THEMISSION RivendellAcademy’smissionistotrainstudents,intheliberalarts,torecognizeandupholdthat whichistrue,good,andbeautifulthroughjoyfullearningthatequipsstudentstointeractwiththe worldthroughgodlydiscernment.
Thatwhichistrue:God’struthasilluminatedbywhatScripturesaysistrue thatwhichupholdsthe truthofGod.
Thatwhichisgood:God’sgoodnessasilluminatedbywhatScripturesaysisgood thatwhich glori esGod.
Thatwhichisbeautiful:God’sbeautyasilluminatedbywhatScripturesaysisbeautiful thatwhich pleasesGod.
OurDeepHope AtRivendellAcademy,ourhopeisthatstudentswillknowandloveJesusandbethoughtful Christianswhorelentlesslypursuetruthandwisdom.Wedesireforourstudentstobeequippedfor Kingdomworkandpreparedtodisciplethenations,glorifyingGodwherevertheyarecalled.We ultimatelyhopethatourstudentswillhaverightlyorderedlovesandthatthewholefamilywillbe discipledthrougheducationatRivendell.
PHILOSOPHYOFEDUCATION EducationisObediencetoScripture
InMatthew22:37,Christsays“YoushalllovetheLordyourGodwithallyourheartandwithallyour soulandwithallyourmind.”Thisservesasthefoundationforalleducation,thatScripturecommands ustoloveGodwithourminds.Thiscommandistobetaughttofuturegenerations.Deuteronomy6:7 says,“AndthesewordsthatIcommandyoutodayshallbeonyourheart Youshallteachthem diligentlytoyourchildren.”Wepursueeducationourselvesandeducateourchildrenprimarilyoutof obediencetoGod.
EducationisWorthyofHumanity
HumanitywasmadeintheimageofGodandre ectsHimandHischaracter Itis ttingthathumans ful llthis,notonlyinamoralsense,butinawaythatre ectsGod’srationality,order,creativity,and goodness.Theabilitytobecomeeducatedisuniquetohumans,andistherefore ttingforanimage bearer.Educationisnotmerelyameanstoanend,butisgoodinandofitself.
WhyLiberalArts? Ourphilosophyofeducationdependsonthefactthatothershavecomebeforeusandwestandonthe shouldersofgiants.IntheWest,theprojectofeducationhastakenplaceoverthecourseofthousands ofyears.Weshouldstandwithinthisgreattraditionandrecognizethewisdomthathasbeenhanded downtous Thispreventsusfrombecomingchronologicalsnobsandbeingblindedbythezeitgeistof ourage
WeholdtheLiberalArtsunderstandingofthequadriviumastheartofnumbersandthetriviumasthe artofwords Wetherebymovefromtheconcreteideasofnumbersandwordstothemore philosophicalideasineach“subject”thatwestudy.Thegoalofthisistomasterunderstandingineach eldofstudy.TheLiberalArts,atime-testedviewofthequadriviumandtrivium,providesthe pedagogicalapproachthatsupportsdiscernmenttrainingforChristianstudents.
AtRivendellAcademy Ourteachersarefocusedonthechildmorethanjustthecontent Ourpurposeineducationsupersedes knowledgealone,wewantthetelosofeducationtobetheinculcationofwisdomandvirtue.Weare educatingthe“wholechild”inpartnershipwithparents.
PhilosophyofHumanities HumanitiesisfundamentallythestudyofGod’simagebearersthroughhistoryandliterature.Astudy ofthecollectiveworkofhumanityisrevelatorytoGod’sstoryunfolding Thisstudyisinfusedwith Scriptureforstudentstolearnhowtointerprethumanactionsandtodiscerntruth,goodness,and beauty.Westartwithapieceofliteratureforstudentstocarefullyreadandinterrogate,andthen discussthevarious eldsofstudythatemerge.Historyisseenmoreclearlythroughthelensofstory, andliteraturerevealscharacterandgivesusaquasi-omniscientperspectiveofchoicesandhowthey impactlives.Studentsaregiventheopportunitytobeinnocent,butnotnaïvetotheworld.Througha deepstudyofliterature,studentswillseethebrokennessofoursinfulworldwhilealsoseeingthestory ofRedemptionunfolding.
PhilosophyofLanguage AtRivendellAcademy,studentswillstudyLatinafterdevelopingfoundationalEnglishgrammarskills LatinreinforcesEnglishgrammarbyapplyinggrammaticalskillstoanewlanguage BecauseLatinisa well-orderedlanguage,itsstudentsdevelopalogicoflanguagethatdeepenstheirunderstandingof languageingeneral.ThestudyofLatinanditsetymologybuildsastrongvocabularyfoundation,asit
isthebasisofourlegalandmedicaltermsandtherootofallRomancelanguages.Latinisalsothe languageofRome,thecultureinwhichChristcame,somanyfoundationaldocumentsforthe ChristianChurchwerewritteninLatin NotonlydoesthecleargrammaticalstructureofLatinmake itbene cialtostudytoformthelogicalmindsofstudents,butitisalsoanexcellentlanguagetobeable totranslateandinterpretfordeeperunderstanding.
PhilosophyofBible ScripturewillinformallthatwestudyatRivendellAcademy,andwewillalsohaveadistinctportionof eachdayspeci callyallottedforBibletraining Wewillcultivateanacademicunderstandingof Scripturethroughcatechism,Biblesurvey,andlearningskillsofinterpretation Theskillofnavigating Scripturewillbehonedduringthisdesignatedtime,whiletheentiredaywillbeinfusedwithGod’s Wordand lteredthroughthelensofScripture.Studentswillpracticediscernmentinthatwhichis true,good,andbeautifulasde nedbyGodthroughHisWord
Quadrivium TheQuadriviumispartofthesevenLiberalArtsandlaysthefoundationforunderstandingthe cosmosandallthatGodhascreated.Westartwitharithmetictobuildmasteryinthelanguageof numbersandthenmovetostudyingnumbersinspace,whereweseegeometrythroughoutcreation. Musicisthestudyofnumbersintime,and nallythisleadstoadeeperunderstandingofthecosmos, whichisthestudyofnumbersinspaceandtime
Masteryinthelanguageofnumbersisparamounttobeingabletointerprettheworldaroundus. Mathematicsteachesobjectivetruthaswesolveproblemsandcometoaprovableanswer Webuild skillsinarithmeticandintentionallyworktodeveloparichsenseofnumbers,sothattheyarea languagethestudentcanuse uently.
WeunderstandandknowGod’sdesignbystudyingtheworldaroundus,andthisknowledgehelps buildourunderstandingofGodHimself.Wewantsciencetoinvigorateasenseofwonder;therefore wewillusehands-onexperimentsaswellastheobservationofnaturetoinstillthisholycuriosityfor God’sworld Wedesireforstudentstomasterfoundationalscienti cconceptsanddeveloptheskillsof hypothesis,observation,andconclusionwhiledeeplyunderstandingthatalltruthisGod’struth.We thereforecanlookatsciencewithanticipationoftruthbeingrevealed.
PhilosophyofArt BeautyisamodernapologeticsfortheChristianfaith,especiallyinaculturedominatedbyvisuals, thereforeitismoreimportantthaneverthatoureyesaretrainedtorecognizethatwhichistrue,good andbeautiful.ThetranscendentalsareobjectivebecauseGodo ersthesestandardsthroughout Scriptureandtheyarere ectedinthevisibleuniverse.Thecomplexitiesandintricaciesrevealedin God’screationdeserveourcarefulattention Asimagebearers,observingGod’sdetails,weshould become“sub-creators”andourartshouldre ectGod’sbeauty.AsChristiansweshouldbeproducers ofgoodartandnotjustconsumersoftheworld’sart.Thereforeweholdrecognizingbeautifulartas wellastheskillofcreatingbeautifulartinhighregard.
