Home Economics is a staple class on Fresno Christian’s campus, combining interactive, hands-on learning with a curriculum that blends creativity and practicality. Lessons reach far beyond the classroom walls, taking root in students’ daily lives after the classes close.
From cooking and sewing to time management and budgeting, the program develops students’ abilities to navigate adulthood with real-world expertise, under the guidance of home economics teacher Kristy Higton.
Higton returns for her second year as home economics teacher, continuing the program’s legacy of teaching essential life skills. Taking on the mantle of beloved former teacher Kimberly Bell after she retired from her education career. Higton stresses the importance of preparing students for life’s responsibilities through the foundation of a spiritually led environment.
“Hopefully, it helps take the fear out of those things so you can move past that part in confidence, knowing you’re capable of doing it.” Higton said, “I’ve had groups who burned butter when making rice crispy treats, to now baking cinnamon rolls from scratch on their own.”
Fall Labs
Cinnamon Rolls
In one of the class’s most anticipated labs, students roll up their sleeves to make cinnamon rolls entirely from scratch. From mixing and kneading the dough to letting it rise, baking it and finally adding the glaze, each step teaches precision and patience. The process not only fills the classroom with a sweet aroma but also provides a rewarding experience that highlights the value of effort and attention to detail.
Gift Wrapping Lab
As the Christmas season approaches, students put their creativity to the test by learning the techniques of gift wrapping. Through interactive practice, they learn the art of delicately folding, taping and decorating packages, giving students practical skills that come in handy during the holidays.
Tie Blankets
Each year, as the cool season sets in, Fresno Christian students channel their skills and compassion into a long-standing tradition of tying blankets for charity. Now in its 15th year, the service project was started by parent Marylou Savage and grew with the help of former adviser Kimberly Bell. Today, under the guidance of Higton, the class continues the tradition, crafting and praying over each blanket before donating them to organizations across the Central Valley.
Fall Peaches Lab
Another favorite fall activity in home ec is the multi-week Peaches Lab, where students work together to turn fresh peaches into homemade jam. From balancing and peeling the fruit to carefully cutting and cooking it down, each step takes precision and collaboration. By the end of the lab, students have jars filled with jam to take home.
Drew Russo, ‘26, joined home ec in preparation for life after graduation, learning essential skills and gaining dexterity for the future.
“My favorite part of the class is our cooking unit with my friends. We get to learn important life skills in a relaxed environment under the teaching of Mrs. Higton,” Russo said. “She makes it easy to be taught.”
Through every lab, recipe, and project, Home Economics continues to build students’ confidence and independence. Under Higton’s guidance, young adults learn that success often begins with simple skills practiced with care. The class is open exclusively to junior and senior students, helping these young adults hit the ground running when they go out on their own.
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