Teaching students how to think, not what
to think
What is a classical school?
A classical school has a curriculum that bestows upon students
our rich cultural heritage. Its focus is on fundamental academics
such as language, math, history and science. However, while
our academics are fundamental, they are not plain. A classical
curriculum is also characterized by a rich exposure to music,
drama, the visual arts and athletics. It is not unusual to
find SJA students "bringing their studies to life"
by writing and performing a skit on the life of Benjamin Franklin,
discovering the solar system through painting or making models,
or even creating costumes, music and activities for a fanciful
Medieval feast.
A classical school also uses the trivium, a teaching method
that tailors the curriculum to children's natural cognitive
development and teaches them how to think. The trivium is,
literally, the "three-fold path" of grammar, the
knowledge of each subject's facts; logic, the understanding
of the relationships among those facts; and rhetoric, the
eloquent expression of that knowledge and understanding. These
stages of learning are emphasized in the elementary, middle
and high school, respectively. For example, an elementary
student will know "In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean
blue."; a middle school student will understand, "Why
did Columbus set sail to the west in 1492?"; a high school
student will eloquently express, "What is a fair evaluation
of Columbus and the significance of his journey?" Each
stage of the trivium is built upon and reinforces the others,
giving students the tools they need to become life-long learners.
What We Believe…
We are unapologetic in the assertion of doctrines central
to orthodox Christianity, but students and faculty are welcome
to their personal and denominational views on issues about
which genuine believers disagree. The result is the cultivation
in each student of an appreciation for the views of others,
while maintaining a confidence in one's own views and those
of one’s family and denomination. The following are foundational
beliefs on which St. John’s Academy is based. The Apostles'
Creed will be considered primary doctrine at St. John's Academy
and will be taught in various ways through all grade levels.
Secondary or divisive doctrines and issues will not be presented
as primary doctrine. When these types of issues arise, they
will be referred back to the family and local churches for
final authority.
The Apostles' Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and
earth:
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: Who was conceived
by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary: Suffered under
Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried: He descended
into hell; The third day he rose again from the dead: He ascended
into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father
Almighty: From thence he shall come to judge the quick and
the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost: the holy Catholic Church;
The Communion of Saints: The Forgiveness of sins: The Resurrection
of the body: And the Life everlasting.
Amen.
Our Philosophy of Education…
We believe that the Bible clearly instructs parents, not the
church or state, to "Bring children up in the discipline
and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). Therefore,
we teach in a manner consistent with the Bible and a godly
home environment.
We believe that God's person and character are revealed not
only in His Word, but also in every facet of creation (Romans
1:20). Therefore, we teach that all knowledge is interrelated
and instructs us about God.
We believe that God wants us to love Him, as He said, "with
all your heart, mind, soul, and strength" (Luke 10:27).
Therefore, we teach how to learn and reason through the centuries-old,
classical method of education.
We believe that God wants us to do all things "heartily,
as unto the Lord" (Colossians 3:23). Therefore, we teach
that excellence is the standard for each person’s endeavors.
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