PhilosophyofMusic “The nalaimandreasonofallmusicisnothingotherthantheglori cationofGodandthe refreshmentofthespirit”–JohannSebastianBach
AsChristians,wearecalledtosing“psalms,hymns,andspiritualsongs”(Ephesians5:19–21).Weare calledtobeasingingpeople,liftingourvoicestotheLord AspartoftheQuadrivium,musicisthe intersectionofnumbersintime.WithintheChristianLiberalArts,musicisthereforebothan academicandaspiritualskilltobehoned.Wewilltrainstudentsinthelanguageofmusic(theory)as wellascultivatealoveofmusicthatlinesupwiththetranscendentals thatwhichisgood,true,and beautiful TheaimsaretodevelopbothskillinsingingtoglorifytheLordanddeepdiscernmentinthe transcendentals.
CULTURALISSUES OnGender,Marriage,&Sexuality RivendellAcademyiscommittedtotheinfallibilityoftheChristianScripturesinallmattersoffaith andlife.OuraimistobealignedwiththetruthoftheBibleevenwhenthatmeansbeingoutof alignmentwithwhatisconsideredpopularorculturally-acceptable.Moreover,especiallyasitpertains tothestatementsbelow,RivendellAcademystandsincontinuitywithwhattheChurchhastaught, believed,andconfessedforover2000years.Inthesematters,weseektobebothclearand compassionate.
Webelievethateveryperson regardlessofsinfulbeliefsoractions mustbeshownlove,kindness, respect,anddignity(Mark12:28-31;Luke6:31).Werepudiatehatefulandharassingwordsorbehavior
aboutortowardanyoneasoutofaccordwiththeteachingsoftheBible,thecharacterofourLord,and themissionofRivendellAcademy.WebelievethatGodo ersredemptionandrestorationtoallwho confessandforsaketheirsin,sexualorotherwise,seekinghismercyandforgivenessthroughfaithin JesusChrist(Acts3:19–21;Rom.10:9–10;1Cor.6:9–11).
WebelievethatinordertopreserveRivendellAcademy’sintegrityande ectiveness,asabiblically faithfulinstitutionofChristianeducationandasamodeltoourcommunity,itisimperativethatall personsemployedbyRivendellAcademyinanycapacity,orwhoserveasvolunteers,a rmandabide bythisstatement(Matt.5:16;Phil.2:14–16;1Thess.5:22).Wealsoexpectstudentstoupholdthese biblicalvaluesregardingsex,gender,andsexualactivityintheirspeech,dress,andconduct
OnGender WebelievethatGodwonderfullyandimmutablycreateseachpersonaseithermaleorfemale,bothin biologicalsexandingender.Thesetwodistinct,complementarygenderstogetherre ecttheimageof God(Gen.1:26–27).Torejectone'sbiologicalgenderisanactofrebellionagainstGod'sdesign.
OnMarriage WebelievethataccordingtotheBible,marriagehasonlyoneappropriatemeaning:theunionofone manandonewomaninaholyrelationshipintendedtobeexclusiveandlifelong(Gen.2:18–25).We believethatGodintendssexualintimacytooccuronlybetweenmenandwomenjoinedinmarriage(1 Cor.6:18and7:2-5;Heb.13:4).
OnSexuality WebelievethatparticipatinginorapprovingofanyformofsexualactivityforbiddenintheBible (includingunmarriedsex,adultery,homosexualorbisexualbehavior,andpornography)issinfuland o ensivetoGod(Matt.15:18–20;Rom.1:24–32;1Cor.6:9–10).
OnSanctityofHumanLife WebelievethatallhumanlifeissacredandcreatedbyGodinhisimage.Humanlifeisofinestimable worthinallitsdimensions,includingpre-bornbabies,theaged,thephysicallyormentallychallenged, andeveryotherstageorconditionfromconceptionthroughnaturaldeath Wearethereforecalledto defend,protect,andvalueallhumanlife(Ps.139). Webelievethisisthestartingpointforall discussionsrelatedtothesanctityoflife(e.g.,abortion,euthanasia,war).
STATEMENTOFFAITH Apostles’Creed
IbelieveinGod,theFatheralmighty, creatorofheavenandearth
IbelieveinJesusChrist,hisonlySon,ourLord, whowasconceivedbytheHolySpirit andbornofthevirginMary. Hesu eredunderPontiusPilate, wascruci ed,died,andwasburied; hedescendedtohell
Thethirddayheroseagainfromthedead. Heascendedtoheaven andisseatedattherighthandofGodtheFatheralmighty. Fromtherehewillcometojudgethelivingandthedead
IbelieveintheHolySpirit, theholycatholic*church, thecommunionofsaints, theforgivenessofsins, theresurrectionofthebody, andthelifeeverlasting Amen
*thatis,thetrueChristianchurchofalltimesandallplaces
TheSolas Weholdtoandteachthe veSolasoftheReformation.
SolaScriptura TheologymustbeScripturallygrounded God’slife-givingspeechrevealstousHissalvationandcalls ustofaithandrepentance.Wewereoncedarkness,butnowwearelightintheLord(Eph.5:8).Satan blindsthemindsofunbelievers,lesttheyseethelightofthegospelofthegloryofChrist(2Cor.4:4). YettheGodwhocommandslighttoshineoutofdarknessshinesinourhearts,givingusthelight“of thegloryofGodinthefaceofJesusChrist”(2Cor 4:6) GodalwaysdoesthisbytheSpiritworking throughtheWord TheHolySpiritistheAuthorofScripture,andHespeaksthroughScripture(Heb
3:7).TheScripturesteachuseverythingthatweneedtomakeuswiseforsalvationthroughfaithin Christandtobethoroughlyequippedforeverygoodwork(2Tim.3:15–17).Thisiswhythosewho donotspeakaccordingtotheruleofScripturehavenolightinthem(Isa 8:20) YetwithouttheSpirit, eventheScripturescannothelpus Wearedeadintrespassesandsins(Eph 2:1–2),ourmindsand heartsaredarkened(Eph.4:18;Rom.1:21),andweneedsomeonetoraiseusfromthedeadandturn onthelights(Eph.5:14).IfScriptureissu cienttomakeuswiseforfaithandlifeinChrist,then ScripturealonecanbeourguidetowalkingwithGod OnlythroughtheSpiritworkingbyandwith theScripturesinourheartscanwewalkinthelightwiththeGodwhoislight(1John1:7)
SolusChristus
TheologymustbeChristfocused.WeshouldbelieveeverythingScriptureteachesusbecauseitisGod’s Word(John8:47).ChrististhemainpointoftheBible,andthewholeBibletesti estoHim(John 5:39;Luke24:27;1Peter1:10–12).WithouttheSpirit,wecouldnotreceiveGod’stestimonyin Scripture;withoutChrist,evenGod’swordscannotsaveus TheologyisChrist-focusedbecauseno onecomestotheFatherapartfromHim(John14:6)andbecausetheSpiritseekstoglorifyHimfor oursalvation(John16:8–14).JesusistrulyGodandtrulyman.HealonecanreconcileGodandman, killinganimosityandcreatingfriendship(Gen.3:15).TheFatheriswellpleasedwithHisSon(Mark 1:11),andHeiswellpleasedwithusonlywhenweareintheSon(Eph 1:6) JesusalonecansaveHis peoplefromtheirsins(Matt 1:21)becauseHealoneistheirProphetrevealingtothembyHisWord andSpiritthewillofGodfortheirsalvation;HealoneistheirPriestwhoo eredHimselfasasacri ce tosatisfydivinejusticeforthem;andHealoneistheirKingwhosubduesthemtoHimself,rulesand defendsthem,andrestrainsandconquersallHisandtheirenemies(WSC24–26).Thereisno fellowshipwithGodapartfromChrist,andwecountallthingslosscomparedtotheexcellenceofthe knowledgeofChristJesusourLord(Phil.3:8).
