S of O sixth – eighth grade students reenact a scene from Narnia. They put the plays together to present to S. Truett Cathy Lower School students and guests from the public.

School of the Ozarks hosted its annual Narnia Day, Thursday, Feb. 19. This year, it was bigger than ever with over 100 guests joining S of O. The guests included family members of S of O students as well as a number of homeschool families.

Narnia Day is an interactive educational day where participants are immersed in activities surrounding C.S. Lewis’ book, “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.”

Leading to Narnia Day, School of the Ozarks students and employees put in much effort to prepare. Planning for Narnia Day starts at the end of December. Sets are built, decorations are made, and plays are practiced for reenacting the stories from C. S. Lewis’ Narnia series. S of O sixth – eighth grade students put the plays together to present to S. Truett Cathy Lower School students and guests from the public.

Students make a Narnia-themed craft as part of bringing the Narnia story to life.

Throughout the day-long event, students and families rotate through stations across School of the Ozarks campus, where they watch theatrical reenactments, create crafts, participate in dances, and enjoy Narnia-themed food designed to bring the story to life.

Jenni Carey, assistant professor of literature and curriculum, director of sixth through eighth grade, and assistant director of the Center for Classical Christian Education, plays a key role in organizing Narnia Day. Dr. Brad Dolloff, dean of School of the Ozarks, emphasized the level of dedication behind the event, noting that Carey personally prepares nearly 250 “pigeon pies” (chicken pot pies) for attendees.

Susie Christianson enjoys Narnia Day festivities with her daughter Alaska and S of O student Ruth Schwarz.

“Mrs. Carey’s commitment reflects the heart behind Narnia Day,” Dolloff said. “It’s not just about the activities — it’s about creating an immersive experience that brings literature to life while fostering community and meaningful learning.”

“As the years have passed, many of our community activities have changed, but Narnia Day has remained a key part of our story at S of O,” Carey said. “We continue to use this day to shape hearts and minds for Christ and build traditions as a school family, along with the community at large.”

This event involves the local homeschool community as well. To Susie Christanson, retired major from the Marines and homeschool mom, this event provides an engaging learning opportunity for her children.

S of O students dress up for Narnia Day and participate in a dance.

“It is such an inspiration to see School of the Ozarks embrace the homeschool community, because we know that a lot of homeschool students ultimately go to School of the Ozarks in time,” Christianson said. “Homeschool kids don’t get an opportunity to do something like this outside of church typically, and so we are grateful for the opportunity today.”

This event is another way to exemplify Christ on campus. Christianson added that she was grateful for the theme of the day.

“The beautiful part is C.S. Lewis wrote all these books, and they are inspired to represent Christ as our savior,” Christianson said.

For additional information, contact Public Relations Director Valorie Coleman at (417) 690-2212.