Founding Principles

Mt. Bethel Christian Academy is founded upon two fundamental principles. First, that our school will be Christ-centered in its focus and second, that our curriculum will follow the Biblical pattern of education which is knowledge, understanding and wisdom.

What does Christ-centered actually mean at Mt. Bethel Christian Academy?
Very often “Christian schools” fall into one of two categories. There are those Christian schools where the curriculum follows a secular direction, and prayer and Bible class are added to make the school “Christian.” The other type includes those schools that are so religious in their focus that academics are sacrificed. Mt. Bethel Christian Academy is unique in that excellence in academics is pursued in a truly Christ-centered environment. Christ-centered at Mt. Bethel Christian Academy means that Christian ethic and understanding permeate all activities of the school, both academic and non-academic. What this means in practice is that the Christian world view is included when teaching traditional academic subjects. For example, when teaching mathematics, students learn from the perspective that there is a created order to the universe that allows math “to work”. Science and scientific principles are taught in a way that does not explain away God, but rather provides evidence and justification for His existence. As each subject is taught, our students learn that God’s brilliant design enhances understanding; it does not diminish it. Our Christ-centered focus is underscored by the scripture verse which is our school’s foundation. When asked which is the greatest commandment, Jesus replied:

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart
and with all your soul and with all your MIND.”
Matthew 22:37-38

What is meant by Knowledge, Understanding and Wisdom?
Our curriculum follows the Biblical pattern of education which is knowledge, understanding and wisdom. These three time tested and proven themes provide the framework to ensure that students not only learn subjects, but also learn how to effectively use their knowledge later in life as adults. For unfortunately, one of the real tragedies of education today is our success in acquiring “book knowledge” but our utter failure at teaching the critical thinking, reasoning and communication skills needed to succeed in any endeavor. Simply put, this “classical” framework provides direction for instruction at each stage of a student’s development.

Not only does Mt. Bethel Christian Academy teach to each stage of a child’s development, but every subject is approached within the Biblical framework of knowledge, understanding and wisdom. As students move through the grades, this classical approach cycles through each subject area. For example, when language skills are introduced to elementary age students, this foundational knowledge (letters, sounds, reading, spelling, etc.) is extended to teach students to understand the logical use of grammar, punctuation rules, sentence diagramming and construction and the wisdom to apply these skills in effective, clear, and wise applications of our language. Our language goal is, when fully schooled, that students will be capable of presenting themselves well in both written and spoken word. As this model is applied to all subjects across the grades, students reach beyond “book knowledge” and actually learn how to learn. Ultimately, wisdom is the proper use of knowledge and understanding.

Summary
Mt. Bethel Christian Academy is all about delivering a truly Christ-centered education to students where excellence in academics is pursued and a lifelong love and desire for learning is developed. Our ultimate goal is for students to become successful, contributing members of society and, as Christians, be salt and light in a world in need of our savior Jesus Christ.