SolaFide
Theologymustbefaithdriven.Withoutfaith,itisimpossibletopleaseGod(Heb.11:6).Likethe emptyhandofabeggar,faithreachesouttoreceiveChrist.Byfaith,webelievethatHewhohas promisedisabletoperformthatwhichHepromises(Rom 4:21) Godwillful llHispurposes,butif wedonotbelieve,thenwewillnotbeestablished(Isa 7:9;45:17) FaithhasnomeritbeforeGod We arejusti edbyfaithwithouttheworksofthelaw(Rom.3:28).Wearenotsavedbygoodworksbutare savedforgoodworks(Eph.2:8–10).KnowledgeofChristthroughScripture,assenttothesetruthsin ourminds,andSpirit–wroughttrustfromourheartscharacterizesavingfaith.Welivebyfaithinthe SonofGodwholovedusandgaveHimselfforus(Gal 2:20)
SolaGratia
Theologymustbegrace-saturated.Ifwearesavedbyfaith,thenwearesavednotbyworksbutbygrace alone(Rom.11:6).GraceisGod’sgenerousdispositionbywhichHelavishesuswithgoodthingsthat wedonotdeserve.EverythingwereceivefromGodisbygrace,fromourdailybreadtothe nal resurrectionofourbodies(Ps 145:8) ThegraceofGodisvestedinChristandHealonegivessaving
gracetothosewhomtheFatherpitiesinHismercy(Ps.103:13).ThisiswhytheApostlePaul’sletters begin,“GraceandpeacetoyoufromGodtheFatherandfromtheLordJesusChrist”(2Cor.1:2;Gal. 1:3;Eph 1:2;Phil 1:2) TheHolySpiritteachesusthroughScripturethatsalvationisbygracealone becausesalvationisbyfaithinChristalone.Graceisnotasentimentalidealeadingustoignoreour sins,notcaringhowwelive.“ForthegraceofGodhasappeared,bringingsalvationforallpeople, trainingustorenounceungodlinessandworldlypassions,andtoliveself-controlled,upright,and godlylivesinthepresentage,waitingforourblessedhope,theappearingofthegloryofourgreatGod andSaviorJesusChrist,whogavehimselfforustoredeemusfromalllawlessnessandtopurifyfor himselfapeopleforhisownpossessionwhoarezealousforgoodworks”(Titus2:11–14).
SoliDeoGloria
TheologymustbeGod-dominated.EachofthethreepersonsoftheTrinitysavesusinharmonious unityinawaythatleadstoworshipofallthreedivinepersons WehavefellowshipwiththeSonin grace,withtheFatherinlove,andwiththeHolySpiritinstrengthandcomfort(2Cor.13:14;Acts 9:31).Becausewehavenothingthatwehavenotreceived(1Cor.4:7),weshoulddoallthingsinthe nameoftheLordJesusChrist,givingthankstoGodtheFatherthroughHim(Col 3:17) Weliveby theSpiritandkeepinstepwiththeSpirit(Gal 5:25) IfweshouldlivetoGod’sglory,thenshouldwe notlistentotheSpiritspeakinginHisWord,receivingGod’sgracethroughfaithaloneinChrist,allto God’sgloryalone?
A rmation&Agreeance ● Allfacultymusta rmTheWestminsterConfessionofFaith(approvedexceptionswillbe allowedonsecondarydoctrineissues)
● Studentswillbetaughtwithintheframeworkofthishistoricdocumentasaplumblinefor ChristianTheologyandsecondarydoctrinesdiscussionswillbebuiltfromthisframework (pleaseseesecondarydoctrinestatements) Parentsmustagreetohavingtheirchildrentaught withintheparametersofthisChristiantheologicalunderstanding
Thegeneralpositionofthefacultyandsta mustbeWestminsterConfessionofFaith(certain exceptionsmaybeapproved).
CulturalIssues ScripturalClarityonCulturalIssues
1. WebelievethatGodwonderfullyandimmutablycreatedeachpersonasdistinctlymaleor female(Gen.1:26-31;2:18-25;5:1,2).Thesetwodistinctandcomplementarygenderstogether re ecttheimageandnatureofGod Torejectone’sbiologicalgenderisarejectionoftheimage ofGodwithinthatpersonandisasinagainstGod
2 WebelievethatmarriagewascreatedandsanctionedbyGodinwhichGodjoinsonemanand onewomaninasingleandexclusiveunion(Gen.2:24;Matt.19:4-6)
3 WebelievethatGodintendssexualintimacytooccuronlybetweenamanandawomanwho aremarriedtoeachother Anyformofsexualintimacyoutsideofmarriageisimmoralandisa sinagainstGod(1Cor.6:15-7:6;Eph.5:3-7).Sexualimmoralityincludes,butisnotlimitedto adultery,fornication,homosexualconduct,andpornography
4. WebelievethatallhumanlifeissacredandcreatedbyGodinHisimage.Humanlifeisof inestimableworthinallitsdimensions,includingpre-bornbabies,theaged,thephysicallyor mentallychallenged,andeveryotherstageorconditionfromconceptionthroughnatural death Wearethereforecalledtodefend,protect,andvalueallhumanlife(Ps 139)
RivendellAcademyiscommittedtoahealthydiscussionofthisissueinawaythatvaluesallthoseof otheropinions,yetdoesnotcompromiseourvalues OurultimategoalisChristianunitywithinthe parametersofOrthodoxChristianity
OverarchingCulture WhenGodmadehumans,HemadeusinHisownimage,acommunityre ectiveofHistriunenature withthecapacitytolove,asHehasloved.Inthelastcentury,schoolshaveassumedafragmentedview thatreducesapersontoanindividualinneedofknowledge.AtRivendellAcademy,webelievein disciplingthewholepersontoloveGodandloveandhonorallpeople
SecondaryDoctrine Inmattersofsecondarydoctrine,Rivendelladministratorsandteacherswill:
1. Encourageandchallengestudentstothinkandbediscerningonallmattersaccordingtothe truthofGod’sWord
2. Fosteraclassroomenvironment,especiallyatthesecondarylevel,oflove,respectandcharity amongstudents
3. Beencouragedtocharitablypresentthevarioussidesofasecondaryissue
4 SeektomaintainunityamongourstudentsandfamiliesaccordingtoourStatementofFaith andtheWestminsterShorterCatechismandbynotteachingsecondarydoctrinesasprimary andnotdisparagingsecondarydoctrinalbeliefsthatarecontrarytotheirpersonalconvictions
5 Encouragestudentstoseekthesupportandinstructionoftheirparentsandtheirlocalchurch Thefollowinglistisnotexhaustivebutrepresentssomeofthesecondarydoctrinediscussionsthatmay occur(mainly)atthesecondarylevel:
1. Ageoftheearth
WereadGenesis1–3fromtheframeworkofanorthodoxChristianperspective.Wewill teachfromtheperspectiveofaliteral24-hourdaybutwillopenthediscussionupin secondaryyears,wherewewilldiscussotherorthodoxviewsasviableinterpretations.
2. Eschatology
WewillteachabouttheimminentreturnofJesusandthatthedeadwillberaisedtoeternallife oreternaljudgment.Thiswillexpand,inthesecondaryyears,todiscussionofthreeheldviews ofeschatology:historicalpremillennialism,*amillennialism,†andpartialpreterist postmillennialism ‡
*HistoricPremillennialism:anon-literalinterpretationofthetrialsdescribedinRevelation,this viewholdstotheimminentreturnofChristafteraperiodoftribulationwithafollowingageof peacewhereSatanisbounduntilrightbeforethefinaljudgment
†Amillennialism:themillenniumissymbolicandrepresentsthetimeofChurchgrowththatis spiritualratherthanphysical Jesus'imminentreturnwilloccuraftera“millennium”ofpeople comingtoChrist.Therearevariousaspectstotimingheldwithinthisview.
‡Postmillennialism:Satanwasboundatthecross,themillennialperiodisaperiodoftimerather thanaliteralthousandyears Duringthismillenniumthegospelwillspread“totheendsofthe earth”untildeathisthelasttobeconqueredandputunderJesus’feet,whentheearthwillbe transformedinthe“blinkofaneye”withJesus’imminentreturn.Thisviewholdsthatmanyof theNewTestamentpropheticpassageswerefulfilledbythefallofJerusalemin70AD.
