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Philosophy of Education

The philosophy of education for Hunting Park Christian Academy is based on the primary convictions that are contained in the “Statement of Faith.” The following statements identify the principles that apply to the educational process when viewed through the perspective of faith.

  1. Education is focused on truth, of which God is the ultimate source. He reveals himself to us in nature; in His Son; and in the Bible, the only inerrant, authoritative, and sufficient rule for faith and practice (Hebrews 1:1-3, II Timothy 3:16-17).

  2. The Lordship of Christ and the sovereignty of God are all inclusive; therefore, all areas of life and learning are regarded as sacred (Romans 11:36).

  3. Christian education is the result of all knowledge being tested against, and integrated with, a biblically based view of God and the world (Colossians 1:16-17; John 1:3).

  4. The primary responsibility for the education of children rests with the parent. The Christian school serves as an aid to parents by instructing children in the ways of the Lord and leading them to a life of fellowship with God and service to others.

    HPCA teacher with students

     

  5. The Christian teacher, empowered by the Holy Spirit, guides and nurtures students through instruction, admonition and personal example. The Christian teacher seeks to encourage the spiritual development of students since this is the foundation for their academic, social and personal growth (Colossians 1:28; Proverbs 1:7).

  6. Christian education occurs as the Holy Spirit works effectively in the hearts and minds of the students. Through general revelation students learn of God and His world (Acts 14:17; Romans 1:18-20). Special revelation and regeneration are regarded as essential components of Christian education because a personal relationship with Jesus Christ provides students with the ability to view life from a Biblical perspective (I Corinthians 12).

  7. God has created all students with unique talents as well as particular developmental growth patterns. Therefore, the learning process is enhanced as teachers utilize varied teaching strategies and instructional environments (Psalm 139:13-15; Romans 12:4,8)

  8. Service to others inside and outside the classroom contributes to the development of each student’s talents and abilities (I Corinthians 12).

  9. Excellence in the quality of education offered to children brings glory to God and provides a compelling witness to our neighbors (Philippians 1:9-11).

  10. The goal of Christian education is to develop students who will serve God and impact their community and the world by thinking and acting biblically in all areas of life (Romans 12:2)

Biblical Mandate

Throughout the Word of God we find references to teaching. In Deuteronomy 6 we find Moses presenting God’s commandments to the children of Israel, “These are the commands, decrees and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe . . .” (verse 1). Verse 2 continues with the reason for this teaching of the commandments, “so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands . . .”

In these verses, Moses is teaching parents and families with the implication that this teaching would be transmitted to future generations. In verses 6-9, these implications become an explicit mandate, “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” (verse 7). Teaching is not to be partitioned off from the rest of life but is a full-time function. This teaching is to encompass a number of areas. Parents are to teach their children:

  • to know God’s commands,

  • to remember God’s activities in their history, and

  • to love, fear and serve God.

Hunting Park Christian Academy is committed to teaching in locus parentis (in the place of parents). This means we are committed to assisting parents in teaching their children these three areas. The ultimate goal of passing on the commandments of God is:  to foster a love of God expressed in loyalty and unqualified obedience.