Our Philosophy of Education“Educating for Life.” Coventry Christian School’s motto, simply and succinctly embodies our philosophy of education. We strive to train our students in the wisdom and knowledge of God and his Word, while demonstrating how this permeates every facet of their daily learning-- from math to science, from English to art, from PE to social activities. We believe that education should prepare students for life today, tomorrow, and eternity. Education must begin with the conviction that each student is made in the image of God and has an eternal soul God loved enough to send his Son to save. Each student is invaluable. Such a conviction permeates instruction, classroom management, discipline, and communication with parents. Education is a failure if it does not instill in students a fear of the Lord. Solomon said that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” The fear of the Lord is the foundation of education for both teacher and student. True education that leads to wisdom cannot be assessed by written tests and evaluations. Evidence of such an education can only be seen in the life and deeds of the student. The highest order of thought is expressed in the actions of the student. This is the goal of education. In instruction, curriculum writing, discipline, social interaction--in all that is done to educate students, the teacher must strive to bring glory to God and do it all in the name of Jesus, trusting that God blesses such efforts. Such an approach keeps each educator accountable to a higher power and ensures that solid educational principles provided by God drive his or her efforts. Because any thought that sets itself against the knowledge of God is folly and promotes futile thinking, students must be trained to think critically, using discernment, evaluating all knowledge in all fields of education and life in the light of God’s Word. In addition, students need teachers who are authentic and live their faith in and out of the classroom. Students must see a passion for God and for learning in the teacher so that they will be more likely to share the same passions themselves. In addition to learning by example, students learn best when the subjects they are taught are not isolated from their existence. This is why Christ taught by parable, and why it is imperative that children learn their subjects in context. Understanding that God, the Creator of each student, has endowed them with different talents, abilities, and interests, educators are obligated to nurture those God-given qualities, meeting the needs of each student, treating everyone as an individual. Just as Christ met people where they were to teach them, teachers must do the same for their students. A school guided by these philosophical tenets will provide a superior education that meets the needs of all students, educating them for “life to the full”--“the life that is truly life.”
Ephesians 4:11-13, Genesis 1:27, Colossians 3:17, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Ecclesiastes 12:13, Proverbs 1:7, Matthew 5:19, James 3:13, 1 Timothy 6:19, John 10:10 |