Weholdthatbaptismisnotsalvi c ItisthewashingwithwaterinthenameoftheFather,the Son,andtheHolySpirit;itsigni esandsealsouradoptionintoChrist,ourcleansingfromsin, andourcommitmenttobelongtotheLordandtohischurch.Inthesecondaryyearswewill discussthetwomainpositions,credobaptism§andpaedobaptism,**asaviable,orthodoxbelief
§Credobaptism:Thispositionteachesthatbaptismisasignofabeliever’sfellowshipwithChristin hisdeathandresurrectionandshouldbeadministeredtothosewhoprofessrepentancetoward GodandfaithinandobediencetoourLordJesusChrist Believersaretobebaptizedinthename oftheTriuneGodbyimmersioninwater.
**Paedobaptism:Thispositionteachesthatbaptismisasignandsealofthecovenantofgrace Immersionintowaterisnotnecessary,butisrightlyadministeredbypouringorsprinklingwater uponthepersoninthenameoftheTriuneGod.Infantsofoneorbothbelievingparentsaretobe baptized,notforsalvation,butsothatthepromisedgraceofGodisexhibitedandconferredbythe HolySpirittosuchasthatgracebelongsto,accordingtoGod’sownwillandinHisappointed time.
4 Cessationism&Non-cessationism
WewillteachthattheHolySpiritisGod,coeternalwiththeFatherandtheSon,andthatGod grantsHimtoallwhobelieve.Inthesecondaryyearswewilldiscussthevariedpositions concerningthegiftsoftheSpirit,betweencessationism††andnon-cessationism ‡‡
††Cessationism:Cessationismistheviewthatthe“miraclegifts”oftonguesandhealinghave ceased thattheendoftheapostolicagebroughtaboutacessationofthemiraclesassociatedwith thatage.Mostcessationistsbelievethat,whileGodcanandstilldoesperformmiraclestoday,the HolySpiritnolongerusesindividualstoperformmiraculoussigns.1
‡‡Non-cessationism:Continuationismisthebeliefthatallthespiritualgifts,includinghealings, tongues,andmiracles,arestillinoperationtoday,justastheywereinthedaysoftheearlychurch. Acontinuationistbelievesthatthespiritualgiftshave“continued”unabatedsincetheDayof Pentecostandthattoday’schurchhasaccesstoallthespiritualgiftsmentionedintheBible.2
1Taken from: https://www gotquestions org/cessationism html
2Taken from: https://www gotquestions org/continuationism html
Wewillnotinstructin,norholdto,thecharismaticpositionoftonguesasagiftforall Christians,signsandwonders,prosperitygospel,faithasfoundationalhealingorother non-orthodoxviewsoftheworkoftheHolySpirit
TheStatementofFaithdoesnotexhausttheextentofourbeliefs.TheBibleitself,astheinspiredand infallibleWordofGodthatspeakswith nalauthorityconcerningtruth,morality,andtheproper conductofmankind,isthe nalsourceofallthatwebelieve TheRivendellBoardofDirectorswill de neimplementationoftheStatementofFaith.AnychangestotheStatementofFaithmustbe approvedbyunanimousboardvoteandwillbesubmittedtoparentsandfaculty.
UNIFORMPOLICY PleaseseeouruniformpolicyHERE
DressUpDays TuesdayisdesignatedDressUpDay Onthisdaystudentsshouldexpecttowearthemostformal renditionoftheuniform.Thismeansboysshouldwearpants,withabuttondown,tie(Pleasedonot weartieswithpoloshirts),andblazer.Girlsshouldwearskirtswithabuttondowntopandblazer. PleasenotethatonWednesdayandThursdaystudentsarefreetoweartheiruniforminany combinationtheychoose.
DISCIPLINEPOLICY DisciplinePolicy “Nodisciplineseemspleasantatthetime,butpainful Later,however,itproducesaharvestof righteousnessandpeaceforthosewhohavebeentrainedbyit.”–Hebrews12:11
Werecognizethatmaintainingawell-disciplinedclassroomiskeytolearning Webelievethat “Knowledgewithoutvirtueisdangerous.”Therefore,encouragingvirtuousbehaviorthatstemsfrom theheartisasimportantasencouragingexcellenceinmathandgrammar.Ayoungstudent’sbehavior, attitude,andphysicaldispositionshouldcontributepositivelytotheclassroomenvironmentand RivendellAcademy’svalueofshapinggodlycharacter Ourruleissimpleformaintainingthis disciplinedatmosphere:“loveyourneighborasyourself.”
RivendellAcademyrecognizesthatthepurposeofdisciplineistodevelopourfellowshipandlovefor Godandneighbor(Mark12:30–31).Disciplineisnecessaryfordiscipleship.Tothisend,disciplineis notmeanttosimplymodifyoutwardbehavior,buttotrainthehearttoloveJesus
GeneralGuidelines Disciplineisadministeredinlightofseverity,situation,andattitudeoftheindividualstudent.The kindofdisciplinemaybedeterminedbytheteachers,andifnecessary,administration(e.g.,Headof School)followingtheguidelinesbelow.Anydisciplinaryactionmustbedoneinlovewiththehopeof restoration
ClassroomDiscipline GodisaGodoforderandourteachersfosterthisorderthroughclassroommanagement(1Cor.14:33, 40).Studentswillbeaskedtobehaveinawaythatfostersrespectfortheirteacherespeciallyasitrelates toloveforGodandtheirneighborsinclass.Generalbehaviorsthatcanbecorrectedin-classinclude:
● Minorclassroomdisruption
● Nuisancebehaviortoteacherorstudents
● Inappropriateuseofclassroommaterial
Multipleopportunitiesmaybeo eredtohelpstudentscourse-correct.Ifateacherneedsassistance,a studentmaybesenttotheo ce.
O ceVisits Overtbehaviorswhichrequireadministrativeinvolvementnecessitatesparentnoti cation.Depending ontheseverityoftheinfraction,studentsmayneedtobepickedupimmediatelyfromschoolandin somecases,receivesuspension.Fordisciplinetobee ective,itisimperativeforteachersandparentsto behaveasateam.Ifthiscan’tbeaccomplished,astudentmayneedtobeunenrolleduntilsuchatime asanagreementcanbereached
● Flagrantdisrespectshowntosta
● Dishonesty(eg,lying,cheating,stealing)
● De ance(e.g.,outrightdisobedience,consistentcorrection,orrebellion)
● Fighting(e.g.,strikingwiththeintentiontoharmanotherstudent)
● Bullying(i.e.,whenastudentdeliberatelyharassesanotherstudentduringoroutsideofschool andincludescyber-bullying)
● Enablingothersbadbehavior
● Actsthatendangerthelivesofanotherperson
● Vandalism
● Theft
● Inappropriateuseofschoolpropertyorfacility
● Inappropriatelanguage(e.g.,obscene,vulgar,profane)
● Romanticdisplaysofa ection(e.g.,kissing,hugging,hand-holding,etc.)
● Sexualmisconduct(e.g.,inappropriatetouching,useofpornography,etc.)
● Illegalsubstanceabuse(e.g.,drugoralcoholuse)
● Weaponsoncampus(eg,guns,knives,etc)
Degreesofdiscipline Thedegreeofdisciplinedependsontheseverityoftheo enseandfallssomewherealong(butnot limitedto)thiscontinuum:
● Verbalwarnings(e.g.,student’sopportunitytoself-correct)
● Acknowledgingo enseandmakingapologies(publico ensespromptpublicapologies, privateo ensespromptpersonalapologies)
● Makingrestitution
● Changingoflocation(e.g.,desk/chairchange)
● Sittingoutofanactivity
● Documentationforstudent/parent le
● Removingofsomeprivilege(e.g., eldtrip)
● Senthome(eg,earlypick-up)
● Parentalattendanceduringtheschoolday
● Cleaning
a. Pickinguptrash
b. Cleaningbathrooms
c Vacuumingandorsweeping
d. Cleaningdesks,walls,whiteboards,etc.
e. Cleaningoutside
● Physicalendurance
a. Wallsit
b. Runninglaps
c. Pushups
● Writing a Anoteonwhatthestudentdidwrong
b. Anoteaskingforgiveness
● Other
a Lossofprivilege(s)
b. Repetitionandpracticeofproperorexpectedbehaviors
c. Beingsenthome
d Aconsequenceordisciplineplanparticularlysuitedtothestudentandsituationas agreeduponwiththeparent(s)
ElectronicDevicePolicy Useofpersonalelectronicdevices(i.e.,phones,smartphones,portablegamingdevices,smartwatches, etc.)bystudentsisprohibitedoncampus.Suchdevicesmaybebroughttoschoolbuttheymustbe checkedinattheschoolo ceduringschoolhours
● Useoflaptopsispermissibleforsecondaryacademicpurposesonlyunderthepre-approved directionandsupervisionofateacher
● A rstviolationofthispolicywillresultinimmediatecon scationofthedevice,tobereleased toaparentorguardian
● Asecondviolationofthispolicywillresultinaparentconferencewithadministration
● Athirdviolationofthispolicywillresultinadisciplinaryhearing
● RivendellAcademyacceptsnoresponsibilityforuse,breakage,theft,orlossofphoneorother personalitems
Cheating&Plagiarism Cheatingisde nedaslookingatanother’sworkwithouttheteacher’spermissionorcommunicating withanotherduringanexamwithouttheteacher’spermission.
