Engaged in Educational Excellence
CHA’s Christ-centered education from a biblical worldview brings depth, breadth, and purpose to its academic program, with a far greater impact than what comes from textbooks alone. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills, to embrace diversity, to love, and to serve—preparing them to use their knowledge and skills to impact the world as God leads. It all begins with our educational philosophy and our passionate, Christ-following educators, both necessary for cultivating a strong and vibrant root system for maximum growth. We invite you to discover how the integration of Christian faith and learning can nourish and shape the life of a child now and for eternity.
Philosophy of
Education
Christian Heritage Academy’s educational philosophy is based upon the recognition of humankind’s unique position in all of creation, bearing God’s image and possessing the cognitive capacity to know God and to respond willingly to him. CHA provides an environment that encourages a Christ-centered inquiry into culture and creation, with the divinely inspired Scriptures providing the foundation, absolutes, and principles for such instruction (2 Timothy 3:16). Students are taught to see all truth as God’s, to interpret all learning by God’s Word, and to integrate biblical revelation into daily living.
We acknowledge that...
- Reverence for the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10) and that in his Son, Jesus Christ our Redeemer, are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3). Therefore, we desire to maintain a school where instruction will center on the study of the Creator and his creation, bringing the student into fellowship with God, and nurturing a lifelong joy in seeking and learning.
- God, the Creator of the family, has placed with parents the overall responsibility for training their children (Ephesians 6:4). Therefore, we desire to maintain a parent-governed school of exemplary educational quality that meets the highest biblical and academic standards which will support training received in the home and church.
- The influence of teachers as Christian models is essential in the educational experience of children (Titus 2:7-8). Therefore, we desire to maintain a school which employs only Christian teachers and administrative staff who believe they are called by God to relate all areas of the curriculum to God’s truth, who model mature Christian character (Galatians 5:22-23), and who have used their God-given abilities to acquire superior academic training.
- Christian education should encourage the development of the individual student, with unique abilities and personality, to love the Lord God fully with heart, soul and mind (Matthew 22:37- 38). Therefore, we desire to maintain a school which produces students who are committed to Christ; who are able to analyze issues from a biblical viewpoint, seek answers, and stand for truth; who respond to the Holy Spirit by pursuing purity (Philippians 4:8); who learn to live and work with others; and who are maturing in their ability to live the Christian life as transforming influences in the cultures and societies in which God places them.
To whom will you trust the hearts and minds of your children during this formative time? It is, without a doubt, one of the most important parental decisions you’ll make.
Living Curriculum
Teachers
Lifelong values and priorities are often cemented during the childhood years. And, we know that beginning around 7th grade, the dominant parental influence on children declines while the influence of peers and other significant adults—often teachers, coaches and sponsors—increases. That is why we only hire educators who fulfill our definition of a “Living Curriculum” teacher. While they bring different backgrounds, experiences, and expertise to the classroom, they share a number of identifiable beliefs and characteristics.
Mature & Growing - Living Curriculum Teachers are born‐again, growing followers of Christ. They are men and woman of prayer and in love with God’s Word.
Happy & Healthy - Living Curriculum Teachers are happy and positive people. They smile and laugh a lot. They see the glass half full, not half empty.
Humble & Trustworthy - Living Curriculum Teachers take to heart the implications of James 3:1 “…we who teach will be judged more strictly.” They have an open mind and sensitive spirit. They are approachable and they listen.
Relationship Builders - Christ modeled a powerful type of mentoring relationship with His students, demonstrating that there is more than content to be taught. Living Curriculum Teachers understand that relationships are a key to good education.
Nurturing Culture - Living Curriculum Teachers understand that students thrive when treated with dignity within an orderly and respectful environment.
Parent Partners - Living Curriculum Teachers desire to work with parents because they understand they are serving in‐loco parentis.
Quality Instruction - Living Curriculum Teachers understand that teaching is an art and a science. They know that conceptual thinking skills, with problem‐solving and research components requiring right and left brain thinking will prepare students to effectively analyze and respond to a breadth of issues all within the context of a biblical world view.
Motivators - All Living Curriculum Teachers have an inner motivation that drives them to nurture growth in students through relationships, excellence and service to the glory of God. They are passionate about helping their students discover and develop their gifts. They take time with students, one on one.
Rest assured that your child will be rooted, known, engaged, and inspired by “Living Curriculum” teachers like these in every school level at Christian Heritage Academy!
Comprehensive Learning Journey
For significant and lasting academic growth, the curriculum at CHA is intentionally designed around our Expected Student Outcomes (ESOs), the stages of whole-child development, ISBE standards, and the collective wisdom of an academic administrative team with over 40 years of collective teaching experience.
Over the course of a student’s journey at Christian Heritage Academy, he or she will build upon the knowledge and skills learned in each grade level. Additionally, through project-based and collaborative classroom experiences, students will also find thematic connections across subjects, all of which point to a loving Creator who is in all the details.
Graduates move into the next chapter of their lives with a strong foundation of deep roots that provide them with a solid faith, an understanding of their giftedness, a healthy support system, and the tools to flourish in further education and life.
For a look at the overarching curricular scope and sequence at CHA, please download our Abridged Curriculum Guide.
