WHY A CHRISTIAN EDUCATION?
Education is either for Christ or against Him. Like everything else, there is no in between.
The word education can be defined as leading one out of the darkness of ignorance into the light of truth. In the end, the purpose of education is to find out what is true.
Sadly, modern education doesn't seek what is true as much as it seeks what works (depending on the situation). The resulting moral relativism and sloppy thinking is possibly the single biggest underlying reason for the moral decline in our country today.
When your child steps on a public school bus or onto a public school campus, they are asked - sometimes forced - to leave their faith at the door.
More and more, Christian children are forbidden to exercise their faith on public school campuses, or even voice a Christian viewpoint that is contrary to what is taught in the classroom. Not only is this contrary to the free exchange of ideas that is critical to learning, but is diametrically opposed to what God requires of those who belong to Him through Christ.
As Christians, we believe that Jesus Christ is the Truth. He is God and Lord of all, and the Bible is His inspired, true, and infallible Word. And as Christians, these things cannot be separated from our daily living and learning. To ignore this is to disobey God and shame Christ, and we do so at our own risk.
As parents and guardians, we have the responsibility to raise the children God has put under our care in a way that honors Him. If we don't, then one day we will have to stand before Him and answer why we neglected this clear calling.
No matter how we slice it and despite our best efforts, sending our children to government schools for thirteen years will indoctrinate them into a pagan world view that is at odds with our Christian faith.
In the long run, if your children are educated in godless schools, your children will almost certainly be confused when they try to reconcile what they learn in Sunday School with what they are taught academically. Naturally, they will have a tendency to begin separating their faith from their daily lives, which is no faith at all.
At Bedford Christian Academy, we take seriously the admonishment of Scripture to train up our children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. We are here to work side by side with Christian parents to provide the children under our care with a distinctly Christian education that emphasizes the centrality of Christ and His Word in all areas of life and practice.
WHY A CLASSICAL EDUCATION?
Modern education techniques don't work. This is obvious when one examines the overall product that comes out of modern schools. And it's not only a problem in government schools. It's happening in non-Christian private schools and even in schools that teach Biblical Christianity.
Test scores are falling. Year after year American students don't stack up academically with other children around the world. Most graduating seniors don't possess the ability to think critically and logically for themselves - which makes them easy prey. Very few students possess the skill to cogently and persuasively defend what they believe. In fact, very few students even know what they believe or have any conviction about it.
On the other hand, Classical schools have rediscovered the lost tools of learning. These tools - grammar, logic, rhetoric - are what students will use to think and learn for themselves. The classical approach takes advantage of how children naturally develop intellectually as they grow from childhood to adulthood. These methods have been used for centuries, and have produced virtually all the great minds of western civilization.
At the heart of the Classic approach is the trivium:
Grammar (grades K-5): In this stage, children are like sponges. They can absorb lots of facts, rules, and bits of information. This foundational information is called grammar, and each subject has its own grammar. The Classical approach takes advantage of students' natural ability by repetitively teaching them the grammar of every subject --- language, math, science, history, Christianity. Once the children are through the grammar school, they have a wealth of information stored in their minds. They have mastered the basics of each subject area, but have not yet begun to 'put it all together'. At this stage, students are not encouraged to 'express themselves' or reason for themselves because at this stage a child's thinking is unstructured and whimsical. In a word, their thinking is childish.
Logic (grades 6-8): In this stage, students armed with knowledge are beginning to ask questions, and the classical method takes advantage of this natural propensity by beginning to teach them how to think logically. The child's mind begins to blossom with understanding and wonder, and a love of learning begins to form.
Rhetoric (grades 9-12): In this final stage, students who now have the ability to think logically are encouraged and taught how to properly formulate and express their thoughts with both the written and spoken word. Subjects are delved into deeply, and the usefulness and meaning of each subject is discovered. At the end of this stage, students are prepared to enter college or the world with confidence.
At Bedford Christian Academy, we are convinced that the Classical methods are the most effective way to train up a child in a way that will enable him or her to think and learn for themselves for the rest of their lives.
WHY BEDFORD CHRISTIAN ACADEMY?
Bedford Christian Academy offers all the things most parents are looking for --- particularly Christian parents:
A distinctly Christian education.
Some nominal Christian schools educate the same way that secular schools do, then simply add prayer and Bible study on top like icing on a cake. From day one, as a classical Christian school, BCA closely integrates an historic, orthodox Christian worldview into every subject. All subjects are taught in light of God's truth as revealed in Scripture. As a result, children not only learn facts, they learn how to think and live like a Christian should --- with Christ at the center of all.
Academic Excellence.
