana and Alaska.

    He, his wife, Rachel, and their four children—all of whom attend Knox Classical Academy—live in Roseville. In his spare time, Matt enjoys reading, kayaking, playing sports, gardening, and spending time with his family.

  • Primary Prep

    Miss Waits teaches Primary Prep at Knox, which is typically Kindergarten.

    She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education and is an enthusiastic educator with a heart to partner with families in their child’s development, through educating the whole child: mentally, socially, emotionally, spiritual, and physically.

    With extensive training in literacy for young children as well as experience in progress monitoring and assessments in Early Childhood Family Education, she is highly suited to be shaping the youngest learners at Knox. In her classroom, lessons in literacy are the backdrop for exploring related learning of science, art, music, language, and mathematics.

    She has one son and loves to use God’s creation to teach him about the world. She has also enjoyed being involved in Classical Conversations, a Sunday school teacher and Reading Corps tutor. She attends First Calvary Baptist Church.

  • Primary A

    Mrs. Hubers teaches the Primary A cohort, what is typically the 1st-2nd grades.

    A mother of five, Mrs. Hubers has instructed children for more than two decades in the community and at home. With a firm grasp on classical Christian education, she has a deep passion for fostering a life-long love of learning. She is also a gifted teacher with a keen awareness of the child who is struggling, whether emotionally or academically.

    She prioritizes a learning environment in which children can experience the Lord’s goodness through the knowledge they discover, the skills they learn, and the relationships they build. That means challenging children to work hard and inviting them to also take moments of reflection; a composition that results in growth and joy.

    With a proven understanding of reading instruction and learning challenges, Mrs. Hubers has been instrumental in building the Knox language arts program. The heart and methods of Charlotte Mason, as well as the desire for holistic and integrated learning, inspire Mrs. Hubers to embrace the classical framework.

    Start-ups invigorate her as opportunities to witness the faithfulness of God and the fruitfulness of His people. In her free time she loves to enjoy creation, dive deep into God’s word, and cultivate quality time with her husband and children.

  • Primary B

    Mrs. Richards teaches the Primary B cohort, which is typically 2nd-3rd grades. She graduated from Bethlehem College and Seminary with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Theology and Biblical Studies. She has served as a trainer and job coach for 3 years, and where, among other things, she helped high schoolers with special needs cultivate the skills and experience necessary to pursue their professional endeavors.

    Mrs. Richards loves to mine God’s Word and share its treasures with children. She is passionate about using Knox’s classical model to help guide her students joyfully to discover the truth, goodness, and beauty of God and His world.

    She lives in Minneapolis with her husband, Malik, where she spends her spare time reading novels and theology, practicing hospitality, and playing all manner of sports. She attends The North Church.

  • Primary B

    Ms. Gromoff will serve as a long-term substitute teacher for Primary B.

    She has her Bachelor of Elementary Education Foundations degree from The University of Minnesota.

    She has previously worked with a nonprofit organization as an afterschool program teacher as well as a nanny.

    As a recent graduate with several student teaching experiences, she is eager to put into practice her training in education. While serving as an Administrative/Teacher’s Assistant for two months, she will get to know and experience Mrs. Richard’s classroom for several weeks before taking over in her absence around or before spring break.

    She lives in Shakopee and enjoys reading, being outdoors, spending time with family, and drawing. Anna is a member at Eden Baptist Church and is involved with the teen and children’s ministries.

  • Primary C

    Mr. Ruby teaches the Primary C cohort, which is typically 4th-5th grades. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in music education, and has taught for 5 years at public and private schools. He has also organized ensembles and liturgical music settings.

    Mr. Ruby’s performing arts expertise and love of music help him build natural, cross-curricular connections for his students. His infectious curiosity and creativity help children reflect on and understand their relationship to God as their Creator, and explore their uniqueness and gifts as sub-creators.

    Mr. Ruby lives in an intentional Christian community in the East Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis, where he enjoys bonding with his housemates and practicing hospitality to his neighbors. He attends Restoration Anglican in South Minneapolis.

  • Secondary Prep

    Mr. Tien teaches Secondary Prep at Knox, which is typically 6th-8th grades.

    He has a Bachelor of Arts in History Education with a minor in Special Education from Trinity Christian College, and is working toward his Master’s in Classical Education from the University of Dallas. He is passionate about discipling children, cultivating their hearts, minds, and souls towards God.

    With five years of prior classroom teaching experience at the middle and high school levels, he is a talented teacher, eager to implement his classical education training at Knox.

    He and his wife, Rachel, and their son, Joshua, live in Richfield. In his leisure time, he enjoys reading, playing golf, basketball, and taking road trips.

  • Secondary Humanities

    Mrs. Thorne teaches our Secondary humanities cohort. For the past 7 years, she has served as the director and high school tutor at a classical homeschool co-op. She is studying theology at Bethlehem College and Seminary, where she also serves as a student counselor.

    Mrs. Thorne is a true lifelong learner: she can often be found getting lost in her stacks of books with a warm espresso, savoring poetry, or dabbling in Shakespeare. She resonates with C.S. Lewis’s conviction that “you can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” She loves to share these passions with her students, and is eager to help shape their hearts, minds, and souls through Christ-centered education.

