Educational Philosophy

Mt. Bethel Christian Academy was established upon the foundation of delivering a truly Christ-centered approach to educating our students. Viewed as a ministry of Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church, we have set out to offer private Christian education where academic excellence is pursued in an environment where the Christian ethic and understanding permeate all academic and non-academic activities of the Academy. As a Christ-centered school our educational philosophy differs distinctively from the secular education practiced in public schools and some of the practices in many private schools. While most Christian schools share certain foundational beliefs, we encourage parents to review thoroughly all elements of a prospective school before deciding on the appropriate environment for their children.

Specifically, Mt. Bethel Christian Academy holds certain foundational beliefs as critical pillars to our educational philosophy.

I. Parents are directed by God to be responsible for the education of their children. The Academy is delegated authority by the parents in this effort, but the Academy is not a substitute for parental authority.

II. Jesus Christ spoke of the importance of education when giving us the greatest commandment ‘to love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your MIND’. Thus, at Mt. Bethel Christian Academy academic excellence is pursued in a curriculum which follows the biblical pattern of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom.

III. Mt. Bethel Christian Academy is an evangelical school. Students of any race, religion, etc. are eligible for acceptance, but all students will be encouraged to grow in the knowledge and love of our Lord Jesus Christ.

IV. We believe small class sizes encourage development and absorption of material. Small class sizes also promote a love for learning as individual attention and creativity is enhanced.

V. We believe the teaching of critical learning and reasoning skills must accompany the mastering of the building blocks of knowledge. In order to succeed in competitive environments, students must be taught to use what they learn.

VI. We believe students in a Christ-centered education should achieve superior academics while at the same time be trained to think thoroughly and act in ways which make them ‘salt and light’ and ultimately perform as disciples of Christ.