Although most Christian schools would agree on certain fundamentals, it is imperative that parents scrutinize the foundational beliefs of any school in which they may enroll their child(ren). Therefore, below are the most important philosophical elements that we at GCA believe distinguish our approach to education.
1. We believe that the Bible clearly instructs parents, not the Church or State, to "bring children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." The Church’s commission is essentially to spread the Gospel and train believers (Matt.28:18-20). The State has been directed to enforce God’s laws and protect the innocent (Romans 13). The Church trains parents and the State protects families. The Family raises and educates children (Eph.6:1-4). Therefore, under the delegation of the family, we seek to teach and discipline in a manner consistent with the Bible and a godly home environment.
2. We believe that God's character is revealed not only in His Word but also in every facet of the creation. Therefore, we teach that all knowledge is interrelated (integrated) and can instruct us about God himself.
3. God wants us to love Him with our minds, as well as with our hearts, souls, and strength (Matt. 22:37). Therefore, we seek to individually challenge children at all levels and teach them how to learn, by using the centuries-old, proven classical method (see following explanation), incorporating instruction in Latin.
4. We want to help parents teach their children that all they do should be done "heartily, as unto the Lord." Therefore, we seek to encourage quality academic work and maintain high standards of conduct. This necessarily includes biblical discipline principles.
5. As the Lord leads, we desire to have a full K-12 program because we believe that as long as a child is under the parents' authority and undergoing formal education, he should be trained biblically (Deut. 6:6,7; Prov. 22:6).
Above all, parents can be confident that their student, at every stage of his development in school, will be loved with Christ's love in GCA.
Parental Involvement
We believe that parents are ultimately responsible for their children's education. Parents should be integrally involved and a visible part of the school environment. Parents will be represented on the staff and on the governing board.
Personal Attention
Grace Christian Academy will show students personal attention by limiting class sizes. Our goal is that teachers, administrators and volunteers will know and love every student in a way that will encourage each to live up to his own potential and to work cooperatively with others.
Effective Discipline
It is our intent at Grace Christian Academy to instruct every child to obey his parents and to show respect to all persons. Requiring obedience to those in authority provides training for good citizenship and, most importantly, for a lifestyle of obedience to God and His Word. Students are not allowed to disrupt the learning process or to ill-treat or disrespect their teachers or fellow students.
