Academics

Our Philosophy

 

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

 

An emphasis on excellence in academics is vital to a quality education. The goal of this excellence is not simply to gain a vast body of information, but to understand how this information can be transformed into practical knowledge whereby sound judgments and astute deductions can be made when new information is presented.

The goal is not the knowledge itself but the use of that knowledge in a way that reflects the wisdom of God. Harvard University at its inception recognized this principle: “Let everyone be plainly instructed, and earnestly pressed to consider well, the main end of his life and studies is, to know God and Jesus Christ which is eternal life (John 17:3) and therefore to lay Christ in the bottom, as the only foundation of all sound knowledge and learning. And seeing the Lord only giveth wisdom, Let every one seriously set himself by prayer in secret to seek it of him (Prov. 2:3).”
-Rules and Precepts, Harvard University, 1642

BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW

 

To shape the structures of knowledge that leads to wisdom, we must know the Source of knowledge -- God’s Word. By systematically teaching all subjects from a Biblical worldview, the achievements of the student are more than academic. Academics now offer understanding and wisdom of the events of the past, present, and future.  Noah Webster, who was known as “the Schoolmaster of the Nation”, astutely noted: “Education is useless without the Bible.” 

A Biblical worldview holds to the opinion that behavior, ethics, and learning must be judged against the standards set forth in God’s Word, and that nothing can ultimately be successful apart from the application of those standards.  It is based on Joshua 1:8, “Study this Book of the Law continually.  Meditate on it day and night so that you may be sure to obey all that is written in it.  Only then will you succeed.” 

CHRISTLIKE CHARACTER

 

An exemplary character dramatically affects all other areas of a student’s life. A student who may be challenged in certain areas of learning can be taught principles of Godly character that will serve them well in acquiring the skills of life.  Character training has been the cornerstone of education since the founding of our nation. The great value of Christlike character is not so much the result in the student’s behavior as it is in knowing the character of God.

Understanding the world around the student allows the student to clearly understand his or her role in that world.  With these three aims at the heart of Christian education, we believe that our students will be equipped to live their lives in a way that will positively influence the world in which they live.