What is Classical Education?

The classical model is both old and new. Over the millennia it has produced some of the greatest thinkers in human history. Validated through scientific research, the classical model complements the developing mind by matching method with childhood development.

Philosophy of Classical Christian Education…
Scripturally, the process of education should lead the student toward the development of true knowledge, righteousness and holiness in Christ, therefore the student can mature spiritually, mentally, socially and physically through teaching and leading in accordance with God’s design.
 
We believe that the Bible clearly instructs parents to bring up children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.  Therefore, we strive to be an extension of that teaching. 

We believe that God’s character is revealed not only in His word, but also in every facet of creation.  Therefore, we teach that all knowledge is interrelated and can instruct us about God himself.

We engage the classical method of teaching which recognizes a three-fold development in the education of children. 

Grades K-5 begin to learn the “grammar” rules, facts, dates, etc. of the various academic disciplines at a time when they have a good faculty for memorization.

Grades 6-9 are taught formal logic and are encouraged to exercise logical processes throughout the curriculum

Grades 10-12 there is emphasis placed on rhetoric, that is the cohesive bringing together of what they have learned and the ability to express themselves well in speech and writing.

Classical education is word based, not image based.  Emphasis is placed on the language arts as foundational for all the disciplines.  Children are encouraged to read frequently, quickly and thoroughly.  Classical education stresses the relationship between the academic disciplines and uses the discipline of history to understand their development and inter-dependence.

Objectives…
MVCA  seeks to give its students the tools to develop a Christian world and life view.  Individual maturity is developed in a student’s life when there is growth in the spiritual, academic, physical, and personal areas. 

Spiritual

• Teach GOD IS TRUTH.
• Teach that God reveals Himself to man through the BIBLE.
• Present Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior whom every student has opportunity to personally receive.
• Present the Holy Spirit as the Revealer and TEACHER OF TRUTH.
• Encourage students to develop a heart attitude for daily fellowship and communion with GOD.
• Encourage each individual to know and obey God’s will that the peace of God might rule in his or her heart.
• Encourage each individual to live a life consistent with and worthy of the Gospel of the LORD JESUS CHRIST!
• Teach students how to deal with temptation and sin.
• Encourage each individual to develop self-discipline and personal responsibility based on respect for and submission to God and those whom God has placed in authority over him/her. 

Academic

• Develop the individual’s potential academic abilities by promoting high academic standards within the curriculum.
• Teach and encourage students to develop good personal study habits.
• Instill in each student a desire to learn, teaching each student to reason logically, think critically and study independently using biblical criteria for evaluation.
• Develop an appreciation for the fine arts by teaching that fine arts can strengthen the inner man, reveals the individuals inner God given talents and encourages personal expression.
• Encourage students to pursue areas of personal interest and develop their God-given abilities.
• Promote responsible citizenship through biblical concepts.
• Teach a God centered view of history, government, and other sociological studies related to current events of Gods plan for man and the world.

Physical

• Teach that bodily discipline in pursuit of Godliness is profitable by promoting habits that contribute to good health and the wise use of the body as the temple of God.
• Teach good sportsmanship and teamwork by applying Christian principles of self control and Christ like character while participating in physical recreation.
• Teach that God has given us all things and requires us to be faithful stewards of all we own or use.
• Teach biblical perspectives towards marriage and the family.
• Teach each individual that his or her conscience is a gift from God and needs to be respected, guarded and developed according to biblical principles.
• Teach that each individual is personally responsible and accountable for his or her thoughts, words, and actions, and to teach the consequences suffered when we violate the principles of God’s word.
• Teach the individual to practice Christian principles in each area of responsibility in which God has placed him or her.
  
  We intend that each student, with the help of the Lord, at every stage of his or her development will be loved with Christ’s love at MVCA.