Plagiarismisde nedasusinganother’sworkwithoutacknowledgingandthankingthemfortheuse
Ifeithercheatingorplagiarismisnoticed,theassignmentorexamwillimmediatelyreceivea0.Parents willbenoti ed.AsecondcheatingorplagiarisminfractionwillresultinanEducationCouncilreview.
DressCodeViolation Iffacultynoticesadresscodeviolation,*theywillinformadministration(HeadofSchool),and administrationwillnotifyparentsthroughaDressCodeViolationForm(viaClassReach).After4 dresscodeviolations,ano cevisitwillfollowinadditiontoemailnoti cation.Afterthe5thviolation withinasemester,thestudentwillbesenthome Subsequentdresscodeviolationswillrequirethe HeadofSchooltotreattheviolationsaso cevisitsinaccordancewiththedisciplinepolicy
*Adresscodeviolationissomethingthatcannotbecorrectedinclass.
PrimaryStudentDisciplinePlan TheruleisloveGodandloveyourneighbor
1. Ifastudentisovertlydisrespectfultoauthorityanimmediateo cevisitwillfollow
2. Ifthereisunlovingbehaviorintheclassroom,duringbreaksorlunchtimetheteacherwho observedthesituationwillgiveawarningandcorrectthebehavior
3 Ifasecondinfractionoccurstheinfractionwillbedocumented
4. Ifaninfractionoccursduringabreakthestudent’sleadteacherwillbenoti edand documentedaccordingly
5. IfathirdinfractionoccurstheteacherwillsendthechildtotheHeadofSchoolforano ce visitwithinformationspecifyingtheissue
a. TheHeadofSchoolwillnotifytheparentsthroughemailofwhatoccurredandthe disciplinegiven
6 Homework:Anymissinghomeworkwillbeenteredasa“0”inClassReach Afterthethird“0” orthirdpoorgrade,theparentswillbenoti ed.Thelateassignmentpolicyis10%grade reductionthe rstday,20%reductionthesecondday,and1percentagepointforanyday thereafter Astanding“0”willmeantheassignmentwasneversubmitted
SecondaryStudentDisciplinePlan TheruleisloveGodandloveyourneighbor.
1. Ifastudentisovertlydisrespectfultherewillbeanimmediateo cevisit
2. Ifastudentisspeakinginappropriatelytherewillbeanimmediateo cevisit
3 IfastudenthasnotcompletedhomeworktheteacherwillnotifytheparentsandtheHeadof School
4 Homework:Amissedassignmentwillbeenteredasa“0”untilsubmitted,andthelate percentageswillapply:10%fornotbeingsubmitted,20%forthe2nddayand“1”thereafter.A standing“0”willmeanthestudentneversubmittedthework
ExcessiveO ceVisits
Asnotedabove,thepurposeofthedisciplinepolicyistoshapegodlycharacterinthestudent.Ifit becomesapparenttotheHeadofSchoolthatthestudent’scharacterisnotimprovingovertimeand/or isbecomingworsetothedetrimentoftheschoolculture,theHeadofSchoolwillmeetwiththe parentsandtheywillcomeupwithaplantoresolvetheissue.TheHeadofSchoolwillalsomeetwith theparentsincaseswherethestudentexhibitsalackofrepentanceorlacks interestinattending RivendellAcademy TheHeadofSchoolmay,athisdiscretion,allowforadditionalmeetingswiththe parentsifthepreviousdisciplineplantohelpthestudentwasunsuccessful.Tohelptheparents understandtheirchild’sbehavior,theymayberequiredtositwiththestudentduringapartorallof theschoolday.IftheHeadofSchooldeterminesthatthestudent’sbehavioralissuestillcannotbe
correctedthroughthedisciplineplan(s)generatedbythemeeting(s)withtheparents,thenitwillbe considereda“SeriousDisciplineCase.”
SeriousDisciplineCases ASeriousDisciplineCaseoccurswhenastudentexhibitsextremeungodlybehaviorthatimpedesthe cultureoftheschool.Examplesinclude(butarenotlimitedto):
1 ExcessiveO ceVisits(seesectionofthesamenameabove)
2. Unrepentant,consistent,orseriousdisrespectofauthority
3 Unsafebehavior–endangermenttothemselvesorothers
4. Overtmoralissuesincluding(butnotlimitedto):
a. Inappropriatetouching
b Substanceabuse
c. Illegalactivity
IftheHeadofSchoolhasdeterminedthatthestudent’swordsorbehaviorconstituteaSerious DisciplineCase,thestudentwillbesubjecttoadisciplinehearingbeforeaselectcommittee.The disciplinehearingwillincludethestudent,theparent(s),theteacher(ifapplicable),theHeadof School,andschoolboardmembers.Atthispointtheschoolboardwilldeterminethenecessary courseofactionwhichmayincludesuspensionorexpulsionofthestudent.Tuitionwillnotbe reimbursedforsuspensionsorexpulsions.
Re-Admittance Shouldastudentwhowasexpelled,orwhowithdrewtopreventexpulsion,desiretobereadmittedto RivendellAcademyatalaterdate,theywouldrequireadisciplinehearinginvolvingtheparents, teachers,andschoolAdministration.TheEducationCouncil,inconsultationwiththeHeadof School,willmakeadecisionbasedonthestudent'sattitudeandcircumstances.
OURPROGRAM OnCurriculum AtRivendellAcademy,webelievethatcurriculumisatool,whichisessential,buttheteacherbrings educationtolifethroughuseofthattool Assuch,inadditiontousingvariouscurriculaanda developedlistofskillsandobjectiveswewillobtainthemostquali edanddedicatedteachersas possible:teacherswhoexemplifyaloveoflearningandpointyoungstudentstoJesusChristthrough immersingtheirteachingingoodness,beauty,andtruth.
GradingPolicy Gradingshouldtellastoryofachild’sprogressinlearning,andbecause,asChristians,webelievethat educationofthewholemanisessential,Rivendellusesbothacademicandcharactergradessothat parentscanseewhetherapoorgradeisasinissueoranacademicstruggle.Reciprocallyparentscansee thatagoodgradedoesnotnecessarilyimplyrighteousness.ForthisreasonRivendellwillgiveboth academicgradesandconductdescriptionssothatwecantrulydisciplethewholechild
ConductItems
● Diligenceintheclassroomandintheirwork
● Respectforauthority
● Kindnessfortheirpeers
● Joyfulattitude
● Initiative
● Livingcourageously
Primary&SecondaryWeightedCategories
● 30%PracticeWork
● 70%MagnumOpus
PrimaryGrading
GoodUnderstanding
Secondary&SecondaryPrepGrading
Assessment&GradingProtocol Humanities
● Softgradingthroughouttheweekonvariouswritingandspeakingassignments
● MagnumOpusforeachweekthatisgradedinthegradebook(maybewrittenororal)
● Assessmentattheendofeachbookthatincludes:
○ Grammarsection
○ Logicsection
○ RhetoricSection
Mathematics
● 1hardgrade*perweekofhomework/practicework
● 1assessmenteveryotherweekasahardgrade*
Science
● 1hardgrade*perweekofhomework/practicework
● 1assessmenteveryotherweekasahardgrade*
Music&Art
● 1hardgrade*perweekofhomework/practicework
● 1assessmenteveryotherweekasahardgrade*
Latin
● 1hardgrade*perweekofhomework/practicework
● 1assessmenteveryotherweekasahardgrade*
*Hardgrade:afterpracticingthechildwillbeassessedonmasteryorimprovement
Reviewweekand nalsweekbeforeChristmas.
