Core Beliefs (C.A.R.E. Model)
Harvest Christian Academy has selected a practical model of school philosophy to express its core values. The model is expressed within the concept and acronym of the word “CARE.” From a literal viewpoint, the school is committed to the development of a caring community as well as an environment where students can find a place to belong, to enjoy, and to grow both spiritually and intellectually. Harvest Christian Academy believes that a quality, caring, distinctively Christian community demonstrates the following core values in its overall program of Christian education.
1. Christ centered - Every educational system must have a central focus that serves as the primary influence for learning. For secular schools, it is the philosophy of humanism with its reliance on man’s thoughts and perspectives that serves as the authority for all learning. For a Christian educational community, the foundation for learning must be the centrality of Christ and the final authority of His Word. This belief results in the quest for the development of Christ-likeness within students and the goal of honoring Christ in all aspects of the school program. As such, Harvest Christian Academy is committed to the preeminence of Christ and his Word as the governing influence in all matters of decision-making, curriculum, and the school’s overall approach to education. Christ will be honored in all. (Colossians 1:17-18)
2. Academically minded - School, by definition, requires a focus on the development of the mind through the study of academic disciplines. However, this challenge should not be viewed as a threat to compromise the Christian faith, but rather as an opportunity for spiritual growth. Christian education need not fear knowledge, but rather accept the challenge of submitting knowledge to a biblical worldview. What we discover through scholarly inquiry into created order will not conflict with what God provides through the specific revelation of His Word. As such, Harvest Christian Academy embraces the importance of a strong academic program as an opportunity for the integration of faith and learning.
(Colossians 3:16a)
3. Relationally focused - In that God chose a relationship, through His Son, to communicate His truth and love for mankind, so a school must recognize the importance of a strong relationship-based program to communicate with and embrace its students. School is more than an institution of learning; it is a subculture of relationships that have immense influence. Realizing this, Christian education must commit itself to developing programs of discipleship and mentoring between teacher and student, as well as providing instruction and biblical expectations for healthy models among student peer groups. As such, Harvest Christian Academy is committed to developing a context for appropriate relationships with students in areas of the Christian faith, academic pursuits, and extracurricular activities.
(Colossians 3:12-14)
4. Excellence driven - There is no substitute for excellence when it comes to an educational system that identifies itself with the name of Christ. The pursuit of excellence for the glory of God is a prime qualifier in the design and implementation of an overall school program. Excellence knows no boundaries or limitations. It is accomplished by the desire to do the very best with whatever Christ has provided and should be applied to every aspect of school life. As such, Harvest Christian Academy commits itself to a mindset of excellence through the entirety of its school program.
(Colossians 3:23)