Our mission is to partner with parents endeavoring to shepherd their children in spiritual discipline, to coach them in mastering academic skills and to equip them to passionately pursue Truth, recognize beauty, and know good from evil.
The Vision
At Brookside Christian Academy, our greatest aim is to teach and reflect God's unfathomable love We desire a school culture that delights in His character, where joy is the ethos of our community. We seek teachers who lay down their lives for their students, and students who learn to serve rather than take. These core tenets shape our vision, and we believe that sound doctrine must be the foundation for all of it why we love, why we serve, and why we see Jesus as the only way of salvation
Our Deep Hope
Our deep hope is for our students to place their trust in the Triune God and to glorify Him eternally. We pray that they humbly depend on God, fully submitting to His authority, and walk with assurance in their personal relationship with Him throughout their lives We hope our students show resilience, that even when they "walk through the valley of the shadow of death," they "fear no evil" (Psalm 23), and face trials with joy. We pray they love the Lord, love their neighbors as themselves, and love their enemies, recognizing when they don’t and thereby confessing their sin. We pray that our students find their complete identity in Jesus Christ, enabling them to lay down their lives for others
Philosophy of Education
Our philosophy of education is grounded in the belief that all knowledge and learning must begin with and be directed toward God, who is the source of all truth, goodness, and beauty As Scripture commands, we seek to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37), teaching future generations to do the same with diligence and purpose (Deuteronomy 6:7) Education is not merely a means to an end but a pursuit worthy of humanity as image-bearers of God, reflecting His creativity, order, and rationality.
Rooted in the classical tradition, we embrace the Liberal Arts as a proven framework for equipping students with the tools of learning through the trivium the art of words and the quadrivium the art of numbers. This approach fosters discernment, cultivates virtue, and prepares students to seek understanding in all areas of life. Our goal is to educate the whole child mind, body, and spirit in partnership with families, so that each student develops wisdom, virtue, and the capacity to glorify God and serve others in any vocation Education, for us, is a generational stewardship, standing on the wisdom of those who came before us while preparing students to advance God’s kingdom for generations to come.
Philosophy of Bible and Theological Teaching
At Brookside Christian Academy, we diligently teach the Word of God, ensuring it permeates every part of school life whether in classrooms, hallways, or daily interactions Students are equipped to be Biblically fluent, learning to take every thought captive to the Word of God and rightly divide the truth. We desire for students to see their lives as part of God’s grand narrative, understanding Scripture as God-breathed, inerrant, and central to all learning
We will incorporate historical church documents, such as the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Westminster Shorter Catechism, as foundational resources in theological instruction throughout the school.
Philosophy of History
The study of history at Brookside Christian Academy reveals patterns of human behavior and serves as a testament to the truth of God’s Word. By examining the past through original sources (when age appropriate), students are challenged to discern how to live faithfully in the present. History demonstrates humanity’s need for a Savior and testifies to God’s faithfulness to redeem and transform those who trust in His promises Through this lens, students gain a deeper understanding of the intersection of human choices and divine sovereignty God is the author of history (Isaiah 46:10) and the Bible is the only source of infallible history.
Philosophy of Literature
Literature provides a lens to recognize the human condition and understand our place in God’s grand story By engaging with fiction, non-fiction, and source texts, students gain insight into the complexities of life and the omniscient perspective of the author. Literature offers a space to experience the innocence of observation while exercising discernment in the face of tension and conflict. At Brookside Christian Academy, all chosen literature is intentional, designed to cultivate a God-centered perspective and train students in wisdom and discernment
Philosophy of Language
At Brookside Christian Academy, students study Latin after mastering foundational English grammar, fostering a deep understanding of language Latin, a structured and logical language, strengthens critical thinking, reinforces grammar, and enriches vocabulary through its influence on legal, medical, and Romance languages It connects students to the legacy of Western civilization, as the language of Rome the culture into which Christ entered and the vehicle of foundational Christian texts This historical and theological significance equips students to engage with primary sources, broadening their grasp of Christian thought and the enduring truths of the faith.
