Union Chapel Christian Academy - Philosophy of Education

Philosophy of Education

Our philosophy of education is based on the infallible Word of God. The Union Chapel School System (Child Development Center and Academy) exists to assist parents in providing a Christ-centered education for their children, based on the precepts established by scripture.

The Student: Each student is unique and created in God's image; the only version of himself or herself that God has ever made - or will make. Created with a one of a kind body, mind, and spirit, therefore, each student has distinct aptitudes and abilities in many areas; spiritual, mental, social, and physical. The student's spirituality is the true center of his or her life and provides the motivation, purpose, and direction for all other areas.

The School: The Christian school is a support ministry first for the home and second for the Church. God has ordained the institution of the family and has given parents the responsibility of nurturing and training their children. He has ordained that Christ's body, the Church, is the spiritual authority and support for His people. As a complement to home and church, the Christian school seeks to help nurture the growth of young people in a Godly direction in every area - spiritual, mental, physical, social - as exemplified in the life of Christ: "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man." Luke 2:52

The Teacher: We recognize that when the student is at school, the teacher stands in the place of the parent. We believe that the role of the Christian teacher is to demonstrate through philosophy and lifestyle in his or her personal relationship with Jesus Christ, a consistent reflection of Godly character, a heart to meet the needs of young people, and a mastery of content and delivery of instruction. The teacher's responsibility is an awesome one and must be entered into prayerfully, trusting the Lord for guidance.

The Educational Program: As a Christian school, the entire educational program is dependent upon and directly related to the truths and principles put forth in the Bible. Each student needs individual love and attention and will achieve his or her highest potential when taught in such an environment. The ultimate aim of the educational program is to prepare and train young people to serve and glorify God as servant - leaders in their communities and in the world. This aim is the basis for the following educational goals:

Educational Goals and Spiritual Growth

To teach the Christian Faith:

That God is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe and of man.

That the Bible is the only Word of God and is authoritative in every area of life.

That Jesus Christ is God's only begotten Son.

That salvation is the free gift of God and that only through regeneration can one receive His gift of eternal life.

To lead students to a belief in Christ, which results in receiving Him as Savior and Lord, and to mature into His likeness.

To give students a knowledge of the contents of the Bible and provide them with guidance in the application of Biblical truth to their lives.

To help students develop wisdom to seek and follow the will of God as revealed in the Scriptures and to make wise judgments based on God's revealed truth.

To equip students with a Christian worldview based on Biblical principles and perspectives.

To teach students that every aspect of life is under God's dominion and therefore spiritual, and that the purpose of every activity and endeavor - academic, athletic, artistic, social, or otherwise - is to honor and glorify God.

To encourage students to accept the responsibility to share the Christian faith through words and actions.

Intellectual Growth

To challenge students to a high level of performance within their potential given by God.

To provide students with high academic standards.

To teach students to accept individual responsibility for their academic progress.

To help students develop the skills that will give them the maximum ability and opportunity to continue their education beyond the secondary level

To teach students to learn both independently and cooperatively.

To help students to develop an appropriate love of learning and appreciation for scholarship.

To help students develop creative skills and an appreciation for the fine arts.

To teach students to communicate clearly and to think critically and creatively.

To help students achieve cultural literacy, including the area of information technology.

Social Growth

To teach students to demonstrate love and respect within the boundaries of propriety in their dealings with others.

To teach students to honor and respect those in authority.

To help students develop self-discipline and personal responsibility based on respect for and submission to delegated authority

To help students understand that good citizenship is a part of our Christian and American heritage.

To teach students a Godly perspective on sexuality and to help them understand God’s standards and plan for marriage and family.

To help students understand that true greatness is defined by service to others and to instill in the students the desire to become servant leaders fully utilizing their talents, skills and abilities in service to God and others.

Physical Growth

To teach students to respect their bodies as gifts from God and as temples of the Holy Spirit.

To encourage students to accept the responsibility for the stewardship of their bodies and to establish good health habits in all areas of their lives.

To involve students in regular fitness training and to teach students to appreciate the importance of physical fitness training in achieving maximum physical and mental health.

To provide students with the opportunity to participate in a broad spectrum of team and individual sports in order to build character, develop team and leadership skills, and enhance physical abilities.