Philosophy of Education

A good philosophy of education clarifies a school’s purpose and methodology. Why do we exist and how do we operate? At CCA, we believe that a good education equips students to fulfill their ultimate purpose in life – living in right relationship with the Creator. This relationship calls us to love others, care for the world we live in, and build communities that maximize human flourishing. In light of this ultimate purpose, we strive to foster in each student the character, understanding, knowledge, skills, and love of learning that will help them thrive. 

Students

We believe students are human beings possessing both inherent dignity and a wondrous aptitude for creativity, growth and comprehension. At CCA, we strive to build on that innate capacity as we nurture students’ critical thinking, communication, and social/emotional faculties. We also recognize that differences among students are real. As such, we work hard to create educational experiences that maximize the learning potential for all. 

Learning 

Learning is a cognitive-interactive process in which students acquire knowledge that they are then able to apply to settings far beyond the classroom context. This process is guided by the teacher as a part of developing CCA students into strong moral leaders and life-long learners. We believe this kind of learning creates humble discerners and effective communicators who compassionately care for and positively influence the world around them.

Teachers 

A good teacher is a lifelong learner who models the curiosity, resilience, and self-discipline necessary for learning. And although teachers must be proficient in the subjects they teach, we maintain that it is equally important for them to be skilled in facilitating knowledge acquisition. In other words, they must be able to connect and communicate meaningfully with their students, guiding and encouraging them through the challenging and rewarding process of learning. 

Teaching 

Teaching is a high calling that involves appreciating the diversity of learning styles, intelligences, cultural and family backgrounds, abilities, and aptitudes of each student. Effective teachers understand individual students’ unique competencies and developmental readiness for the work set before them and they are able to catalyze each student’s growth towards their highest potential. Through intentional engagement in all levels represented in their classrooms, the teacher inspires hope and ignites passion for the shared communal vision.

Curriculum 

A good curriculum is a carefully sequenced course of study that enables teachers to guide students in the learning process, ensuring students are equipped for a well-lived life. A curriculum comprises three key elements: 

• Learning plans: These plans are teacher-directed, student-focused, and achievement-oriented, ensuring that learning remains central to the curriculum. 
• Learning activities: These activities are designed to ensure that students enjoy learning as they encounter both material and conceptual reality. These encounters incite cognitive processing through the full range of intellectual outcomes – from recall and comprehension, to application, analysis, and evaluation, culminating in creation of original work. 
• Learning communities: These communities are one of the key ways a teacher establishes and maintains a learning-centered culture, fostering the intellectual virtues needed for learning. These communities are characterized by mutual respect and support, commitment to the intended learning outcomes, and an assurance of trust so that it is safe to take risks and make mistakes as our students grow and develop confidently. 

Summary Statement: 

We believe that a good school is much like a healthy ecosystem. It’s a place where all parts of the whole are connected and thriving in their shared environment. Through common vision and thoughtful methodology teachers, students, administrators and parents all work together to support the learning process. This holistic human growth leads to intellectually, physically, emotionally and spiritually vibrant individuals and communities, which in turn positively shape the world around them.