Faith-Based Learning
Religious Education
St. Andrew’s Academy is an ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) school. However, you do not need to be Lutheran to attend. We benefit from having students from different faith traditions, and welcome everyone to our community. Following the example of Jesus, we seek to be extremely inclusive. A top priority is helping each student grow in their relationship with and understanding of a loving God, whatever their religious background. We are committed to nurturing faith and leading people to live in a way that reflects the love and compassion of Jesus Christ.
Both our weekly Faith Discovery classes and Chapel are led by Pastor Sarah Breckenridge Schwietz, an ordained ELCA Pastor.
Faith Discovery Classes
“The child grew and became strong in spirit.” Luke 1:80
In our weekly Faith Discovery classes we spend a majority of the time studying scripture (Hebrew & Christian) and making meaningful connections to our daily lives. We do this through stories, drama, music, prayer, service projects, current events, discussion and hands on personal applications. We also help students develop their own spiritual practices and devotional life, as we learn about worship, the liturgical year and other faith traditions.
Weekly newsletters are sent home, which review teachings and activities in class and provide questions for family discussion. Through this communication, the learning continues beyond the classroom walls and gives parents some tools in talking about faith in the home with their child(ren).
“Our goal is that each student experiences the love and grace of God and sees themself and others as being in the image of God – holy, precious and loved.” Pastor Sarah Breckenridge Schwietz (Chaplain)
Chapel
“Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.” Psalm 100:2
Our weekly all school chapel services are filled with singing and meaningful liturgy (scripture, prayer and short meditations). The students are very involved in the worship experience - participating in reading scripture, leading prayers and liturgy, skits, singing and sharing musical gifts. We use many different worship resources, but draw heavily from the new ELW (Evangelical Lutheran Worship) hymnal.
We want all the students to feel comfortable in worship, experience the regular rhythms of worship, understand the basics of why we do what we do, and know that they have something to offer to enhance our worship experience.
Chapel is a time where students and teachers come together to worship as a community, which provides a sacred space in the midst of their busy week; gives them an opportunity for prayer and praise; and renews nourishes and encourages them through God’s word and promises.
Education
At St. Andrew's Academy we are committed to providing an academic curriculum with the very highest standards in mind. Guided by our primary classroom teachers, all of whom hold a Master’s Degree in Education, our curriculum is grounded in best practices and the most current research. Our student-centered approach enables us to provide individualized instruction and customize each child’s education. Our small class sizes allow for daily one-on-one attention, making it possible for teachers to truly understand each student’s individual strengths, growth areas, and interests. Our goal is that through a rigorous, meaningful curriculum along with a supportive nurturing learning environment, each child will grow to reach full potential in all facets of their life.
As we strive to facilitate growth of the whole child, we understand the importance of exposing children to enriching experiences that encompass the mind, body and spirit. In the age of school district cuts, St. Andrew's Academy continues to offer Spanish, music, and physical education, each at least three times per week. With a new classroom set of computers, we are able to enrich our curriculum by integrating technology into all subject areas. We are committed to providing meaningful experiences by connecting what is learned in the classroom to the world around us.
To help students gain an appreciation of their blessings, as well as an awareness of the needs of others, we participate in monthly service learning projects within our community. Christian Education is not only taught through literature but through modeling, practicing and incorporating Christian values into all parts of our lives. Students learn very early on how to be respectful, supportive learners who appreciate and embrace differences in others.
At St. Andrew's Academy students learn to cultivate a curiosity about the world around them and become natural inquirers, equipped with the tools to research, and discover, the answers to their own questions. Students are encouraged to take risks and become both independent and collaborative problem solvers. Developing strong leadership skills is a priority at St. Andrew's Academy, as students are encouraged to not only recognize, but share their individual gifts and talents.