Reviewweekand nalsweekattheendoftheyear
ParentCommunication ● GradeswillbecommunicatedthroughClassReach
● ConductitemswillbeenteredpriortotheFallandSpringParentPartnershipMeetings
● Teacherswillcontactparentsifastudentisstrugglingacademicallyorsocially
● PleaseuseClassReachasthebestwaytocommunicateimportantinformationwiththesta
ExpectedHomeworkLoad HolidayHomework Whenholidaysoccurwithouta ectingtheregularschoolhours,familiesshouldexpectteacherstostill assignhomeworktobecompletedovertheholidayaccordingtoregularlyexpectedhomeworkloads. Whenholidaysoccurthatincludedayso fromschool(e.g.,ThanksgivingandChristmas),families shouldexpectthatstudentswillbeassignedhomeworkwhichcanbeuptothehomeworkassignedfor oneregularweekend Anyindividualassignmentoveraholidayshouldbeassignedwiththeideathatit canbecompletedinonesitting.Thisallowsforstudents/familieswhosochoosetoschedulewhen theywillsetsometimeforhomeworkcompletion.
Toillustrate:OveroneweekofThanksgivingbreak,UpperSecondarystudentsshouldexpect3-4 cumulativehoursofhomeworkfortheentirebreak.WhileUpperPrimarystudentsshouldexpectto spend1-2cumulativehoursonhomework.
GradesatRivendellAcademydonotinanywayre ecttheimmeasurableworthandvalueofeachchild madeinGod’simage,butrathertheyareare ectionofthequalityofworkinagiven eldofstudyata giventime.AtRivendellAcademy,gradesservethreebasicpurposes:
1. Tohelpstudentstoimprove
2 Todeterminethebestplacementlevelconsideringacademicability
3. Toprovideajustandlegitimatemeansofholdingstudentsaccountableforthequalityoftheir work
Gradesprovideawidelyunderstoodmeansofcommunicatingprogressandachievementtoparents andotherpartiessuchascollegeentranceboardsorotherschoolstowhichtheyoungstudentmay transfer
IndividualGrades RivendellAcademywilluseauniquemethodofgradingthatensuresstudentshavetimeto“practice” beforetheyreceiveagrade.Thereforeregularfeedbackwithinthescopeoftheclassregarding new conceptswillbegivenand“practice”gradeswillberecordedwithinthegradebook.MagnumOpus assignments(bestwork),thatwillmoregreatlya ectoverallstandings,willalsoberecordedfor transcriptpurposes.Consistentwitheducatingthewholechild,bothattitudeande ortwillbe consideredwithinourgradingsystems.
GroupProjectGrades 1Thessalonians5:14“Andweurgeyou,brothersandsisters,warnthosewhoareidleanddisruptive, encouragethedisheartened,helptheweak,bepatientwitheveryone.”
Groupprojectsareapartofcourseworkanditshouldbeexpectedthatgradingofthesewillnotbe individualizedbecausewebelievethatcharacterincommunityrevealstheheart RivendellAcademy caresevenmoreabouttheheartthantheacademics,groupprojectsallowteacherstoseewhere characterworkisneeded,andsincewearepreparingstudentsforlife,notjustcollege,characterin Christiancommunityisintegralto“LovingGodandLovingNeighbor”(Matt 22:36–40)
MathematicalGradingPolicy Becausemathproblemsareobjectivelyrightorwrong,gradingwillfollowasimplenumbercorrectout ofthenumberofproblems.
● Mathexaminationsare70%ofthe nalgrade
● Mathhomework,practicums,andprojectsare30%ofthe nalgrade(grouporindividual)
ScienceGradingPolicy Sincescienceistaughtthroughexperiments,anddiscovery,thiswillbeaparticipationandgroup projectgradeintheprimaryyearsandwillmovetowardsmasterygradingthroughthevariousscienti c eldsofstudyinthesecondaryyears
LatinGradingPolicy LatinistaughttobuildvocabularyandcontinuetogrowEnglishaswellasLatingrammarskills. Assessmentswillbebasedontheseconceptsandpointswillbeawardedforthepurposeof demonstratingmastery.
HumanitiesGradingPolicy Vocabularyterms,spelling,grammar,anddirectcharacternamesordateswillbeobjectivelygradedand willbeonapoints-basedsystem.Withmasteryasourgoal,studentswillbeaskedtocorrectthewrong answers.
Assignmentsthataremorephilosophicalinnaturewillbegradedonascale.Withineachassignment, grammaticalandspellingmistakeswillbeclearlymarkedandstudentswillbeaskedtoreviewtheword orgrammaticalruleandedittheirwriting Thispromotesmasteryinwritingassignments
Failing&Retakes Retakeswillbelefttotheteacher’sdiscretion Astudentwhohassimplyfailedforalackof understandingmaybegivenanotheropportunitytoprovetheirunderstandingafterfurtherpractice. Astudentwhoneglectedtheirstudiesandthereforefailed,maynotbegivenaretakeopportunity.
Ifastudentfailsanentirecourse,thestudent,parents,andteacherwillmeetwiththeEducation Counciltodeterminethebestcourseofactionforthestudent.Circumstances,understandingof directionsande ortwillallbetakenintoconsideration.
Parentswillbenoti edwithinthreeweeksoftheendofthegradingperiodiftheirstudentisin jeopardyoffailing.
SECONDARYPROGRAM TheRivendellAcademySecondaryProgram StudentsatRivendellAcademyprepareforoursecondaryprograminourSecondaryPrepclass.When ready,astudentwillmovetooursecondaryprograms.Wewillholdanimportant“CreditObjectives” meetingtocreatearobusthighschoolprogramtailoredtothestudent InApril,asastudentis completinghis/herthirdyearofhighschoolcredit(traditionallyajunior),heorshewillpresenta SENIORTHESIS PROPOSALtotheEducationCouncil.Thiswillbesubmittedandtheneither approved,sentbackforrevision,ordeniedwithresubmissionguidelines sothestudentcanbeginthe projectoverthesummer(priortotheirSenioryear) TheSENIORTHESISwillbedueinAprilofthe proposedgraduationyearandwillbepresentedtotheboardandtheEducationCouncil.Thiswillbe thecapstoneofourprogram.
HighSchoolAdmissions 1. PetitiontobeginHighSchoolCredits
2. EducationCouncilapproval
3. UponacceptanceintoourHighSchoolProgram,wewillholdaCreditObjectivesMeeting wherewewillvisitwithparentsandstudentsandcreateacreditplanforthestudent’shigh schoolcareer
4. InApril,asastudentiscompletinghis/herthirdyearofhighschoolcredit(traditionallya Junior),heorshewillpresentaSENIORTHESIStotheEducationCouncil Thiswillbe submittedandtheneitherapproved,sentbackforrevision,ordeniedwithresubmission guidelines sothestudentcanbegintheprojectoverthesummer(priortotheirSenioryear). TheSENIORTHESISwillbedueinApriloftheproposedgraduationyearandwillbe presentedtotheboardandtheEducationCouncil Thiswillbethecapstoneofourprogram
Humanities(Recommendation:12credits)4years Studentswillreceivearobusthumanitiesinstructionthrougherasoftime:AncientWorld,Medieval World,ModernWorld,andPostModernWorld.Asstudentsmovethroughtheseerasoftimeinhistory theywillreadacombinationoforiginalsources,historical ction,andgreatbooksthatembodythese erasoftime Aliterature,history,&theologycreditwillbereceivedbythosewhomeettheir“Credit Objectives.”Rhetoricandlogicskillsareintertwinedinthiscourseandstudentswillreceivea0.25 creditinthese eldsofstudyannually.
