Most high school students grapple with profound questions of loss, love, and letting go; of meaning, purpose, and service; of self-reliance and community; of choice and surrender. The classroom community can profoundly influence how students respond to these questions--with love, denial, apathy, or even violence. When students work together, they learn that grace, love, and profound gratitude can meet any challenge--even wrenching conflict, prejudice, or death. Creating authentic community is the first step in the soul of education. In this article, the author provides strategies on how teachers can integrate heart, spirit, and community with strong academics into their classroom. (Contains 3 notes.)