Academic Overview
"If truth is one, that is if truth has unity, then Christian education means
understanding, and being excited by, the associations between the disciplines
and showing how these associations are rooted in the Creator's existence."
– Francis Schaeffer
The high value we place on our academic program is driven by more than the simple desire for our students' intellectual growth. We consider developing the Christian mind--learning about the world around us--to be an expression of worship for our God who created the world. It honors God when we discover the truth that is evident in each academic discipline. In short, we encourage our students to attain knowledge not only because it will enable them to prepare for higher education or acquire a job, but also because it teaches them the majesty of God, the wonder of His creation, and how to wisely live in a world over which He sovereignly rules.
Our faculty members are masters of their subject matter and bring experience and a passion for learning to the classroom. As lifelong learners themselves, they seek to instill a desire for lifelong learning in their students. They each have a personal relationship with Christ, and they devote themselves to the mentoring and spiritual growth of their students.
The preschool at Seven Rivers was established to provide a Christ-centered readiness program for young children. Our preschool faculty is dedicated to providing parents and their children an outstanding "first school experience" where they are nurtured and learn in a warm, loving atmosphere. Our curriculum covers the social, academic, and developmental skills necessary to be successful in Kindergarten.
The grammar school, grades K-6, builds a strong foundation for young learners, recognizing the unique strengths of children at the grammar stage. We emphasize strong content, which allows students to build a storehouse of knowledge on which to draw; memorization of math facts, poetry, biblical and historical texts, and grammar rules that are easily absorbed by young minds and which train and order the brain to develop reasoning; and well-roundedness -- students are consistently exposed to great children's literature and instruction in Bible, science, mathematics, history, composition, grammar, spelling, handwriting, physical education, art, and music.
The upper school, grades 7-12, provides rigorous preparation for college. Students in grades 7-9 master advanced, foundational skills in core subjects, while opportunities in the arts and technology encourage them to explore new interests. This strong foundation allows students in grades 10-12 to develop critical thinking and abstract thought. High school instructors challenge students to analyze, evaluate, and develop a Christian worldview in the arts, classic literature, world history, economics, physics, and calculus. A growing list of honors and Advanced Placement courses prepares students for college and for embracing their life-long roles in God's kingdom.