Curriculum Philosophies of the school

Bible
The Bible is God’s revelation of Himself to us and therefore is studied for the purpose of knowing God and His Son, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1: 1-3).  The Bible is God’s inspired, inerrant Word to man, and contains all the answers needed for life (Deuteronomy 32: 46- 47, II Peter 1: 3). We must study the content of Scripture and seek to comprehend its principles so that we will be able to make the personal applications leading to an integrated, God-centered view of life (II Timothy 2: 15).  Bible class provides the opportunities necessary for each of our students to develop a vibrant personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and equips them with the tools necessary to become lifelong students of the Scriptures (Acts 17: 11).  The Gospel is the active power of God through His Holy Spirit to change lives and impact our world for Christ (Romans 1: 16-17, John 16: 13-15).

Fine Arts
The fine arts program develops the student’s capacity of observing, analyzing and criticizing the wonderful world of arts. "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." (Ps. 19: 1)  Through a Christian worldview the students have the opportunity of evaluating the world around them, recognizing God's creation ("God saw all that he made, and it was very good" Gen. 1: 3), and developing their natural gifts by experiencing music, theater and art. "… and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kind of crafts."(Ex. 31: 3)

Language Arts
The language arts are based on the truth that God is the supreme communicator (John 1: 1).  In the Bible we can clearly see God as the creator of the word and of images which are used to communicate truth about God himself (Psalm 19: 1-4).  Jesus taught religious truth through stories, characters and images that embody truth (Luke 10: 25-37, John 13:1-20).  The study of literature equips us to learn the stories that will most effectively help us to share the Gospel with people from all nations (Matthew 28: 18-20).  As Christians, we must learn to recognize and understand God’s truth in order to think, write and communicate it clearly so that we will impact the world for God’s Kingdom (I Peter 3: 15).

Mathematics
Mathematics, taught in the light of Biblical truth, reveals the majesty and excellence of the attributes of God’s nature and character; leads to the understanding of the physical world; promotes the development of analytical thinking; and trains the mind, which under the control of the Spirit of Truth, can reason with and through the Scriptures to apply it for the glory of God (Romans 1: 20, Romans 12: 2).


                                                                                          

Portuguese:  First Language
The study of language is based on the truth that our Triune God, the Supreme Author of communication (Jn. 1: 1), has in the Word the means of revelation to man of His thoughts, statutes and plans, as well as His character and will.  He gave us the capacity to communicate with Himself, and with each other in speaking, listening, writing and reading.  Through language He desires that we recognize His standards and principles.

Portuguese as a Foreign Language
The teaching of Portuguese as a second language is based on the truth that God is the Supreme Being and Communicator.  He has blessed us with the gift of communication with Himself and consequently with each other.   Foreign students in Brazil need to be able to communicate and understand the culture. The study of Portuguese is essential for the student’s integration into Brazilian culture and society.  Increasing globalization requires leaders and professionals who are capable of communicating in various languages.  This course equips the student for his/her entry into the world job market.      

Science
Science must begin with the unshakable belief that in the beginning God created the universe and apart from Him nothing was made (Genesis 1: 1, John 1: 3).  It is also important to know that God intimately and continuously supports His creation (Psalm 104).  Christians have a responsibility to learn about the creation so they can gain an increasing appreciation for the greatness of God.  Man also has been given dominion over creation, so as Christians, knowledge of creation is an important first step in making informed and wise decisions about how to take care of it (Genesis 1: 28).


Social Sciences
The social sciences are the study of mankind carrying out the cultural mandate given by God, in community and relationships in a particular time and place (Genesis 9:1). Through the social sciences we see man's lost condition and strive to demonstrate God’s sovereignty throughout time (Romans 3: 23, Deuteronomy 4: 39).  God oversees our personal growth, conflicts, resolution and rebuilding as well as determines the course of the nations through the centuries (Psalm 47: 2 & 8).  Fundamentally, the social sciences are the study of relationships: man to man, man to earth, and man to his God (Psalm 71: 17-18).

Technology
Students are taught to use technology within classroom disciplines and/or in the media centers.  The school is committed to maintaining a high level of moral and ethical use with technology.  The students will be challenged to become proficient in using technology, to become aware of its nuances, to make Biblically based decisions related to this expanding field in the world around them (Romans 12: 2, Proverbs 2: 6), and to know where it may be used in real world situations.