Annual Review 2012 - Christian Academy School System

Curriculum atChristian AcademyCurriculum is described as “what we teach” whileinstruction is described as “how we teach it.” Thedistinction of Christian Academy, however, is found inthe one element that is central to both these concepts -the Bible. What is taught and how it is taught revolvesaround God’s revelation as seen in His Holy Scriptures.The curriculum utilized at Christian Academy strives tochallenge students academically in their studies whileintegrating a biblical worldview in the lessons taught.The instructional program here is intended to honor howGod created children. “God created man in His own image”(Genesis 1:27) and then gave man the mandate to “fill theearth and subdue it” (Genesis 1:28). Therefore the natureof learners, as image bearers of the Creator, provides theframework for curriculum and teaching methods.Learning activities are focused on the reasoning,creative, purposeful, and relational nature of students bytargeting critical thinking, problem solving, exploration,creativity, and collaboration. From Kindergarten-12thgrade the subject matter progresses in a manner thatequips students with skills and knowledge to becomegood stewards of God’s earth and respected citizens.The mission of the educational program is to equipstudents to be self-directed learners who develop a heartfor God and grow as Jesus did in wisdom, stature, and infavor with God and men. Proper nurturing of the heartand mind leads to this desired outcome of learning.Annie Gallagher,Assistant Superintendentof CurriculumEducators in the Christian Academy School System aresensitive to how the maturation processes of the mind,social development, and spiritual growth all play a part in the development of learning. As a result the content ofscience, social studies, math, English, foreign language, technology, physical education, and fine arts are presentedfrom the biblical perspective in a manner that is age appropriate, yet challenging. Learning goals for biblicalknowledge, worldview and spiritual growth are intentionally included in the curriculum, chapel programs, andmission opportunities.As children experience the academic side of Christian Academy School System, our hope and prayer is that theyalso sense how the essence of Christ filters through all that we do.Annual Review 2012 33