A Christian education provides...
The proper context for all education:
Because Jesus Christ is the true Lord and Creator of all that is, true education can only be done in a Christian context. At Providence Christian Academy the Holy Scriptures and the Jesus whom they reveal are at the core of all that we do. We want every student to understand and communicate Christ's truth as it is revealed in Scripture and in the natural world.
God's word also reveals to us the true nature of fallen creatures. We understand that human beings' true problem is selfishness, not ignorance. Education cannot save us, only Christ can. In light of this, education has two purposes. First, it can open people's eyes to the truth of God and their need for Him. Second, it can form a Christ-like character in His children.
Standards of virtue:
Education rooted firmly in the ultimate truth of Jesus Christ has the great benefit of knowing precisely at what it ought to be aimed. The goal of Christian education is nothing other than the instilling of Christ-like character. As Christian educators our task is to teach children to understand what is true, to choose what is good and to create what is beautiful for the glory of our Creator.
Certain grounds for knowledge:
With Scripture as our foundation, we can have certainty in this world of uncertainty. Students at Providence Christian Academy learn to evaluate the foundational assumptions that make up our worldview in the light of Scripture. This prepares students to face and counteract the forces of relativism and apathy that pervade our culture.
Effective methods of child rearing:
We certainly recognize each student's infinite value as a lovingly created child of God, but we also understand that they are still, in many ways, immature. Their ideas should be respected, but they should not be regarded as having equal weight as those of mature adults. Students must be trained what to love as much as they must be trained how. Moreover, we understand that every teacher's job is to encourage and expect right behavior and to punish wrong behavior and attitudes when appropriate.
Finally we recognize that God has given the job of educating children specifically to parents. Providence Christian Academy believes that we exist essentially as a supportive institution. We exist to assist parents in their God-given responsibility of child rearing.
Grace:
Only an education bathed in the love of our Savior Jesus Christ can offer sinful students grace. But the concept of grace extends far beyond salvation. It is the grace of Christ which sets us free to be what we were intended to be in the first place. It is the grace of God which gives us faith and the Holy Spirit. Ultimately it is because of what Christ has done for us that a life of virtue and excellence is also a life full of joy in the glory of Christ.