Philosophy of Education

1. Children ultimately belong to God. The Bible declares that children are God's gracious gifts to parents. They are a "Heritage"freely given to be loved, cherished, provided for and properly molded for God's glory. In reality, they are God's loans to parents, to prepare them for His use. Responsibility is inherent in that gift; responsibility to train a child to be pleasing in God's sight. (Psalm 127; Deut 6:109; Eph. 6:1-4).


2. Guidance for that task is found in God's Word, the Bible. Happiness and success can only be found in a lifestyle that puts God's Word and desires at the center of life. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, illustrations are given of character that is pleasing to God. Development of that character is based on Principles of living that, although written centuries ago are timeless in application. (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1; Daniel 1; II Tim. 3: 16,17; Phil. 4: 8,9).


3. While the home is the front line of Christian Education with the local body of believers (the church) as the first agency of delegation, today's society also trusts the public school into this realm of designation. Recognizing the need of studying the fields of "secular" knowledge is not in question. The study of certain subjects is necessary to function in today's world. All truth is God's truth no matter where it may be found. However, much of the content and atmosphere of today's public school education is contrary to God's truth as declared in God's Word. While reading, writing and arithmetic are important and have a place in the life of Christians, the use to which they are put and the effectiveness which they will have, will be in direct proportion to the degree to which they are placed under the control of the Holy Spirit.


4. The problem, then, is how can a parent, committed to God's Word fulfill his responsibility under such conditions? The answer lies in the establishment of a school based on those convictions.


5. The purpose of this school would be to help develop God-pleasing character in the lives of those who attend. This would be done in conjunction with the study of those "secular" subjects necessary to properly function in today's world. A biblical view of God, man and the world would be the standpoint from which all subjects would be taught. All knowledge is to be understood within the context of the Christian world view. Academically the level of education should be equal or superior to that of the public school.


6. Admission to this school would be contingent on the recommendation of the admissions committee. Parents must understand the purpose and philosophy of this school and must be willing to put their child(ren) under the authority of its teachers and administrations. The Bible is very clear concerning the need of discipline (Col. 3:20, Heb. 13:7a, Prov. 6:23, 10:17, 13:24, 19:18, 22:15, 23:13, 29:15-17). The parents must also be willing to put their children under whatever discipline may be deemed necessary by this authority.