Mathematics(Recommendation:4credits)4years
Studentstakingourregulartrackofhighschoolmathematicswillbegivenadeepunderstandingof algebra,geometry,trigonometry,andcalculus.Thesewillbeattributedtothetranscriptastraditional credits.
Science(Recommendation:4credits)4years
Studentswillreceiveadeepandrigorousstudyinphysicalscience,chemicalscience,andthebiological sciences.Weuseexperimentsasfoundationaltothescienti cprocessofhypothesisandconclusion. WewanttofostercuriosityintheworldGodcreated
Latin(Recommendation:3credits)3years
WeprovideLatinlevelssostudentscanstartatLevelIandprogressthroughtoLevelIIIorasfaras theyareable.Latinallowsourstudentspracticeingrammar,etymology,masteryoflanguageskillsand richhistoricalcontextofthelanguagethatisfoundationaltoourwesternworld
Language(Recommendation:1credit)1year
ThiscanbetakenoutsideofRivendellAcademyandmustbeapprovedbytheEducationCouncil
Music(1credit)
Thiswillbeo eredat0.25credithoursperyearthroughRivendellAcademy.
Art(1credit)
Thiswillbeo eredat0.25credithoursperyearthroughRivendellAcademy.
PhysicalEducation (1credit)
ThismustbetakenoutsideofRivendellAcademyandmustbeapprovedbytheEducationCouncil
Electives(1credit)
ThismustbetakenoutsideofRivendellAcademyandmustbeapprovedbytheEducationCouncil.
SEETABLEFORCREDITS HonorsDiploma
(Transfercreditsmustbepre-approvedbytheEducationCouncil)
● 4CreditsofLiterature(throughintegratedhumanities:ancient,medieval,modern, post-modern)
● 4CreditsofTheology(throughintegratedhumanities:ancient,medieval,modern, post-modern)
● 4CreditsofHistory(throughintegratedhumanities:ancient,medieval,modern, post-modern)
● 4CreditsofScience
Biology
Chemistry
PhysicsorHumanAnatomy
○ GeneralScienceorPhysicalScience
● 4CreditsofMath
○ AlgebraI
○ AlgebraII
○ Geometry
○ Trigonometry/Calculusorbusinessmathcourse
● 4CreditsofLanguage
○ Atleast3inLatin(additionalcreditmaybetakenoutsideofRivendellwithapproval)
● 4CreditsElectives(1music,1art,1PE,1additional)
○ Music0.25creditperyearthroughRivendellAcademy
○ Art0.25creditperyearthroughRivendellAcademy
○ Othercredithourscanbeobtainedthroughprivatelessons,sports,etc.andmustbe pre-approvedbytheEducationCouncil
● SeniorThesis
○ Projectsmusthavewrittencomponent
○ Musthaveanoraldefense
○ MustbeapprovedbytheEducationCouncil
Diploma (Transfercreditsmustbepre-approvedbytheEducationCouncil)
● 4CreditsofLiterature
● 4CreditsofTheology
● 4CreditsofHistory
● 4CreditsofApprovedScience(orCreditObjectivesdetermination)
● 4CreditsMath(orCreditObjectivesdetermination)
● 2CreditsofLatin(orCreditObjectivesdetermination)
● 3CreditsElectives(1music,1art,1PE)
○ Music0.25creditperyearthroughRivendellAcademy
○ Art025creditperyearthroughRivendellAcademy
○ Othercredithourscanbeobtainedthroughprivatelessons,sports,etc.andmustbe pre-approvedbytheEducationCouncil
● SeniorThesis
○ Projectsmusthavewrittencomponent
○ Musthaveanoralcomponent
○ MustbeapprovedbytheEducationCouncil
Certi cate ● 2CreditsofLiteratureorequivalent(orCreditObjectivesdetermination)
● 2CreditsofTheologyorequivalent(orCreditObjectivesdetermination)
● 2CreditsofHistoryorequivalent(orCreditObjectivesdetermination)
● 1CreditofRhetoric/Logicorequivalent(orCreditObjectivesdetermination)
● 2CreditsofScience(orCreditObjectivesdetermination)
● 2CreditsofMath(orCreditObjectivesdetermination)
● 1CreditofLanguage(orCreditObjectivesdetermination)
● 1CreditofElective(orCreditObjectivesdetermination)
○ Othercredithourscanbeobtainedthroughprivatelessons,sports,etc.andmustbe pre-approvedbytheEducationCouncil
● SENIORTHESISmustbepre-approvedbytheEducationCouncil
PARENTCOMMUNICATION& INVOLVEMENT AtRivendellAcademy,werecognizethatparentsareultimatelyresponsiblefortheeducationand ourishingoftheirchildren.Webelievethateducatorsarefacilitatorsandadvisorsasparentspursue thisimportantwork
Parent-Teacherconferencesarescheduledasneeded.Weencourageteachersandparentsto communicateregularlyabouthowthestudentisdoingandtoscheduleformalmeetingsasneeded
TeachersmaybecontactedthroughClassReachoutsideofregularworkinghours.Whenaddressing anyconcerns,parentsshouldcopytheHeadofSchooltokeeptheschoolinformedofclassroom circumstances Teacherswilldothesamewhenaddressingconcernsviaemailswithparents
Ifyouhaveaconcernaboutcurriculumcontent,RivendellAcademypolicy,orphilosophy, communicatewiththeHeadofSchool Ifyouhavequestionsabouttheweeklyworkingsofa particularclassroom(e.g.,homeworkload),contacttheLeadTeacherthroughClassReach.Atnotime shouldanindividualstudent’sproblembeaddressedtonon-involvedparties.Inthegreatmajorityof cases,ifyouhaveworkedpatientlyandingoodfaith,withtheteacheranddirectors,youwill nda satisfactoryresolution
PleasefollowMatthew18:15todeterminetheproperorderofcommunication:“Ifyourbrothersins againstyou,goandtellhimhisfault,betweenyouandhimalone.Ifhelistenstoyou,youhavegained yourbrother”
InternetUse&SocialMedia Studentsareheldtothesamestandardofbehaviorwhethertheyareoncampusoronlineathome Individualsagreetousethesetechnologicaltoolshonorablyandresponsibly.
Thefollowingisnotpermitted:
● Sendingordisplayingo ensivemessagesorintimatepictures
● Usingobscene,vulgar,orprofanelanguage
● Harassing,tormenting,threatening,embarrassing,humiliating,insulting,orattackingothers
● Textingorsocialmediainteractionwithteachers
ClassReachcommunicationispermittedforstudents,parents,andteachers
HEALTH&WELLNESS Lunch Studentswillbringpackedlunchestobeeatenintheirclassroomoroutsideiftheweatherpermits Pleasepacklunchesthatdonothavetobeheatedorrefrigerated.Pleasealsoalertusofanyallergies yourchildhassowecanaccommodateasneededandalertotherfamilies(iftheallergyisverysevere).
AtRivendellAcademy,wevaluehealthandwellness,sopleasekeepthisinmindwhenpacking lunches,asyouryoungstudentswillbelearningaboutnutrition,abalanceddiet,etc
Snacks Parentsarewelcometosendaneasytoeatsnack(werecommendanutritioussnack)formid-morning Wateristheonlybeverageallowedtoaccompanysnacks.
HealthRecords RivendellAcademyshouldbenoti edofanysevereallergiesorhealthconcerns.
AdministrationofMedicines RivendellAcademyAdministrationmayadministerover-the-countermedicationtothechildrenin theircarebutonlywithauthorizationfromthechild’sparentorguardianthroughtheClassReach releaseform
RivendellAcademyreservestherighttorefusetheresponsibilityofprescriptionadministrationfor anyreason Ifthisoccurs,wewillbehappytoaccommodateparentvisitsduringthedayforthe purposeofmedicationadministration.
