What makes a school a place where my child can grow academically, spiritually, and socially?

I recently had an educational consultation with a parent who was interested in learning about our school. After a tour of the school and a long conversation about CCA she made this comment to me, "This is the most peaceful and joyful school I have ever been in." In the moment I moved past that comment and continued with our discussion. After the visit and as I reflected, I realized the significance of what she said. I realized what a compliment that was. In a world that is full of chaos and uncertainty, her first impression of our school was one of peace and joy. She came away from her visit with the idea that this could be a place for her daughter to grow and become the person God desired her to be. 

In my 26 years in the education field, I have learned many lessons. No lesson has been more important than the truth that for a student to learn, grow and reach their potential they must be in a place where they feel comfortable, safe, and they must be at peace. They must feel cared for and have their needs met in the classroom. This is true of any classroom, public, private or at home. These needs must be met for a student to progress towards maximizing their God given potential. 

So, how does a school create an environment that meets the needs of its learners? How does a school ensure that it is a place where a child can grow academically, spiritually, and socially? Curriculum, policy, administrators, parents, and support staff all play vital roles in the school's ability to create this environment. However, these pale in importance to the role the teacher plays. The teacher is the creator of the school environment. It is their love, peace, and joy that overflows and encompasses their students. Teachers are what makes the school. If you have teachers that are bitter, grumpy, and in chaos themselves, it will be impossible for them to create an environment in which students can flourish. Teachers are the ones that determine the ultimate culture and success of your school. (Side note... I do realize some environments teachers are placed in, they have an almost impossible task of creating peace and joy. I have the utmost respect for those that are working in very difficult circumstances to create a positive environment for their students.) 

The mom on the tour saw something special in our school. What she saw was our teachers and the environment they created. Our teachers are not perfect; they all have things to work on, but in 26 years I have never been a part of a school with the joy and peace that our teachers exhibit every day. They are joyful to do their jobs, teaching the students the Lord has directed here. They seek peace in their classrooms and among each other. They create an environment of order and limit chaos but allow fun to be had. They truly are the reason CCA is a place where students can flourish. If you are looking for a school, I would recommend CCA, but if not us, find a school that has teachers that love students like ours do.     

For His Glory, 

Dr. Jim Flora