Meet the Edmonson Family of Northwest Christian School

March 04, 2025

Meet the Edmonson Family of Northwest Christian School (NCS). They are a family of six with four children, the youngest three, Cora (10th), Kylia (8th) and Coby (4th) have all attended NCS since preschool.

The family explained their unique situation and what their scholarship funding from the Arizona Leadership Foundation means to them:

Our mom, Carla, has a challenging condition called Chiari malformation (“Chiari”). Chiari is a defect in the brain and spinal cord, and although not rare, not many people end up having decompression surgery to help live and cope with the defect. Our mom had the surgery in August 2018, and it’s created some limitations for her, which contribute to her inability to live a “normal”, pain-free life. Therefore, we are financially supported by one income, which limits our financial security, but with the help of the Arizona Leadership Foundation (ALF) and the aid they provide, it greatly reduces the financial impact of sending us to a private, Christian school. We love having mom take and pick us up from school every day and she’s involved with all our activities and has volunteered at the school for special events. 

Our dad, Ryan, graduated from NCS in 1990 and always wanted to send his own children to NCS. The main reason for choosing NCS is that it teaches its students from a Christian perspective. This perspective is woven into everything NCS does, including education, sports, community activities and charitable events.

Carla and Ryan shared with us a little bit about each of their children and what they like to study and what they are involved in, beyond just academics:

Cora: Math is her favorite subject. In fact, she spends time with many of her peers “tutoring” them in math.  She is also very involved with soccer through CCV Stars Club Team and has played soccer since the 1st grade. She also plays on her high school soccer team and runs cross-country. She attends Sunday youth group services at CCV and travels to youth camps 1-2 times per year. One of her favorite activities is to travel to Immuris, Mexico about 4 – 6 times per year to help children living in an orphanage.

Kylia: Physical Education and Photography are her favorite classes. Kylia’s athletic ability is why she chooses these subjects, but she’s also very social and thrives in an environment where she collaborates on a team. She is now heavily involved in volleyball and plays on the middle school team. Kylia looks forward to her Junior High School church group each Saturday night and travels to youth camp each summer.

Coby: Math is also his favorite subject, and he excels in it so much that NCS has placed him in a higher-level math course to make sure that he is learning new concepts. He was selected to compete as a mathlete in a local competition. Like his sisters, he is very athletic and has played baseball since he was three years. He is also an avid runner and loves competing in cross country. He looks forward to weekly church services and can’t wait to go on youth camps with his friends.

“Without the support of ALF, our family would not be able to attend NCS where our children are loved, cared for and taught in a Christian environment with high standards. The impact of the scholarships has allowed us to attend our school of choice,” stated Carla and Ryan Edmonson.

The teachers at NCS had this to share about the Edmonson students:

“I’ve had the pleasure of having Cora in Honors English 2 throughout the duration of her sophomore year. I didn’t know her before this year, but she has quickly become one of my most treasured students. One thing Cora has never done: complain. Cora has the best attitude and respect for classmates. She is a wonderful role model and truly the ideal student. I am honored to have been able to teach Cora.” – Heather Sirois, Sophomore English Teacher

“Kylia is a bright, kind, and caring young lady.  It’s a pleasure to be her social studies teacher because she’s such a positive presence in the classroom!  Not only does she work hard and show excellence in her work, but she uplifts others and follows Jesus in her attitude and actions.  She’s the kind of student that truly sets a good example for others!” – Margaret Petry, 8th grade social studies

“It has been my great pleasure to be Coby’s teacher this year. He is currently a student in my fourth-grade class, and I have enjoyed getting to know him. Coby sets high goals for himself, and he achieves them. From building Lego structures to tackling accelerated math, Coby excels at what he does! He is a strong student both socially and academically. He is kind, and respectful, and he sets a great example for his peers. He shows an eagerness to learn, participates fully, and is a valued member of our classroom.” – Ms. Neitch, 4th grade teacher

About Northwest Christian School:

Northwest Christian School (NCS), Arizona’s only exemplary accredited ACSI school and 1 of 31 in the world, has been educating students in the Valley for over 40 years. As a recognized leader in private Christian education, and the number one private school according to Ranking Arizona for ten consecutive years, NCS serves over 1700 students through our preschool – 12th grade traditional ground campus and our fully online K-10 school. It is our greatest honor to enable students to develop a Biblical worldview and prepare them to fulfill their God-ordained role in the home, the church, their country, and the world.