IllnessPolicy Inconsiderationofyouryoungstudent’swellness,inaddition,preventingthespreadofillnesstoyour child’sclassmatesandteachers,ayoungstudentshouldbesymptom-freeafull24hoursfromthe followingbeforereturningtoonsiteclasses:
● Fever Temperatureof100degreesorabovewithouttheuseoffever-reducingmedication
● Vomiting/diarrhea
● Pleasedonotsendchildrenwithahighlycontagiousillnessessuchasstrep,hand/foot/mouth, orpinkeye(tonameafew)
GovernmentAgencyRequests RivendellAcademyvaluesourparentpartnershipandassuchwewillnotifyparentsofanyinteraction withagovernmentagencysuchaschildprotectiveservices,asitrelatestoyourchild Ourpolicyisas follows:
● Parentswillbenoti edandtheirpresencerequestedpriortoagovernmentagencybeing allowedtointerviewachildduringschoolhours
● RivendellAcademywilldoitsbesttoholdupthispolicywithanygovernmentagencybut cannotbeheldliableifwearenotabletogetaholdofafamilyorifthegovernmentagency useslegalforcetodemandtheinterview.
ACADEMICSCHEDULE Calendar TheAcademicCalendarislocatedonourwebsite.
DailySchedule TuesdaythroughThursdayarecoreacademicdaysonsite.MondayorFridaywillbeadayforreviewat homeand“MagnumOpus,”orgreatestwork,projectswillbeassignedforthesedays.Afteralotof practicestudentswilltrytheirhandatproducingtheirbestwork.
ArrivalandDismissal Schoolbeginsat8:30AMandendsat3:15PM Studentsmayarrivebetween8:15–8:30AMandmust bepickedupbetween3:15and3:30PMoralatepickupfeewillbeassessedtocompensatethefaculty membersthatstaylate.
Attendance RivendellAcademyhasintentionallysetitsvacations,schedule,andstructuretoallowimportanttime forfamilies ByregisteringachildinRivendellAcademy,theparentorguardianisagreeingtothis scheduleanditislovingtothecommunityofstudentstobeinattendance Emergenciesorimportant familytimearisefromtimetotime;thereforestudentshave6academicdays*withineachsemesterfor schoolabsenceswithoutconsequencetotheircreditsunlesspre-approvalsarearranged.Weaskthatthe administrationbenoti edassoonaspossibleforanyabsences Astudentthatsurpasses12days,ora totalof6daysinasemester,willbesubjecttoanEducationCouncilreviewwhichmayresultin retainment,apaidtutoringsupplement,orthestudentnotbeinginvitedback.
Forsickness:pleasenotifyadministrationthroughtheClassReachformprovided Forprolongedperiodsofabsence(toextendbeyondthe8academicdays):pleasegetpre-approvalfrom theHeadofSchool
MakeupWork Studentswhomissacademicinstructionshouldseektomakeuptheirwork,withhaste,upon returningtotheclassroom Thismeansitisthedutyofthestudent(orparentinPrimaryaged students)toproactivelycommunicatewiththeteacheraboutworkneeded.Saidcommunicationcan beginpriortotheabsence,orcanbedoneinretrospect.
Rivendellhasdesignatedspeci ctimelines(notedbelow)toallowforworktobecompletedand turnedinbeforeitisconsideredlate Workturnedinafterthesedesignatedtimelineswillbeconsidered lateandmarkedaccordingly.
● Forabsencesthatarelessthanthreeacademicdays(thisincludespartialdays),thestudentwill havetwoacademicdaystoturnintheirmakeupwork Thetimingofthesetwodaysbeginsupon returningtoschool.
○
Forinstance:AstudentwhomissesaTuesday,shouldaskformakeupworkuponreturningon Wednesday.TheworkwouldthenbeduethefollowingTuesday(consideringThursdayandthe followingTuesdaywouldbetheirtwomakeupdays)
● Forabsencesthatarethreeacademicdaysormore,thestudentwillhaveonefullweektoreturn theirwork Thetimingofthisweekbeginswhenthestudentreturnstoschool
○ Forinstance:AstudentwhomissesTuesday,Wednesday,andThursday(onefullacademic week),shouldaskformakeupworkuponreturningonthefollowingTuesday.Theworkwouldthen beduethenextTuesday(thisistwoTuesdaysfollowingthe rstdaytheymissed)
Ifastudentweretomissmorethan8consecutiveacademicdays,pre-approvalfromtheHeadof Schoolshouldbeobtainedbeforetheabsenceoccurs.Duringtheprocessofobtainingthis pre-approvalauniquemakeupworkplanwillbeestablishedforthisuniquesituation*
*Emergencysituationswillobviouslybetakenintoconsideration.
Tardies Astudentwhoarriveslaterthan8:30AMisconsideredtardy.Fourunexcusedtardieswithinamonth willconstituteaparentemail A5thtardywillresultinano cevisit Subsequentunexcusedtardies willbetreatedaso cevisitsinaccordancewiththedisciplinepolicy
ENROLLMENTPOLICY SpecialNeeds RivendellAcademyaimstoteachstudentsofallabilitylevelsthroughsolidChristianpedagogyand materials.Becauseweareabletotakebothconventionalanduniquelearners,ourprogramisvery distinct.Weo erclassicalteachingasinputbutonlyexpectclassicaloutputbasedonthegiftingof eachindividualstudent.Ourteachingisdoneina“roundtable”setting,wherewemovefromthe concretetothephilosophicalasthestudentsareready Aslongasweareabletoservethestudentwell, weareopenforenrollmentwithstudentswhostruggle.Astudentneedstobeabletokeepthe disciplinepolicyandwhilewemaybeabletosupportadiagnosisandassistwithtoolsachildmayneed wedonotallowadiagnosistobeanexcuseforsin.
Anti-Discrimination&ADAStatement RivendellAcademyadmitsstudentsandhiresemployeeswithoutregardtorace,color,nationalorigin, orethnicorigin,ensuringequalaccesstoallrights,privileges,programs,andactivitiesgenerally availabletoourschoolcommunity.Wearecommittedtoupholdingapplicablenondiscriminatory policiesintheadministrationofeducationalpolicies,admissions,scholarships,loanprograms, athletics,andotherschool-administeredactivities RivendellAcademydoesnotacceptfederalfunds
ChildrendiagnosedwithalearningdisabilityarewelcometobeapartofRivendellAcademysolongas theycanmeet,orbeassistedtomeet,thedisciplinestandardsoftheclassroom,discussions,anddaily routine
Studentsapplyingforadmissionsshouldhaveadesiretoreceivethisformofeducation.Wedonot mindassistingparentsinfosteringthisdesire,butthestudentneedstoattheveryleastbe“willingtobe madewilling”tobediscipledthroughaClassicalChristianeducation.
EnrollmentProcess 1. GeneralInquiry 2 FamilyInterviewRequest 3. AdmissionsInterview 4. Assessmentofstudent
5 Application 6. Enrollment 7. TuitionAgreement
TUITION PleaseseeourtuitionpolicyHERE.
TuitionAssistance Wedonotwant nancestobeareasonthatafamilycannotsendtheirchildrentoRivendellAcademy, whilewealsowanttobegoodstewardsofdonorfunds Weaskthatfamiliesinneedoftuition
assistanceaskgrandparents,churches,andfamilybeforeapplyingfor nancialaid.Iftuitionassistance isstillnecessaryweuseathirdparty nancialaidprocessorcalledBenefaq.Theapplicationis$35and RivendellAcademyreceivesareportrelatedtowhatafamilycanfeasiblya ordbasedontheir nancial portfolio.Withthisinformation,ourcommitteemakesadecisiontakingintoaccountthereportand anyextenuatingcircumstance.Ourdesireisthatafamilyinneedoftuitionassistanceisabletopaya minimumof10%oftheirsalarytowardsChristianeducation,butwealsoreviewthe nancial circumstancesinmakingourdetermination
Step1:Askforhelpfromyourchurch(manychurcheshaveeducationfunds)
Step2:ApplythroughBenefaq
Step3:Thecommitteewillreviewandmakearecommendation
Step4:Youwillbenoti edofanyaidtobeawarded
Step5:Payyournewtuitionamountthroughmonthlytuition
EVALUATIONS 1. Teacherswillevaluatestudentsregularlyforthepurposeofassessingskillandknowledge
2. Teachersareevaluatedunannouncedthroughouttheyear
3 Theadministrationwillbeassessedperiodicallybythesta
4. Parentswillevaluatetheschoolannually
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