Philosophy of Art
Art reflects the creativity of God, the ultimate Creator, and offers a window into other times and cultures At Brookside Christian Academy, students learn to see art as a means of glorifying God by imitating His creation. Recognizing that humans are made in God’s image, students are encouraged to create and appreciate beauty, understanding that artistic expression mirrors God’s creative nature. Through this process, they honor the Creator while developing their own God-given artistic abilities
Philosophy of Physical Education
We believe in whole child learning, which nurtures the body, mind, and spirit. The education of the child is not limited to academic instruction, but also includes their physical education. Formal physical education will take place on Fridays and will educate our students in both the primary sports of our culture and fitness activities In addition, our campus will promote free play during recess and intentional gross motor skill exercises into the classroom We aim for students to develop curiosity and confidence in their physical abilities, opening up a wide variety of opportunities as they progress toward adulthood. Ultimately, we aim to equip students to honor God with their bodies and minds.
Doctrinal & Belief Statements
Brookside Christian Academy desires to attract families, students, and staff from across Orthodox Christian traditions The following statements of faith and beliefs shape the boundaries of our theological identity and Christian practice for the purpose of unity in Christ These statements establish those primary doctrines taught with authority within our school community We defer other secondary doctrines (e.g. church governance, the sacraments, gifts of the Spirit, etc.) to the families and their local churches for final authority.
Statement of Faith
The Scriptures
The Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God It is the final authority for all matters of faith and practice, revealing God’s will and the way of salvation. The 66 books of the Old and New Testaments alone are divinely inspired, complete, and sufficient for life and godliness. The Holy Spirit guides interpretation, and Scripture must be understood in light of itself God has preserved His Word through the ages, ensuring its purity and reliability 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21; Hebrews 4:12; Isaiah 40:8; Psalm 119:105 2. Revelation 22:18–19, Psalm 119:130, Matthew 24:35; 1 Peter 1:25.
The Godhead
There is one true God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit each fully and equally God, yet distinct in role Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14
The Father, God
We believe in God the Father, the creator and sustainer of all things He is sovereign over all creation, and works all things according to His will In love, He planned and accomplished a plan for the redemption of humanity by sending His Son to save the world and His Spirit to dwell within those who believe. As Creator and Sustainer, He gives life and breath to everything, and it is in Him that we “live and move and have our being.” Genesis 1:1, Isaiah 46:9–10; Ephesians 1:11, John 6:44; Galatians 4:4–6, Acts 17:25 & 2
The Son, Jesus Christ
Eternally begotten of the Father, fully God and fully man Jesus was supernaturally conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin He was characterized by mighty works, signs, and wonders performed in the power of the Holy Spirit. He lived a sinless life, died for our sins, was buried and on the third day He rose bodily from the dead, showing His resurrected body to His disciples before ascending to heaven and being seated at the right hand of the Father He alone mediates between God and man and will return to judge the living and the dead Galatians 4:4–6, John 1:1–3; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:3, Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23, Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:22, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Corinthians 15:3; Luke 24:39; Romans 8:34, 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 7:25, Acts 17:31; 2 Timothy 4:1; Revelation 20:11–15
The Holy Spirit
We believe that God the Holy Spirit convicts people of sin and regenerates, baptizes, indwells, seals, and sets apart believers unto a holy life; keeps and empowers believers to obey God’s commands day by day; is the Teacher of the Word of God and the Guide for daily living; and is the Comforter, the One who manifests God’s presence in the life of believers John 16:8-11, 1 Cor 12:12-14, 2 Cor 3:6, Romans 8:9, Eph 5:18
Creation & The Fall of Man
We believe that man was created by a direct and intentional act of God in His image, not from previously existing life, that all men sinned in Adam (the historical father of the entire human race) and thus incurred both physical and spiritual death. All mankind are alienated from the life of God, are spiritually dead, and cannot enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of the Holy Spirit through belief in the atoning work of Jesus Genesis 1:26-27, Rom 3:22-23, 5:12, Eph 2:1-3,12, John 3:3, Eph 2:1-10
Salvation
Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone Salvation is a gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast Christ’s atoning death satisfies divine justice against sin and thus reconciles sinners to God. Good works do not contribute to salvation but are the evidence of genuine faith. Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 3:28; Acts 4:12; John 6:44 Romans 3:25–28; 1 John 2:2; 2 Corinthians 5:18–19; Colossians 1:21–22; Ephesians 2:8–10; Titus 3:5, Romans 11:6; James 2:17 Romans 10:9-10
Statement of Beliefs
(those which the family and faculty must agree to uphold)
Brookside believes that all matters of faith and conduct must be evaluated on the basis of the Holy Scripture, the Old and New Testaments (“Holy Scripture”), which is our infallible guide. Because Holy Scripture does speak to the nature of human beings and their sexuality, it is imperative that we correctly understand and articulate what Holy Scripture teaches on these matters We are committed to the home and family as set forth in Holy Scripture 2 Timothy 3:16–17
On Gender
Brookside believes that God created mankind in His image: male (man) and female (woman), sexually different but with equal personal dignity Consequently, we believe that professing Christians should affirm their biological sex and refrain from any and all attempts to physically change, alter, or disagree with their predominant biological sex. Genesis 1:26-28, Romans 1:26-32, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
On Marriage
Brookside believes God has ordained and created marriage to exist between one man and one woman, with absolute life-long marital fidelity, including but not limited to premarital sexual relations, cohabitation etc It is our firm conviction that we uphold the dignity of each individual and their respective Biblical roles in marriage as we embrace the unchanging and long standing principles of scriptural truth. Genesis 1:27-28, Genesis 2:18-24, Matthew 19:4-9, Mark 10:5- 9, Ephesians 5:31-33
On Sexuality
Brookside believes that God created and ordered human sexuality to the permanent, exclusive, comprehensive, and conjugal “ one flesh” union of man and woman, ordered to procreation and biological family, and in furtherance of the moral, spiritual, and public good of binding father, mother, and child. Consequently, we believe that professing Christians should resist and refrain from any and all same-sex romantic relationships, sexual acts, or lifestyles Genesis 1:27, Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6, Mark 10:5-9, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Ephesians 5:25-27, Revelation 19:7-9, Revelation 21:2
On Sanctity of Human Life
We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in his image. Human life is of immeasurable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies of all gestational ages, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through physical death We are
therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life We believe this is the starting point for all discussions related to the sanctity of life and the imago Dei Genesis 9:6; Psalm 139; Proverbs 24:11-12; Matthew 6:26; Luke 12:6-7
Brookside’s Statement Of Faith and Statement of Beliefs outline what Brookside Christian Academy agrees to believe together in an effort to be unified as a Christ centered Academic community.
Student Expectations
Excellence
At Brookside Christian Academy students strive to pursue what is true, good, and beautiful in academics, relationships, and all endeavors By giving their best effort in every task, they honor God and reflect His glory through a commitment to excellence
Gratitude
At Brookside Christian Academy students cultivate a heart of thankfulness, recognizing that all they have is a gift from God They embrace both challenges and blessings with joy and humility, expressing gratitude in all circumstances
Discipline
At Brookside Christian Academy students demonstrate self-control and perseverance by completing their work with diligence and integrity They steward their time, talents, and responsibilities in a way that glorifies God and serves others
Respect
At Brookside Christian Academy students treat others with kindness and dignity, acknowledging them as image-bearers of Christ They foster a community of trust and care through respectful speech, actions, and interactions
Discipline Policy
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful Later, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it ” –Hebrews 12:11
At Brookside Christian Academy, we recognize that the purpose of discipline is to foster love for God and neighbor (Mark 12:30–31) Discipline is essential to discipleship and aims not merely to modify outward behavior but to train the heart to love Jesus Heart change is the ultimate goal of discipline
General Guidelines
Discipline is administered with consideration of the severity, situation, and attitude of the student Teachers, and when necessary, the administration (e g , Head of School), will determine appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with these guidelines All disciplinary actions are carried out with the hope of restoration and in a spirit of love.
