Why Christian Education?
It is impossible to watch or read the news without daily examples of the lack of character and leadership we are facing in our nation and world. It is a turbulent time, forcing many to feel hopeless and wonder if anything can be changed.
Yet, this is not the first time in history that cultures and nations have seen these types of turmoil. When we read the Bible, what is fascinating is that in many instances of upheaval, God used teenagers to change the course of nations and demonstrate character and leadership.
In a story that closely mirrors our times, Daniel and his friends rose to positions of power as teenagers. Joseph was approximately 17 when he was sold into slavery but still had the character to do what was right, and eventually save nations during the famine. David was a teen when he killed Goliath, and Esther was probably in her early teen years when she was a key element in saving the entire Jewish nation. Jeremiah was 17 when he was called by God to be a prophet. The list would also include Samuel, Timothy, Mary and Josiah among others.
How did they do it? How did they make the correct decisions at such young ages when faced with temptations and doubt?
The truth is that they had already laid the foundation so that when tough decisions had to be made, and they were tested, they could respond in ways that honored God. When Joseph was tempted by Potiphar’s wife, it was too late to lay the foundation. When David saw Goliath, it was too late to start building character. When Daniel and his friends were tempted with power and prestige, they had already decided how they were going to live. The foundation had to be laid early on, before they were faced with the difficult circumstances.
This is why the role of Santiam Christian is so important. Our mission is to assist parents in the Christian training of their children. We need to work together to develop young men and women who will live their lives for Christ in the midst of a godless society. Young men and women who will be prepared ahead of time, with the foundation already laid, when they face difficult circumstances. We do this through a Christian emphasis on character and leadership. Character that is based on Godly principles, Christlike leadership that is modeled after Jesus.
We can complain about the current state of our nation and world, but could be greater than raising a generation like Daniel to replace them? Instead of feeling hopeless about the state of the media, what would happen if together we raised a generation like Joseph to replace them? We express concern about business leaders we believe to be greedy and corrupt, what impact would there be if we raised a generation like David to replace them?
God has shown that he uses young men and women to change the world. Wouldn’t it be amazing if God used a teenager from Santiam Christian to heal our nation? He has done it before. Do we believe He can do it again? We believe that by working together with you, He will.
What does Santiam Christian have to offer?
Santiam Christian is committed to high quality academic education in a distinctively Christian setting. Our faculty members are certified, capable educators, as well as committed Christians, who believe that God has uniquely placed them at Santiam Christian in a position of ministry to the body of Christ. We believe the teacher to be the most important ingredient in the classroom. Our classroom style is a conservative, traditional approach where classroom discipline, modest dress, respect for authority, and a genuine desire to learn are characteristics that can be observed.
Beginning at the elementary level we emphasize a program of strong academics. Reading programs are centered around a phonetic approach. The daily curriculum consists of Bible, math, language arts, reading, spelling, physical education, science, and history.
Our requirements for high school graduation fulfill those of the Oregon State Department of Education. Distinctively, at Santiam Christian, a student must take one year of Bible for each year in attendance at SC. A wide variety of electives are available in addition to our core curriculum. These electives include (but are not limited to) art, marketing, drama, foreign language, music, woodshop, agriculture/science labs, and computer labs.
In high school, extra-curricular activities such as drama, choir, band, yearbook, DECA, STEM opportunities, FFA, plus a full range of sports are available. Santiam Christian is a 3A school registered with the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA). Our emphasis is upon participation and sportsmanship, with an extremely high percentage of our students involved in at least one sport.
Why should we send our son/daughter to Santiam Christian?
At Santiam Christian your student will receive a first-rate Christian education. The primary reason for the existence of private Christian education is because of the philosophical differences between public secular education and Christian education. In the Christian framework, all truth is viewed as God's truth; and the Bible, as God's revelation, becomes the foundation for learning, for discipline, for our attitudes, etc. On the other hand, secular education rejects the Bible as absolute and instead substitutes the belief that man is in ultimate control. This reasoning of the natural man is secular humanism.
Through our chapel program and daily Bible classes, each student is challenged to commit his/her life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and to walk in daily discipleship with Him. Students are challenged to a life of service and devotion to Jesus Christ, no matter their vocation or circumstance.
Social relationships are also a vital part of Santiam Christian. Fellowship with other students who are committed to Jesus Christ is very healthy and beneficial. We want our young people to be part of a community that encourages them to resist the temptations and snares of the secular culture around them. Where they are mentored to live in the world, but not of it.
If my son/daughter enrolls at Santiam Christian, what can I expect?
- You should expect that your child will be challenged to the limits of his/her academic abilities.
- You should expect that our disciplines, values, and behavioral expectations will be based upon Christian principles.
- You should expect that our teachers and coaches will live and model the Christian lifestyle in front of your students, both on and off our campus.
- You should expect that spiritual training will be placed at the highest level of priority and presented to your student on a daily basis, not just in a "Bible Class," but as a part of daily living in all areas (sports, music, etc).
- You should expect administrators and teachers that genuinely care about you and your student. We are here because God has called us and we are available to assist you in whatever way we can.
- If we can be of further assistance, we are available to sit down with you personally and answer your questions. Please contact the school office at 541-745-5524 to make an appointment.
