Distinctives
Christian
“The end then of learning is to repair the ruins of our first parents by regaining to know God aright, and out of that knowledge to love him, to imitate him, to be like him, as we may the nearest by possessing our souls of true virtue, which being united to the heavenly grace of faith makes up the highest perfection.”
—John Milton, Of Education
Christian
To say that a school adopts a Christian approach to education is more than merely asking all stakeholders to sign off on a doctrinal statement or to throw in some Christian classes and activities on top of an otherwise secular school. Real education is about training a student’s affections and handing down a way of life. In these respects, KPA is unapologetically Christ-centered. Every class is designed to teach students from a Christian worldview as we believe that all knowledge has been established by God and that He has revealed Himself in the things that He has created. Not only is Christian education different in its content, but it is also different in form. Through their assignments and classroom activities, students will have the opportunity to mature in both Christian character and knowledge
Classical
“The object of education is to teach us to love what is beautiful.”
—Plato, The Republic
Classical
A classical approach to education trains students in the liberal arts, teaches the story of Western civilization, and initiates students into conversation with great books for the purpose of building virtuous character. This is the style of education that was practiced throughout Western civilization, such as Plato’s academy and the education of America’s founders. In other words, classical education is not something new, but a return to something older with a proven track record. More than filling a student’s mind with knowledge, classical education transforms students by fostering their love for the good, the true, and the beautiful. It cultivates wisdom and eloquence. Classical education does not merely aim for high standardized test scores, competitive college admissions, and qualifications to achieve high paying careers—although these less noble goals are often easily acquired as a matter of course in receiving a classical education. Classical education provides the circumstances for students to mature into well-informed young men and women who possess the abilities for self-directed learning and who are characterized by virtuous character, including a rightly ordered love of God.
Collaborative
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
—Ephesians 6:4
Collaborative
The collaborative approach to education is a partnership between the school and a child’s parents for the purpose of educating their child. Although much of a student’s education will take place in classes that meet two or three days each week, a significant portion of the education is designed to take place at home under the parents’ (or another family member’s) supervision. The involvement of parents is essential for a successful education at KPA. This model of education is intended to foster strong family relationships and to prepare students to practice independent learning and time management skills in preparation for adult life.