SFC Educational Philosophy

SFC

O U R E D U C AT I O N A L P H I LO S O P H Y

From the Chief Academic Officer

Each school has its own story, and ours is firmly rooted in our faith in Jesus, our guiding principles, and our dedication to staying true to our mission. Every decision we make is wrapped in prayer and carefully considered. We understand the importance of documenting the essence of who we are, so we remain faithful to our values, even as the world around us changes.

At the heart of our philosophy is the belief that parents are the primary educators of their children, a conviction drawn from Deuteronomy 6. We see ourselves as a school that exists to serve families, coming alongside parents in their God-given role. There are three types of authority in life—church, government, and family. SFC is not a church school or a government school. With over 80 different churches in our community, we embrace our identity as a family school–which means working closely with Christian parents, being transparent in what we do, and sharing our plans openly. We want parents to trust us and know that we are here to support them in preparing their children to grow into strong, capable adults.

By clearly expressing our values and purpose, we ensure that we are walking alongside families, fully committed to raising the Christian leaders of tomorrow– together.

In Christ,

Hannah Park Chief Academic Officer

SFC Educational Philosophy MI SSI ON

OVERVIEW

CONVICTIONS

AT SANTA FE CHRISTIAN, our mission,

THE STATEMENT OF FAITH and the

convictions, and values are not just words on

Declaration of Moral and Ethical Integrity are

paper—they are the heart of everything we

foundational documents that affirm the beliefs

do and guide the way we shape our students’

and standards guiding Santa Fe Christian

learning experiences.

Schools. These documents together serve not

This alignment is thoughtfully integrated

only as a statement of what we believe but as

into our Student Learning Objectives. These C ONVI CTI O NS

objectives reflect our desire to provide not just academic excellence but also spiritual growth for every student. We have taken the guiding principles and blended them with

VALUES

STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES

APOLOGIA S

S TAGES OF DEVE LOPM E NT

what we hope for our students, ensuring that their education at SFC is well-rounded and

and staff reaffirm these convictions to ensure that our mission remains clear and that our community is consistently anchored in the truth of God’s Word.

VALUES

Additionally, there are a series of more

THE SANTA FE WAY is deeply rooted

complex position statements, or Apologias,

in our mission statement and five core

on key theological and philosophical topics.

values: Worship, Scholarship, Mentorship,

Some of these papers include Science

Companionship, and Stewardship.

and Faith, Politics and Faith, GRA2CE, and

Worship is the cornerstone that supports the

Biblical Hermeneutics, with many more in

other four, and together these values reflect

the works. These position statements are

our love for Christ. Known as The Santa Fe

vital to the continued development of our

Way, these five principles define the school’s

curriculum, ensuring that every aspect of our

identity and guide our daily practices.

academic program is consistent.

THE MISSION OF Santa Fe Christian Schools is to partner with Christian parents within a Bible-based community, in order to disciple students to embrace biblical truth, strive FOR AN IN-DEPTH REVIEW OF EACH DOCUMENT, GO TO SFCS.NET/OUR–MISSION

educate our students. Each year, our faculty

rooted in truth.

MISSION I NS TRUCTI ON

a guide and commitment to how we live and

for academic excellence, and model Christ-

• Worship emanates as our core “why.”

• Scholarship is necessary to prepare students for the future.

• Mentorship is how we deliver content.

It is an authentic relationship with each student.

• Companionship is genuinely caring

like leadership to influence their homes,

for others, pointing them to the love of a

churches, and communities for Christ.

saving Christ.

• Stewardship is the responsible care of all our resources resulting in a culture of

SFC’S STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES

W

S

H

M

EN

T

IP

INTENTIONAL LEADERS

H

DISCERNING THINKERS

SC

SH

order to preserve and pass on these core

P

R

These values are the core of our school. In

I

P

O

L

HI

R

O

excellence.

A

RS

O

values, we created a 74-page prayer journal titled, The Santa Fe Way, The Guiding Values

LIVING TRUTH IN CHRIST

PURPOSEFUL CONTRIBUTORS

of Santa Fe Christian Schools, 30 Days of

GRACIOUS COMMUNICATORS

A

THE STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES represent qualities that we desire every student to develop throughout their educational journey. While studying each unique subject, they develop skills to embody the Living Truth in Christ.

APOLOGIAS AN ADDITIONAL LAYER in our educational framework is the development of apologias, or position papers, that address special topics guiding our approach to various subjects. For example, our literature apologia outlines the criteria for selecting books, focusing not merely on theme, but on suitability for deep study. It ensures what students read in the classroom aligns with our educational purpose, emphasizing critical analysis over entertainment.

