Christian Education Philosophy
We believe...
…that the purpose of education is to promote the full development of each human being, based on the basic belief that all people are equal and created in God’s image. We believe that each child is a unique individual with value, gifts and talents given to him by God. We realize that CLAS has the responsibility to mold, train and nurture young lives, in order for students to grow to be all that God has created them to be,for His glory. While recognizing that children have individual learning styles and abilities, the methods of instruction used by CLAS will be those used by Christ, involving showing love, respect and care for each child. We pledge, as educators, to be fully responsible for helping all students under our care to develop: cognitively, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. As educators, we strive to put Christ as the core foundation in imparting sound knowledge and learning in a Christian educational system. Our philosophy of education is reflected in our core beliefs and values as highlighted below.
1. The Development of a Biblical World View is the Goal of Christian Education
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and perfect and acceptable.” Romans 12:2
The Bible is the primary source for all learning. It provides, through principles of truth, the foundation from which the learner can reason to every subject and area of life. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. We believe that knowledge of Biblical principles such as love, forgiveness, etc. is essential to develop understanding and wisdom (the high orders of learning and application) in any given subject.
2. Christian Character Development is Primary in the Education Process
Education works from the internal to the external. First, the heart of man must be regenerated then his mind must be renewed, and finally, he will “walk in a manner worthy of his calling.” Christ opens the doorway into the Kingdom of God for the individual. The sanctification process that ensues occurs in the character realm first, and is a lifelong progression. Lasting external change and growth comes only by way of internal character growth.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23.
3. Academic Excellence
“Great are the works of the Lord; they are studied by all who delight in them.” Psalm 111:2
As the foundation in Christian character is being laid, the academic capacity of the student is addressed and developed. Each child is an expression of God’s Principle of Individuality. He/She is seen as an individual created in God’s image, unique and possessing certain gifts and qualities that set him apart from all others. As his strengths and weaknesses are identified, the education process both affirms and stretches him, calling him up to excellence in every area of life so that he may effectively exert Christian influence in his life spheres.
Our responsibility to students mandates that we assist their development academically, spiritually, physically, emotionally, and socially. We recognize that these areas are an inseparable part of the whole child. Every aspect of CLAS program will include an integration of God's Word. The integrated curriculum will be used to promote high academic standards, and lead students to grasp the foundations of learning. The objective of our instructional program is to enable the student to reach their highest level of preparedness for entering the mainstream of society, or to continue the post- secondary education of their choosing.
4. The importance of parents
The primary responsibility in the raising and education of children lies with the parents (Deuteronomy 6:7- 8; Genesis 17:7; Proverbs 22:6). However, CLAS collaborates with parents in the education and Christian character development of students (Deuteronomy 11:18; Psalm 78:4-5). CLAS aims to facilitate parents’ informed involvement in the life of the school. By ensuring school authorities and parents work as a team in order to help students.
5. The importance of teachers.
The Christian teacher is the key to Christian education. The Christian teacher empowered by the Holy Spirit instructs, admonishes, and trains the student. The Christian teacher sets a Godly example and seeks to encourage Christian growth in each student. Christian growth is the foundation for the student’s academic, social, and personal growth (Colossians 1:28; Proverbs 1:7).
At CLAS, teachers will be equipped with the right tools to help them utilize varied teaching strategies and to create instructional environments. CLAS teachers will seek to present a Christ-like example and a godly environment where learning can occur. By conforming all knowledge to a biblical perspective, teachers will seek to bear faithful witness to children by the example of their lives and the teaching of the scriptures. CLAS teachers will also possess the appropriate skills and ability to impart knowledge to children.
In summary, the Christian education provided by CLAS has the unique capacity to assist parents in their God-given mandate to “raise their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4) This education takes place in the context of a biblical philosophy and a Christ-centered curriculum by loving and mature Christian teachers who minister to the whole child using Christ-honoring and effective methods.
…that the purpose of education is to promote the full development of each human being, based on the basic belief that all people are equal and created in God’s image. We believe that each child is a unique individual with value, gifts and talents given to him by God. We realize that CLAS has the responsibility to mold, train and nurture young lives, in order for students to grow to be all that God has created them to be,for His glory. While recognizing that children have individual learning styles and abilities, the methods of instruction used by CLAS will be those used by Christ, involving showing love, respect and care for each child. We pledge, as educators, to be fully responsible for helping all students under our care to develop: cognitively, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. As educators, we strive to put Christ as the core foundation in imparting sound knowledge and learning in a Christian educational system. Our philosophy of education is reflected in our core beliefs and values as highlighted below.
1. The Development of a Biblical World View is the Goal of Christian Education
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and perfect and acceptable.” Romans 12:2
The Bible is the primary source for all learning. It provides, through principles of truth, the foundation from which the learner can reason to every subject and area of life. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. We believe that knowledge of Biblical principles such as love, forgiveness, etc. is essential to develop understanding and wisdom (the high orders of learning and application) in any given subject.
2. Christian Character Development is Primary in the Education Process
Education works from the internal to the external. First, the heart of man must be regenerated then his mind must be renewed, and finally, he will “walk in a manner worthy of his calling.” Christ opens the doorway into the Kingdom of God for the individual. The sanctification process that ensues occurs in the character realm first, and is a lifelong progression. Lasting external change and growth comes only by way of internal character growth.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23.
3. Academic Excellence
“Great are the works of the Lord; they are studied by all who delight in them.” Psalm 111:2
As the foundation in Christian character is being laid, the academic capacity of the student is addressed and developed. Each child is an expression of God’s Principle of Individuality. He/She is seen as an individual created in God’s image, unique and possessing certain gifts and qualities that set him apart from all others. As his strengths and weaknesses are identified, the education process both affirms and stretches him, calling him up to excellence in every area of life so that he may effectively exert Christian influence in his life spheres.
Our responsibility to students mandates that we assist their development academically, spiritually, physically, emotionally, and socially. We recognize that these areas are an inseparable part of the whole child. Every aspect of CLAS program will include an integration of God's Word. The integrated curriculum will be used to promote high academic standards, and lead students to grasp the foundations of learning. The objective of our instructional program is to enable the student to reach their highest level of preparedness for entering the mainstream of society, or to continue the post- secondary education of their choosing.
4. The importance of parents
The primary responsibility in the raising and education of children lies with the parents (Deuteronomy 6:7- 8; Genesis 17:7; Proverbs 22:6). However, CLAS collaborates with parents in the education and Christian character development of students (Deuteronomy 11:18; Psalm 78:4-5). CLAS aims to facilitate parents’ informed involvement in the life of the school. By ensuring school authorities and parents work as a team in order to help students.
5. The importance of teachers.
The Christian teacher is the key to Christian education. The Christian teacher empowered by the Holy Spirit instructs, admonishes, and trains the student. The Christian teacher sets a Godly example and seeks to encourage Christian growth in each student. Christian growth is the foundation for the student’s academic, social, and personal growth (Colossians 1:28; Proverbs 1:7).
At CLAS, teachers will be equipped with the right tools to help them utilize varied teaching strategies and to create instructional environments. CLAS teachers will seek to present a Christ-like example and a godly environment where learning can occur. By conforming all knowledge to a biblical perspective, teachers will seek to bear faithful witness to children by the example of their lives and the teaching of the scriptures. CLAS teachers will also possess the appropriate skills and ability to impart knowledge to children.
In summary, the Christian education provided by CLAS has the unique capacity to assist parents in their God-given mandate to “raise their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4) This education takes place in the context of a biblical philosophy and a Christ-centered curriculum by loving and mature Christian teachers who minister to the whole child using Christ-honoring and effective methods.
