ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF AN
EFFECTIVE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Christian schools exist to support parents in fulfilling their
biblical responsibility to educate children. It is our intent not to define a
teachers or school’s philosophy but to
provide a starting point, a framework consisting of five essential elements—truth,
intellectual development, Christian educators, potential in Christ, and
operational integrity—upon which a teacher or school can build and implement their
own philosophy.
Truth Scripture is the revealed Word of God and is taught as truth, and that
truth is integrated into the learning experience. Students are taught that: All
truth is God’s truth, They are created in the image of God, They must confront
the issue of sin and redemption, They can know God as revealed in Christ and
made present through the Holy Spirit, And…
Intellectual Development.
The Christian mind should be the best mind, enlightened by the
mind of Christ and having integrated God’s principles with academic pursuits.
The aim is to develop students
with a biblical worldview who are well prepared academically with an emphasis
on: Accurately interpreting the Word of
God, Mastering communication skills, Proficiency in mathematics and science,
Understanding history and God’s activity in it, An appreciation of literature and the arts, Reasoning and critical thinking, Finding, analyzing, evaluating, and
appropriately using information, And…
Christian Educators
The Christian school must have a board, administration,
faculty, and staff who are committed followers of Christ, teaching and leading
from a biblically integrated perspective. Those engaged with the school’s
governance, leadership, and teaching will: Model Christ in their teaching
and leading, Understand and focus on achieving the school’s vision and expected
outcomes, Reflect and support the school’s
mission and core values, And…
Potential in Christ
Every learning experience aims
to engage students toward their full potential in Christ. Learning will include
a focus on: Providing programs and services
appropriate for the student, The student’s relationship and responsibility to
society, Intellectual, spiritual, social, emotional, and physical development
through every curricular activity, Making disciples, Preparing for works of
service, Developing an eternal view of life, And…
Operational Integrity
The school’s day-to-day operational practices are a
consistent model of integrity, efficiency, and accountability. Biblical values
are consistently implemented as the schools:
Governance reflects the high road to policy development and
accountability, People resources are managed ethically and justly, Financial
issues are managed and monitored with integrity and disclosure, Relations with
the government and its agencies are straight forward and Christ like,
Development and marketing strategies are ethical, clear, and open, o Classroom
management is consistent and fair, Parent relations reflect honesty, openness,
and fairness, And…