Educational Philosophy

The philosophy of ACCA shall be to address the needs of the whole student spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, and physically by providing an education based on Biblical authority, truth and values.

ACCA starts with the premise that education is the prerogative and responsibility of parents.  The Christian school is in partnership with the home and church to provide support and assistance in shaping a Christ-like view of truth and reality.  There is a wide world of difference between Christian school education and education that is non-Christian. Two basic differences underlying the philosophy of Christian education are covered in the following questions:

1. What is truth?
2. What is the nature of man?

To answer these questions, ACCA believes that the Bible is truth.  It is the inspired, inerrant, infallible authoritative point of reference for our lives and the standard for all academic subjects.  The student will be taught that he is not the final authority of what is right or wrong, and the education will not be “value free” or “neutral”.  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom and knowledge (Proverbs 1:7, 15:33), and all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ (Colossians 2:3).  Christian education is the integration of God’s word throughout the curriculum.  It is a process led by the Holy Spirit in which students, aided by a teacher and/or in their own study, receive knowledge by which they modify their attitudes and behavior to conform more and more to the purposes of God and the character of Jesus Christ.

ACCA agrees with the Scripture that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), and “all our righteousness are like filthy rags” before the Lord (Isaiah 64:6).  Therefore, the student must know that his righteousness and goodness must come from the salvation experience in Jesus Christ, not because all men are naturally righteous.  Christian education focuses on what a person becomes in Christ rather than on what he knows.  A person’s greatest need in life is redemption through Jesus Christ.

These are the foundational truths of a Christian education.  ACCA will endeavor to provide an atmosphere of love and nurturing in the teaching and training of students.  The gospel and academic teaching must be presented and lived before the students in such a way that they will see the love of Christ to the extent that all will want to become His lifelong disciples.  The Christian school is committed to discipling young men and women to be confident of their relationship with God and to be established through educational training to step forward and accept God’s leading in their lives.

Ark City Christian Academy’s guiding principle is to lift up the standard of Christ in all areas of school life, to challenge students to live a life that pleases and glorifies God, and our foundation for instruction, truth and values comes from the Holy Word of God.