Classroom Discipline
God is a God of order, and our teachers foster this order through classroom discipleship (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40) Students are expected to behave in ways that reflect respect for their teachers and classmates, particularly as it relates to loving God and neighbor. Minor disruptions or inappropriate behavior will typically be addressed within the classroom, including:
● Minor classroom disruptions
● Nuisance behavior toward the teacher or other students
● Inappropriate use of classroom materials
Students will be given three opportunities to correct their behavior If these opportunities are exhausted, an office visit will be required, during which consequences will be assigned and parents will be notified
Office Visits for Overt Behavior
Certain overt behaviors require administrative intervention and parent involvement. In severe cases, immediate pickup or suspension may be necessary Collaboration between teachers and parents is critical; without such partnership, the student may need to be unenrolled Examples of overt behaviors include:
● First Violation: Device confiscated and released to a parent/guardian
● Second Violation: Parent conference with administration
● Third Violation: Disciplinary hearing
Laptops are permitted for academic purposes only, under direct teacher supervision Brookside Christian Academy is not responsible for the use, damage, theft, or loss of personal devices
Electronic Books
Reading on electronic media or listening to audio books for school assigned reading is not permitted without an approved exception
Cheating and Plagiarism
Cheating: Using or appearing to use (through looking at another’s paper or asking a question during an assessment) dishonest or deceptive means to obtain credit for work or improve performance. This includes the use of artificial intelligence (AI)
Plagiarism: Using another’s work without acknowledgment
First offenses result in a grade of 0 and parent notification A second offense will lead to an Education Council review
Uniform Policy
Brookside Christian Academy is committed to a uniform clothing policy for its students, recognizing that humans are both physical and spiritual beings made in the image of God. The way students dress is an expression of stewardship of their bodies and regard for others Uniforms eliminate subjective standards of dress, ensure modesty, and allow the school to focus on academics instead of attire To view our uniform policy, please see this link
Dress Code Violations
Dress code violations that cannot be corrected in class will be addressed as follows:
1. Parents notified via ClassReach using a Dress Code Violation Form
2 After four violations, an office visit is required
3 On the fifth violation in a semester, the student will be sent home
4 Subsequent violations will be treated as office visits under the discipline policy
Our Program
5-Day Plan
Our 5-Day educational plan is a Monday–Friday, in-class schedule taught by professional educators Mondays are designated as Core+ days where students engage in extended, subject-specific labs, as well as music and art Core instruction will be provided on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays Fridays are Enrichment days, during which students engage in Fine Arts, STEM projects, recreational activities, and field trips in the afternoons.
3-Day Core Plan
The Core educational plan is held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, where professional, in-class instruction is given, while parent-supervised, in-home instruction is given on Mondays and Fridays.
Core+
This 4-Day educational plan is held Monday through Thursday This plan provides tutorial/lab days on Mondays and core instruction on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Students will participate in parent-supervised, in-home instruction on Fridays.
Core & Enrichment
This 4-Day educational plan is held Tuesday through Friday This plan provides core instruction on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays and enrichment/electives on Fridays. Students will participate in parent-supervised, in-home instruction on Mondays.