At most modern schools, particularly public schools, vast time and resources are spent in an effort to get students to test well. At BCA, children are given the tools of learning. They learn how to think and reason and understand things. The natural result of a child being educated by the classical method is academic excellence -- and high test scores.
Discipline.
At BCA, we believe that the best atmosphere for instruction isn't created by 50 million dollar facilities, but by discipline in the classroom. A comfortable, adequate facility is important, but is worthless if the children are out of control. At BCA, the discipline is consistent, firm, fair, and carried out in a biblical way. We insist that everyone show respect and godly love toward one another. At BCA, students learn early that the instructors are the authority and that poor behavior has consequences.
Small class sizes.
Currently at BCA, the average class size is six students. This proves very beneficial as students receive adequate one on one instruction and attention. No child falls through the cracks at BCA. In the coming years, class size will undoubtedly grow, but will never be allowed to reach more than 12-15 students per class.
Uniforms.
Some may like this and others may not. One thing is for sure. A multitude of issues at home and at school --- arguments, teasing, covetousness, self-esteem problems --- are virtually eliminated when every student dresses the same. Plus, in general, uniforms are less expensive than keeping a modern child's wardrobe up to date.
Wholesome environment.
One current parent states, "I never have to worry, not even for a second, about my kids when they're at Bedford Christian Academy. I know they are not being exposed to things I don't want them exposed to. I know they are loved. I know the other kids are kind to them. I know they are learning about God. It's a wonderful comfort for me to have my kids at Bedford Christian Academy." We couldn't have said it better.
The list could go on and on, but the best way for you to find out why Bedford Christian Academy is the best choice in Christian education in Bedford is to come and see for yourself. Call us today at 540-587-5423 to schedule a visit, or just drop in!
WHAT IS BCA'S NONPROFIT STATUS?
BCA is in the process of becoming a 501(c)(3) organization. Once this transition is complete, Bedford Christian Academy will be an independent, incorporated, nonprofit organization. As such, monetary gifts and other assets given to BCA will qualify for tax deductions as a charitable gift.
IS MY CHURCH DENOMINATION COMPATIBLE WITH THE BELIEFS OF BCA?
Many denominations are represented by the faculty and students of BCA. Over the years we've had Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Wesleyan, Catholic, Pentecostal, and others. Our goal is to foster the culture and environment of a Christian community which is inclusive. We are unapologetic in the assertion of the doctrines which are central to orthodox Christianity, but students and faculty alike are welcome to their personal and denominational views on non-essential 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.
DOES BCA HAVE A PROGRAM FOR LEARNING DISABLED CHILDREN?
Presently, BCA does not have a program for LD children. However, within the next 3-5 years, we plans to add such a program for children with learning disabilities that aren't severe. We feel that the Classical teaching methods themselves, coupled with our strong emphasis on discipline, are naturally effective in helping mildly LD children learn and progress in a very satisfactory way.
With God's help, the LD program at NCSB will be a reality within a few years. Contact us if you have additional questions.
DOES BCA DISCRIMINATE AGAINST ANY PERSON OR GROUP?
Bedford Christian Academy does not discriminate against any student or family on the basis of sex, race, ethnic background, or denominational preference. We recognize the unity shared by all who are in Christ Jesus, in whom there is no Greek or Jew, slave or free, male or female, and we are committed to community building and racial harmony. No child shall be excluded from BCA on the basis of race. Furthermore, Bedford Christian Academy adopts the attitude of actively encouraging and assisting all families, regardless of race, ethnic background, or economic status, in joining the program of Christ-centered classical education at BCA.
DOES BCA PLAN TO OFFER INSTRUCTION FOR GRADES K-12?
Yes. It is our hope and prayer that God will allow BCA to become a K-12 school within the next five years. As a K-12 school, the uncertainties parents face about where their children will attend high school will be alleviated. Also, as a Classical school, it is very beneficial for students who have begun their training classically to finish with the rhetoric school. We very much want to offer this to our families, and by the grace of God we will.
IS BCA ACCREDITED BY ANY ORGANIZATION?
Our school is most interested in seeking accreditation with the Association of Classical and Christian Schools (ACCS). Under new requirements (June, 2000) any ACCS school applying for accreditation must meet numerous criteria. One requirement is that the school must have in place, as a minimum, grades K-10. This won't be a reality at BCA for at least a few more years.
The goal of ACCS school accreditation is to provide objective and recognized standards of quality for those schools desiring to serve Christ through an explicitly classical and Protestant Christian approach to undergraduate education.
BCA is also a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
Bible Based.
Christ Centered.
Academic Excellence.
"Experience the nurturing environment of a classical Christian school."
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This page was last updated: February 3, 2009
©2006 Bedford Christian Academy
