Memorial Christian Academy

THE AIM OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Christian education allows students to benefit from educational experiences that help develop the potential and special gifts of each student member of the school community. A balanced education is vital to a students development which includes fostering Christ-centered living the best in academics spiritual and character education extracurricular activities including sports drama and other activities. Our purpose and ministry is to help parents prepare their children for life by providing a complete academic moral and spiritual education. This ministry is also a discipleship ministry preparing and equipping students to become better disciples of Jesus Christ. We will help prepare them academically for a college education and to pursue a professional career. We will also help them as they learn how to raise their own families prepare to be leaders in their churches and become outstanding citizens and productive members of society. We are developing the leaders of tomorrow. Each student is provided the opportunity to build a strong intellect and a strong faith. A strong intellect is necessary to compete in the world of business higher education community involvement or the profession or vocation of life they choose to pursue. A strong faith is necessary to sustain them as well as provide the next generation of church leaders who are grounded in their faith live lives consistent with the teachings of the Bible and can defend their faith from those influences that would undermine them. MCA seeks to provide a well rounded education to all students.

THE WORK OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

The work we are to do is like that of construction. Parents commission us to take their child and help build their lives into something that will stand the tests of life. We could choose to build a general steel building that will be functional and efficient or we can strive for more. We would like to build each life into a great cathedral that is structurally sound magnificently constructed and distinctly ornate. Our curriculum is the blueprint we will follow which includes the activities and programs that provide meaningful and lasting learning experiences that promote a well rounded individual. Each lesson taught by our master builder teachers is a board panel or brick. Each interaction is a nail bolt or swath of mortar that will hold that building together. The construction will take place over a period of many years. When complete we will look back at whats been accomplished and give the glory to God. All is done for God by His strength and to achieve his purposes on earth.

THE UNIQUENESS OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

A vibrant Christian school community should be markedly different from the surrounding public education system in a number of ways. It should be qualitatively different innovative and remarkable. It is staffed by principled and passionate people of faith who consistently model Christ. These are Godly individuals who see the work that needs to be done allow their love for God children and education to energize them to do the work and have an expectant hope that their work will be recognized and rewarded by God as they seek to make the ultimate difference in each childs life. The school will seek to implement the vision by delivering a high quality education in the best possible setting using the best pedagogical and business service practices possible. Our curriculum is family friendly respectful and biblically sound.

THE BASIS OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Christian education is founded and based on the absolute truth of the Bible Gods revelation to man. As such the curriculum must be measured against that truth and is pervaded in every subject area by that truth. Our core subjects are Bible Social Studies Language Arts Sciences and Mathematics. Our students must be instilled with a Christian world view. The society in which we live is becoming increasingly secular and hostile to Christianity. The underlying philosophy of the Federal and State educational institutions and systems are in contradiction to the revealed truth of scripture and as such do not provide a complete education. A complete education encompasses all areas of knowledge. This includes knowledge of and recognition of the contributions of Christians and Christianity in various academic disciplines areas such as history science and literature. MCA uses a Bible-centered curriculum taught by committed Christian teachers with a dedication to and pursuit of academic excellence. Christian principles must be modeled by teachers and taught in the classroom. The Christian school is a stewardship ministry given by God in which all who participate will one day give an account.

THE ROLE OF PARENTS IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Parents are primarily responsible to God to raise and educate their children. MCA assists families by providing a formal program of academic instruction moral education and spiritual education along with extracurricular programs for all enrolled students.

THE STUDENT IN NEED OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Each child is created by God and uniquely outfitted by God with special gifts and abilities. As students children are curious inquisitive and capable of learning both cooperatively and individually. As fallen creatures each child may learn intellectual and moral truth. Upon regeneration (salvation) they may also learn spiritual truth. We must meet each student where they are and help them find Gods unique purpose for them. We must strive to help each child identify and develop the particular abilities that God has blessed them with as well as their academic and intellectual potential. Foundations are laid in elementary school where children can absorb large amounts of information. In middle school they begin to sort this information out and receive reinforcement. In high school they learn to think critically logically and conceptually and are taught how to integrate it all into their lives.

THE FACULTY ENTRUSTED WITH DELIVERING CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Teachers are the primary providers and deliverers of the education. They are dedicated professionals who model Christ know their respective subject areas and teach with passion and conviction. They love their students with the same way God loves unconditionally with the students best interest at heart. Teachers will strive to be innovative using best pedagogical practices possible and available. They will encourage active learning. Teachers teach to meet the instructional objectives not simply to ensure students will perform well on standardized tests. If they are taught well the tests will take care of themselves. Teachers will not simply teach to achieve minimum standards but will challenge and expect their students to aggressively participate in their education.

THE SETTING FOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Setting promotes learning. The schools setting must be one that is conducive to learning. The entire campus must be maintained in a state of excellence that is consistent with the academics excellence we expect from our students. Shoddily prepared bulletin boards visual aides that are not pertinent to the learning that is to be occurring and poorly maintained common areas are examples of distractions from the setting. Positive examples of the setting we wish to provide includes interactive bulletin boards displays boards and materials that engage the students curiosity and inspire them to learn and explore. This would include providing exhibits similar to those found in a museum. As students are given the best possible setting in which to learn they must also be provided the time in which to learn. Because time is a non-renewable resource instructional time is sacred and should not be interrupted unless absolutely necessary. Instructional time should never be interrupted simply for the convenience of the administration or support staff. The support staff while critical to the success of the school must not detract from the learning but must endeavor to support the teacher and the student by protecting instructional time.

BUILDING COMMUNITY IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

The Community that we wish to build is more than just the buildings bulletin boards and grounds of the campus. Our Community is values and people based. We will strive to maintain positive warm nurturing relationships that will foster the development of Christ-like character. Our Community must be one that is inclusive for all children and does not allow students to languish on the fringes in isolation. We will be positive in our statements of policy and in our expectations of discipline. We will assume the best in each student until proven otherwise. Our expectations revolve around Safety Respect and Focus. Most acts of misconduct are a violation of safety is an act of disrespect or is a lack of focus. For each act of misconduct we will encourage confession repentance restitution (if necessary) and restoration. We will not endanger the safety and security of the community. We will show due respect in our community for God the faculty staff students as well as for Property and the Campus itself. Although punitive actions and consequences will be measures of last resort they will be employed in order to ensure that students are provided a safe and secure environment in which to thrive and learn.