Philosophy of Grading
Conduct Items
● Speaks at the appropriate time
● Respects authority
● Respects others
● Completes work on time
● Works hard when faced with something difficult
● Shows initiative
● Follows directions
● Comes prepared to class
● Stays focused on task
● Seeks forgiveness when wrong
● Patient with others
Primary & Secondary Weighted Categories
● 30% Practice Work
● 70% Magnum Opus*
Primary
Grading
Mastery 90+
Good Understanding 80–89
Beginning to Understand 70–79
Not Understanding 0–69
Secondary & Secondary Prep Grading
Assessment & Grading Protocol
Humanities
● Soft grading throughout the week on various writing and speaking assignments
● Magnum Opus* for each week that is graded in the gradebook (may be written or oral)
● Assessment at the end of each book that includes:
● Grammar section
Semester 2
● Review Week (2 weeks before summer break)
● Finals Week (1 week before summer break)
Individual Grades
Brookside Christian Academy will use a unique method of grading that ensures students have time to “practice” before they receive a grade Therefore, regular feedback within the scope of the class regarding new concepts will be given and “practice” grades will be recorded within the gradebook. Magnum Opus assignments (best work), that will more greatly affect overall standings, will also be recorded for transcript purposes Consistent with educating the whole child, both attitude and effort will be considered within our grading systems
Group Project Grades
“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone ” –1 Thessalonians 5:14
Group projects are a part of coursework, and it should be expected that grading of these will not be individualized because we believe that character in community reveals the heart. As Brookside Christian Academy cares even more about the heart than the academics, group projects allow teachers to see where character work is needed Since we are preparing students for life, not just college, character in Christian community is integral to “loving God and loving neighbor” (Matthew 22:36–40)
Failing and Retakes
Retakes will be left to the teacher’s discretion A student who has simply failed for a lack of understanding may be given another opportunity to prove their understanding after further practice A student who neglected their studies, and therefore failed, may not be given a retake opportunity
If a student fails an entire course, the student, parents, and teacher will meet with the Education Council to determine the best course of action for the student Circumstances, understanding of directions and effort will all be taken into consideration
Parents will be notified within three weeks of the end of the grading period if their student is in jeopardy of failing.
Expected Homework Load
Age Group
Tuesday & Wednesday (after school homework) Thursday (due Tuesday, completed over weekend)
Lower Primary K–3 15–30 minutes 2–3 hours
Upper Primary 4–5 40 minutes 3–4 hours
Lower Secondary 6–8 60–90 minutes 4–6 hours
Upper Secondary 9+ 1–2 hours 5–8 hours
Grades at Brookside Christian Academy do not in any way reflect the immeasurable worth and value of each child made in God’s image, but rather they are a reflection of the quality of work in a given field of study at a given time. At Brookside Christian Academy, grades serve three basic purposes:
1 To help students to improve
2 To determine the best placement level considering academic ability
3. To provide a just and legitimate means of holding students accountable for the quality of their work
Grades provide a widely understood means of communicating progress and achievement to parents and other parties such as college entrance boards or other schools to which the young student may transfer
Parent Communication
● Grades will be communicated through ClassReach
● Conduct items will be entered prior to the Fall and Spring Parent Partnership Meetings
● A parent partnership meeting will be held in the fall and the spring Please see our calendar for dates Teachers will contact parents if a student is struggling academically or socially
● Please use ClassReach as the best way to communicate important information with the staff
Parent Partnership
At Brookside Christian Academy, we recognize that parents are ultimately responsible for the education and flourishing of their children We believe that educators are facilitators and advisors as par\ents pursue this important work
Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled as needed We encourage teachers and parents to communicate regularly about how the student is doing and to schedule formal meetings as needed
Teachers may be contacted through ClassReach outside of regular working hours. When addressing any concerns, parents should copy the Head of School to keep the school informed of classroom circumstances Teachers will do the same when addressing concerns via emails with parents
If you have a concern about curriculum content, Brookside Christian Academy policy, or philosophy, communicate with the Head of School. If you have questions about the weekly workings of a particular classroom (e g , homework load), contact the Lead Teacher through ClassReach At no time should an individual student’s problem be addressed to non-involved parties In the great majority of cases, if you have worked patiently and in good faith, with the teacher and directors, you will find a satisfactory resolution.
Please follow Matthew 18:15 to determine the proper order of communication: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.”