R

STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES

D

SH

EW

nearly 50 years.

RESILIENT RISK TAKERS

RESPONSIBLE CARETAKERS

N

and a reflection of who we have been for

IO

provides a clear picture of both who we are

ST

IP

Prayers and Devotions. This intentional focus

SH

IP

C

OM

PA

N

SFC students aim to embody the Living Truth in Christ by becoming:

W

DISCERNING THINKERS SEEKING GOD’S TRUTH IN ALL THINGS.

PURPOSEFUL CONTRIBUTORS PURSUING WHAT IS TRUE, GOOD, AND BEAUTIFUL.

GRACIOUS COMMUNICATORS ARTICULATING WITH COMPASSION AND CLARITY.

As innovative creators, students explore new ideas and develop skills that add value to others.

Students listen with an empathetic ear, challenge graciously, and speak the truth with kindness.

INTENTIONAL LEADERS SERVING WITH GENUINE CARE.

RESPONSIBLE CARETAKERS STEWARDING WITH WISDOM AND INTEGRITY.

By deepening their understanding of the world, students learn to distinguish b iblical truths from relative truths in all facets of their lives.

RESILIENT RISK-TAKERS DEEPENING DEPENDENCE ON GOD.

Students take measured risks and embrace productive struggles while experiencing ageappropriate successes and setbacks.

O

R

S

Embracing the mentorship model of leading by example, students serve within their sphere of influence to impact their communities for Christ.

H

I

P

Students address meaningful challenges to become impactful helpers without seeking personal acclaim.

We currently have apologias for the following topics: • Literature • Biblical Hermeneutics • Science & Faith • GRA2CE • Politics & Faith The following apologias are under review: • Arts • History & Social Sciences • Innovation • Math • World Languages • Athletics & PE

STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT THROUGHOUT THE K-12 educational journey, we emphasize three key goals for our students: building strong fundamentals, fostering curiosity and exploration, and helping them become skilled and prepared for the future. These goals are woven throughout their education with a specific focus on each target at different stages of their schooling. As students progress, we continue to nurture and support their growth ensuring they are equipped to be successful in their future endeavors.

SFC’S STUDENT STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT

Developing Fundamentals

K – 2ND

3RD – 5TH

Encouraging Exploration

Becoming Skilled & Prepared

6TH – 8TH

INSTRUCTION

through hands-on activities and symbolic

Whether students are learning the basics

thinking to introduce abstract concepts

in elementary grades or refining critical

in engaging and age-appropriate ways.

thinking skills in high school, SFC is

Additionally, students explore God’s world

committed to intentionally preparing your

through science experiments, music, art,

child for the challenges of the future.

and to learn about the wonder of their bodies as they develop their fine and large motor

ELEMENTARY (GRADES K–2)

skills through physical education. They also

Students begin by developing basic

learn about key historical figures, events, and

academic foundational skills in reading,

varied cultures that shaped our world while

writing, and number sense. In kindergarten

building early literacy skills.

through second grade, students learn

9TH – 12TH

ELEMENTARY (GRADES 3–5) Students solidify foundational skills and increase their ability to take risks in their learning. At this stage, students strengthen their reading comprehension, writing, and math abilities and engage in activities that encourage critical thinking and problemsolving. For instance, they might investigate more complex scientific principles or work through collaborative historical projects that require them to think about cause-and-effect relationships. These years are also marked by age-appropriate successes and setbacks,

where students learn from their achievements and challenges, developing resilience and confidence in their ability to tackle new problems.

MIDDLE SCHOOL (GRADES 6–8) Students experience a shift towards more abstract thinking as they begin to engage with concepts that require hypothetical reasoning and critical analysis. SFC provides students with various electives from which to choose, allowing them to expand their interests and try new things. Students might select courses in robotics, drama, art, or other disciplines, allowing them to explore new passions.

In every class, students are encouraged to question and learn how to find answers, fostering a more profound sense of curiosity and ownership over their learning.

HIGH SCHOOL (GRADES 9–12) The focus shifts to preparing students for college and adulthood, both academically and spiritually. As students become more skilled, they are expected to articulate and defend their thinking through strong written and oral communication. Students engage in rigorous coursework which requires them to synthesize information from various disciplines. Through classroom discussions, presentations, and written activities, students are asked to defend their viewpoints with logic and clarity. Spiritually, students enter a stage where they begin to reflect on their own faith, moving beyond simply accepting what they’ve been taught to individually wrestling with their beliefs.

FOR AN IN-DEPTH REVIEW OF EACH DOCUMENT, GO TO SFCS.NET/OUR–MISSION