What is Christian School?

If the purpose of school is learning, what earns a school the description of Christian? In the early days of our country, education was tied to religion. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 states “religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged.” At that time in our history, religion and morality were part of public education and based on the Bible. In the 1970s, as Christian education in the secular schools waned, many Christians, including those who founded NBCS, wanted an alternative to public schools that would place the Bible at the center of education. In essence, that is what sets Christian education apart from its counterparts.

The learning that takes place is from a Biblical worldview, but students are not just learning lessons from a biblical worldview; the Biblical worldview they are learning at church and at home is reinforced. Students at a Christian school are learning to think about and evaluate the world and cultures, past and present, from a Biblical worldview. Again, this impacts the discipline, values, assessments, curriculum choices, and instructional practices of the school.

The role of the teacher is vital in Christian school. Teachers must have embraced a biblical worldview and maintain a growing relationship with God, seeking daily guidance and refreshment from the Word of God. Using Proverbs 10:11 as his basis, Frank Hambrick says, “It is not our [teachers’] duty simply to impart knowledge; rather it is our privilege to give life.” The Christian school teacher is at the center of the discipleship and training that happens in a Christian school.

At NBCS, we recognize that each child belongs to God, and God desires a personal relationship with each child. The rules and procedures that we have, the expectations of our students, and the curriculum chosen are all part of an endeavor to help our students learn to love God and embrace His Word as the guide for life.

Our mission statement reads, “Newton Bible Christian School provides a comprehensive, biblically based education to help children of Bible-believing families excel in knowledge while growing in faith, in love, and in service.” Christian education of children is the responsibility of their parents. For many parents that means paying the price of having their children’s academic education take place in a school where teachers and staff will lovingly point them to Christ at every opportunity.

Take a moment to visit our website and read our vision and values statements. We are defined by excellence in education coupled with submission to biblical authority. We take seriously the command for one generation to teach another (Psalm 145:4). School that does not have Christian doctrine and values at its core is lacking a fundamental aspect of education.

Learning that takes place apart from the Word of God is incomplete at best. Only when a child is given the whole truth, will he or she be fully prepared for a life of faith, love, and service to the glory of God.

References
Deuink, James W. & Carruthers, B. (2008). Management principles for Christian schools, 2^nd ed. Greenville, SC: Journeyfoth.
Earwood, E. & Suiter, P. (2012) A scent of water: Bringing life to the Christian school movement. Greenville, SC: Ambassador International.
Gregory, J. M. (1995). The seven laws of teaching. Grand Rapids: Baker Books.
Hambrick, F. (2008). Apples for Teachers. Whitakers, NC: Positive Action for Christ.
Suiter, P. (2015). Marks of a healthy Christian School. East Ridge, TN: American Association of Christian Schools.