Different and Differentiated

On a regular basis the largest association of Christian schools in the world, Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), of which we are a member and very soon to be accredited by, puts out a magazine called Christian School Education. In many issues including the most recent edition, articles discuss how Christian schools must look different than the public school model. The latest article on this subject, “The Tale of Two Furniture Stores” by Wayne Forsythe, uses a tale of two furniture stores as an example of the necessity for Christian schools to be different under the theme “We must be different. We must be better.” Five points of emphasis were (1) Bible-based Christian values, (2) academic excellence, (3) focus of school mission, (4) Christian in fact, not just in name, and (5) school environment. Here is how we excel within the expectations of the article.

At Bios, academic excellence means to provide a challenging learning environment which supports the individual student and their parents towards the goal of a skilled independent learner. Recently a parent met with me after observing our classes. Her first comment was how impressed she was to see a school developing independent learners instead of the “spoon-fed” approach of traditional schools. Students who graduate from Bios are confident to continue and succeed in their education because of the skills learned and their confidence as learners.

Focused is an accurate description of our education here at Bios. From kindergarten through advanced physics our learning program is designed within a framework based on over 25 years of working with differentiated instruction. That experience shows in the detailed educational goals for all of our academic subjects which we teach.

God has blessed us with committed staff of Christians. Everyone recognizes what an amazing God we serve and the mercy He shows to us through His Son. Our first purpose as a school is to witness to the unbelieving students and families and encourage those who are called Christians.

Bible-based Christian values permeate throughout our academics, sports, and outside activities. Things as simple as allowing only Christian music, or jazz or classical music without words on campus and at school activities; Christian authors and textbooks for junior high and high school science and history; Bible taught straight from the Bible in K-12 grades; setting boundaries for boy-girl relationships at school; and hiring Christians with a Christian worldview.

The school environment at Bios Christian Academy is one of a well-focused safe environment, drug and alcohol free (really) with teachers developing a mentoring relationship helping students focus on their studies. Sports, music, and drama are important but not allowed to take away from church and family. Practices are limited to only four days a week, for not more than two hours, with Wednesdays free for church attendance.

Bios is a unique Christian education focused on serving our families within a differentiated educational environment different from a traditional or public school model in many ways including Bible-based Christian values, academic excellence, focus of school mission, and Christian in fact and school environment.

For more information on Bios please visit our website at http://bioschristianacademy.com/.