    Mrs. Thorne lives in Minneapolis with her husband, Nate, and their children. She attends Bethlehem Baptist Church.

  • Secondary Math & Science

    Mrs. Garnett leads our high school math and science cohorts. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in genetics from Iowa State where she attended as a National Merit Scholar, among other honors. She has worked as a lab assistant and a teaching assistant for a lab, experiences that bring legitimacy to the courses she teaches at Knox.

    She loves to see students inspired by wonder and awe as they personally connect with the material. Having taught in the community and in her home for 15 years, Mrs. Garnett has learned how to help students discover more than just science facts or math figures. She recognizes that a firm grasp on the facts sets the course for students to love and engage with the STEM community — of the past and in our world today — for years to come.

    She and her husband, Andrew, have five children, three of whom attend Knox. She is a member of Church of the Redeemer where she serves on the vestry. She is a gifted researcher and loves to read, study Charlotte Mason, serve the community, and garden.

  • Math Specialist

    Mr. Beck will serve Knox’s students as a math specialist. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Nebraska, and is pursuing a master’s degree from Liberty University. Mr. Beck serves as senior consultant where, among other things, he is responsible for financial and data management. He has also served as a substitute teacher at a local classical school.

    Mr. Beck is passionate about classical Christian education, and is adept at incorporating biblical truth into his classes. He is excited about helping students build their math skills while also nurturing their spiritual growth. He finds inspiration in witnessing the faithfulness of God and the fruitfulness of His people.

    Mr. Beck and his wife live in Afton and attend Embrace Church. They love to spend their free time working to improve their community.

  • Math Specialist

    Dr. Jon Hill teaches our upper-level high school math class. He holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Minnesota. During his time there, he assisted in teaching 17 sections of Calculus, reaching over 500 undergraduate students. In addition, he worked for two years as an adjunct professor at Normandale Community College, where he taught Algebra to students from diverse educational backgrounds.

    Before embarking on his graduate studies, Dr. Hill worked for The Navigators collegiate ministry. He served full-time for four years and continued part-time for an additional five years. This experience nurtured an enthusiasm for working with students and an appreciation for the energy, creativity, and uniqueness that each student brings.

    Dr. Hill is passionate about teaching math and mathematical thinking. He is dedicated to incorporating a wide array of practical applications to illustrate math’s incredible usefulness. His teaching is motivated by his belief that thinking like a mathematician is for more than STEM majors; it is a critical thinking skill that can help in all areas of life. Most of all, he is enthusiastic about how math provides insight into God and His character.

    Dr. Hill and his wife, Lindsay, live in Arden Hills. They have five children. In his spare time, he can be found playing soccer, dabbling in music as an amateur guitar and piano player, or diving into deep discussions on a wide variety of topics.

  • Primary Music

    Mrs. Olson teaches music to all Primary students. She is an experienced and beloved piano and violin teacher, having taught private lessons for 14 years. Her weekly lesson schedule has grown to more than 45 students, ranging from preschoolers to retired folks!

    She loves getting to know each student individually—their strengths, learning styles, and personalities. She enjoys challenging students to grow in their musical gifts, and celebrating their successes. Above all, Mrs. Olson longs to see students find their security in the Lord Jesus, and as precious image bearers of God. She is blessed to share her love of music with so many, especially with the students of Knox.

    Mrs. Olson lives in Shoreview with her husband, Eric, where they enjoy spending time with their grandchildren. They attend Grace Church of Roseville.

  • Secondary Music

    Mrs. Lonetti teaches secondary music with an emphasis on choral singing.

    With a Bachelor of Science degree in music, Rachel has taught music in various capacities for more than 12 years. She owns and manages her own music studio, holds certificates in Suzuki and Musikgarten, and is an endorsed music competition judge.

    Mrs. Lonetti views music as a God-given tool to help the truths of His word settle deep into the students’ hearts and minds. It promotes wonder and has a unique capacity to communicate Truth, Goodness, and Beauty beyond words. Musical education allows students to explore more ways to glorify God and reflect His artistry.

    Mrs. Lonetti loves to read and write songs. She also volunteers with the music ministry of her church, Beacon of Hope. She and her husband, Joshua, have three children, two of whom are enrolled at Knox.

  • Administrative Assistant

    Mrs. Herber serves as a part-time Administrative Assistant whose passion for meticulous precision is matched only by her warmth and compassion. With a degree in Interior Design from the University of Minnesota, she merges creativity with organizational skills.

    She served in a variety of roles at a large global missions organization for eight years. The majority of her time there she served as the Executive Assistant to the President. Her attention to detail, strong desire to connect with and care for others, and joyful personality make her a great fit in the admin office.

    Mrs. Herber lives in Mounds View with her husband, Kory, and their two children, one of whom will attend Knox Classical. They attend Hope Community Church, Columbia Heights. A few of Kayla’s favorite things include savoring a cup of coffee, hiking in the Rocky mountains, slow days at home with her family, and gathering friends around her table.