At Calvary Murrieta Christian School our philosophy of education is based on the primary convictions contained in our “Statement of Faith.” The following statements identify principles that apply to the educational process when viewed through the perspective of faith. The basis of our philosophy is belief in God the Father, Jesus Christ our Savior, the Holy Spirit, and God’s Word – the Bible. We believe in the authority and reliability of the Bible as the complete and final revelation of God concerning all matters of faith, truth and practice.
We believe that our priorities and those we teach should be in the following order:
We believe that our priorities and those we teach should be in the following order:
- Commitment to Christ
- Commitment to Family
- Commitment to School
- Education is focused on truth, of which God is the ultimate source. He reveals himself to us in nature (General revelation); in His Son; and in the Bible (Special revelation), the only inerrant, authoritative, and sufficient rule for faith and practice (Psalm 8:2-4; Hebrews 1:1-3; II Timothy 3:16, 17)
- The goal of Christian education is to develop students who will serve God and impact their community and the world by thinking and acting biblically in all areas of life (Romans 12:2, see our value ‘HANDS & FEET’).
- The Lordship of Christ and the sovereignty of God are all-inclusive; therefore, all areas of life and learning are regarded as sacred (Romans 11:36).
- Christian education is the result of all knowledge being tested against, and integrated with, a biblically based view of God and the world (Colossians 1:16, 17; John 1:3). Biblical integration is the method by which God’s Word is infused into every aspect of the school program. All academic disciplines and extracurricular activities alike must be aligned to biblical principles and commands. Therefore, no teaching, theory or policy which contradicts the teaching of Scripture may be presented as true, practical or beneficial (Col. 2:8, see our value ‘SOUL’).
- The primary responsibility for the education of children rests with parents (Deuteronomy 6:7, 8; Genesis 17:7; Proverbs 22:6). We recognize that education begins in the home and is advanced in the Christian school as an extension of parental authority. However, the Christian school and the church provide complementary roles in educating students for lives of fellowship with God and service to others (Deuteronomy 11:18; Psalm 78:4, 5 see our value ‘LIFE’)
- Service to others inside and outside the classroom contributes to the development of each student's talents and abilities (I Corinthians 12).
- The Christian teacher, empowered and inspired by the Holy Spirit, guides and nurtures students through instruction, admonition and personal example. The Christian teacher seeks to encourage the spiritual development of students since this is the foundation for their academic, social and personal growth (Colossians1:28; Proverbs 1:7).
- Christian education occurs as the Holy Spirit works effectively in the hearts and minds of the students. Through general revelation students learn of God and His world (Acts 14:17; Romans1:18-20). Special revelation and regeneration are regarded as essential components of Christian education because a personal relationship with Jesus Christ provides students with the ability to view life from a Biblical perspective (I Corinthians 2:14, see our value ‘HEART’).
- Christian education involves training the whole child and encompasses the study of his or her whole world. God has created all students with unique talents as well as particular developmental growth patterns. Therefore, the learning process is enhanced as teachers utilize varied teaching strategies and instructional environments (Psalm 139:13-15; Romans 12:4-8, see our value ‘MIND’).
- Excellence in the quality of education offered to children brings glory to God and provides a compelling witness to our neighbors (Philippians 1:9-11).