Church Involvement: It is the expectation that the families at Brookside Christian Academy would be actively involved in a local church Where it is offered, families should not only be attendees, but members of their church, submitting to both the authority of their local pastor and the accountability from fellow members and leadership. Where membership is not an option, BCA families should be active members in their church, defined by regular attendance to the weekly worship service and active participation in community events, such that the family is known and engaged with their local body of believers The pastors of a non-membership church will still be considered authoritative in all matters of church discipline and teaching (Hebrews 13:17)
Holidays Celebrated
At Brookside Christian Academy we celebrate the following Holidays:
1. Christmas
2. Thanksgiving
3 Jesus’ death Good Friday
4 Jesus’ resurrection Easter Sunday
Illness Policy
In consideration of your child’s wellness and to prevent the spread of illness to classmates and teachers, we kindly ask that a young student should be symptom-free (without medication) a full 24 hours from the following before returning to onsite classes:
● Fever Temperature of 100 degrees or above without the use of fever-reducing medication
● Vomiting/diarrhea
● Please do not send children with highly contagious illnesses such as strep, hand/foot/mouth, or pinkeye (to name a few)
Government Agency Requests
Brookside Christian Academy values our parent partnership and as such we will notify parents of any interaction with a government agency such as child protective services, as it relates to your child. Our policy is as follows:
● Parents will be notified and their presence requested prior to a government agency being allowed to interview a child during school hours
● Brookside Christian Academy will do its best to uphold this policy with any government agency but cannot be held liable if we are not able to get a hold of a family member or if the government agency uses legal force to demand the interview
Academic Schedule
Calendar
The Academic Calendar is located on our website
Arrival and Dismissal: Core, Core+ and Enrichment Days
● School begins at 8:30 AM and ends at 3:00 PM.
● Students may arrive between 7:30 and 8:30 AM.
● Students may be picked up between 3:00 and 3:15 PM
● A fee will be implemented if there is early arrival or late pick up Consistent early arrival or late pick up will constitute a meeting with Administration
Attendance
Brookside Christian Academy has intentionally set its vacations, schedule, and structure to allow important time for families By registering a child in Brookside Christian Academy, the parent or guardian is agreeing to this schedule, and it is loving to the community of students to be in attendance. Emergencies or important family events arise from time-to-time; therefore students have 6 Core academic days* within each semester for school absences without consequence to their credits unless pre-approvals are arranged We ask that the Administration be notified as soon as possible for any absences A student that surpasses 12 days for the year, or a total of 6 days in a semester will be subject to an Education Council review.
For sickness, please notify administration through the ClassReach form provided
For prolonged periods of absence (to extend beyond the 6 academic days in a semester), please get pre-approval from the Head of School. All work would need to be followed up after the absence and educational packets will not be provided
*Emergency situations will be taken into special consideration
Tardies
A student who arrives later than 8:30 AM is considered tardy. Four tardies within a month will constitute a parent email. A 5th tardy will result in an office visit. Subsequent tardies will be treated as office visits in accordance with the discipline policy
Enrollment Policy
Tuition
For more information, please see this link.
Tuition Assistance
Financial Assistance must be requested by May 1 Families are strongly urged to seek assistance from their family, churches, and friends prior to seeking financial aid. We are partnering in education with families and we operate solely on private funds, therefore every dollar not collected in tuition is a dollar that must be raised through donations The best advocates for a child are their parents and family However, we also do not want finances to be the reason a family does not attend Brookside Christian Academy Therefore, financial aid may be offered under certain circumstances of extreme need Multi-student aid may be available under specified circumstances.
1 Applicants will be categorized from the greatest financial need to the least financial need a Financial need will be pre-designated based on a ratio of the number of family members to gross income
2. Tuition Assistance Requests will be handled through the Tuition Assistance Committee including initial application and interview
Evaluations
1 Teachers will evaluate students regularly for the purpose of assessing skill and knowledge
2 Teachers are evaluated unannounced throughout the year
3 The administration will be assessed periodically by the staff
4. Parents will evaluate the school annually
Anti-Discrimination & ADA Statement
Brookside Christian Academy admits students and hires employees without regard to race, color, national origin, or ethnic origin, ensuring equal access to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally available to our school community We are committed to upholding applicable nondiscriminatory policies in the administration of educational policies, admissions, scholarships, loan programs, athletics, and other school-administered activities. Brookside Christian Academy does not accept federal education funds.
