How we teach is just as important as what we teach. We aim to develop in students the discipline needed to delight in the work God has for them. We want them to, “Work hard and with delight; this is loving God with all my might!”
The development of the child drives our pedagogical approach. We believe this to be a Biblical approach to teaching because the Lord remembers our frame when teaching us (Psalm 103:14). As Creator and Teacher, He knows best how he made people to learn which starts with the fear of God. Without proper humility and submission, children are not in the right mindset to learn wisdom.
How does it look in the classroom? Responding with “yes sir” rather than “yeah,” raising a hand to speak, expressing gratitude, obeying immediately, thoroughly, and wholeheartedly. Learn about child development using the classical trivium.
King Solomon tells us that the hand of the diligent will rule, but the slothful will be put to forced labor (Proverbs 12:24). Learning to do good work even when it is difficult is the type of character training students need to become faithful leaders. Intentional habit training at home and at school equips children with the fortitude they need to finish strong.
How does it look in the classroom? Encouragement notes from teachers, timely informing parents with discipline matters, seeking and extending forgiveness, keeping our word even if it hurts, exhibiting self-control.
We challenge students to work hard in the pursuit of academic excellence. As image bearers of God, others ought to be able to look at our work and say as He did about His work, “It is good.” Christians are instructed to do everything with all their might and for God’s glory. The world should be blessed from our good labors, so much so that it leads them to praise God (Matthew 5:16).
How does it look in the classroom? Re-doing poorly written letters, showing work in math class, honest work, singing robustly, being on time, good stewardship. Learn about our homework philosophy
It is possible to “get things done” without joy, but God’s will for our lives is that we delight in our work (Ecclesiastes 2:25-26). Learning to love what our Master has asked us to do is a lifelong lesson that does not always come easy, but labor done in love pleases God who knows our hearts. The more we grow in our love for God, the more capacity we have for loving other things without giving way to idolatry.
How does it look in the classroom? Seeking God’s grace in prayer, having a song in the heart, modeling teachers who love what they teach, giving thanks always, celebrating growth.