Distinctives

1. Definitely Classical

Although some schools are attempting to add certain aspects of the classical model to their existing program, ACA was founded deliberately and completely as a classical school in its philosophy and methodology.

2. Non-Denominational

Catholic schools have long offered a classical model of education to the public, but Augustine Christian is a non-denominational, classical school offering this model to a wider range of students.

3. Taught to Reason

Whereas public schools are prohibited from presenting a Christian emphasis in any subject and most Christian schools present only a single sectarian doctrine, ACA exposes its students to a variety of viewpoints training them through logic to question the truth and validity of each.

4. Integrated Biblical Worldview

Rather than limiting the expression of their Christianity to traditional religious activity, ACA seeks to train students to expand their expression of faith through an integrated Biblical worldview. Students are taught to bring Biblical principles to every sphere of life and learning in order to completely reflect the glory of God in their life and culture.

5. Teach with the Natural Grain

Traditional education often reverses the natural learning styles by incorporating upper level thinking skills in the elementary grades, and limiting thinking skills to rote memory in higher education. ACA consciously strives to teach with the grain of student through the classical model of a school of Grammar, a school of Dialectic, and a school of Rhetoric.

6. The Teacher is the Key

Believing the teacher to be the key to a quality education, ACA does not rely on any one textbook or publisher to provide a philosophy of curriculum development. Rather, the teachers and administration develop a curriculum consistent with the philosophy, seeking or creating appropriate materials and books for each class.

7. Original and Classical Work

Rather than accepting the view point of one historian or editor, ACA exposes students to original sources and classic works of western civilization. By necessity, the students are trained in the classical languages of Latin, Greek, and Hebrew that they might gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of influential writers in Western thought and culture.

8. Ideas Have Consequences

Avoiding the error of postmodern relativism, ACA teaches students that ideas have consequences and trains them to scrutinize every philosophy through the lens of Biblical absolutes.

9. Development of Character

Rejecting the philosophy of individualism, ACA believes that the development of Godly character and responsibility in the private and public arenas is the key to lifelong success. ACA seeks to instill a sense of honor and obligation to the family, the church, and the community by creating outlets for that expression.

10. Growing Relationships

Education is not merely communication of facts from one generation to another; it is the transfer of life values, principles, and culture from the soul of one individual to the soul of another. Therefore, ACA fosters the relationship between the teacher and the student and intentionally limits class size to nurture growing relationships.

11. Authority of Parents

Rejecting the notion that education is the domain of “experts”, ACA recognizes the God-given authority of parents to train their children and accepts its role in encouraging and assisting parents in fulfilling this obligation.

12. Moral Law

In opposition to the philosophy of progressive education which denies the sovereignty of God and the sinfulness of man, ACA affirms the right of the Creator God to establish a moral law. Further, God has ordained authorities in the life of a student for the purpose of instruction and discipline according to this moral code. ACA seeks to implement disciplinary policies within the structure of authority.

13. Mission and Outreach

Fighting the stereotype of exclusive private education, ACA is committed to making classical education accessible across racial and economic barriers by providing scholarships and eventually establishing schools in areas of our community that do not presently enjoy this choice.