As parents choose a school for their children, one thing is common: with some variation, schools teach many of the same subjects. We all hope our children will learn to read, write, do math, understand history, and gain knowledge of the scientific processes and laws that govern our world. The main difference between one school and another is the foundational "why" behind what is being taught.

Open Door Christian Academy unashamedly embraces a Christian worldview. Our answer to the "why" question is God, as revealed through the truth of His Word. Scripture declares, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:7). We believe that true wisdom and knowledge begin with God and find their purpose in Him. Most schools in our local area have a different answer to that question. While some share the biblical foundation we hold, many base their instruction on secularism and humanism.

Secularism is a philosophy that excludes God as the ultimate source of truth, elevating human reason above divine revelation. Humanism teaches that humanity itself is the answer to life's questions and challenges. These philosophies are prevalent in many modern public and private school classrooms and are often reflected in the perspectives presented by widely used textbooks.

This is not to say there are no Christians shining Christ's light within these institutions—there certainly are. However, the freedom to teach and proclaim that Christ and His Word are the answer to life's deepest questions sets Christian education apart. The ability to present every subject through a biblical lens is one of its defining characteristics.

Parents who desire their children to develop a Christian worldview have been given the responsibility to teach it, as instructed in Deuteronomy 6:6–7: "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children..." Open Door Christian Academy comes alongside parents and the local church to assist in this intentional endeavor. Teaching young people to know God and follow Him does not happen by accident. Discipling children to follow Christ involves every area of life—it takes time, lots of conversations, and often requires financial sacrifice. Together, the home, the church, and the Christian school can help cultivate a lifelong faith that shapes not only what children know, but also how they think, live, and serve the Lord.

As you make educational choices, consider the worldview. It really does matter! Take a look and see a general sense of what ODCA teaches our students at each grade level. I hope you'll see why parents are choosing ODCA to help shape the lives of their young Conquerors.

View our scope and sequence. See what goes into making Conquerors at ODCA!

Blessings,
Dennis Schaffer
Pastor & Principal