Home School Program

Please request registration forms at apenn@pennconsulting.org.

Philosophy of Education

It is our desire to provide a Christian environment which will afford the opportunity for your child to receive a Bible based education, from a Christian staff. It is our prayer that this will complement the Christian training you are providing in your home.

1) Jesus is preeminent in our instruction: We believe the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge and all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Christ, thus true learning cannot be achieved apart from Christian education. Proverbs 1:7; Colossians 2:3; Psalm 111:10

2) God has a plan and a purpose for you and your child’s life: We Believe a Bible based education is necessary to enable the children to reason from the Bible and discern the perfect will of God. Enabling both parent and child to understand they are created in Christ Jesus to perform works, which were appointed before the foundation of the world. Proverbs 4:20-22; Acts 17:28; Psalm 78:6,7; Ephesians 2:10

3) We are committed to being led by the Word and Spirit of God: We believe the Holy Spirit is the Teacher and the Revealer of all knowledge (spiritual and academic) and by His instruction and guidance; we will cultivate and encourage the development of God given gifts and talents within each child. John 14:26; Romans 12:1-8

4) The great commandment and the great commission are revealed in our instruction: The love of God is manifested as we teach the whole child (spirit, soul and body) considering their unique learning styles. We also share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the children in obedience to the scripture. Matthew 22:37-40; 28:16-20 We believe children should be encouraged to develop Christ like character qualities. Romans 8:28, 29 See SCH student outcomes.

Methodology

The Principle Approach method of education is the manner of consistent and ordered teaching and learning that produces Christian character and self-government, Christian scholarship and Biblical reasoning for lifelong learning and discipleship.

The notebook method is an essential component to the Principle Approach that governs the teacher and student in their participation in each subject. It establishes a consistent tool and standard of Christian scholarship. The learners are producers as they build their own daily record of a subject, taking ownership of the learning process. The notebook method embraces the four steps of learning: research, reason, relate and record. It aids in the Biblical purposes of education by "enlightening the understanding, correcting the temper, and forming the habits of youth that fit him for usefulness in his future station.” (excerpted from the Webster’s 1828 Dictionary definition of education) The notebook method is the product of the student’s creativity and a permanent record of his productivity. It assists parents and teachers in overseeing progress and visually demonstrates the character development, diligence, and responsibility of the student.

4-R’ing—in every subject at every grade level, the student is required to actively participate in his learning by:

Researching the subject, word, or study
Reasoning through identifying the leading idea and basic principles
Relating it to other areas of study and the world around them
Recording what he has learned in his notebook using his writing skills and his own ideas, conclusions and creativity. Each child's notebook is a reflection of his unique individuality!

Reasoning from recurring Biblical principles and leading ideas—every study draws out a leading idea that relates to one or more of the seven basic principles built on God’s Word.

The Seven Principles
Each Principle Builds on the One Before

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Liberty.

2 Corinthians 3:17

God's Principle of Individuality

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Psalm 139:14

Doctrinal Application: Our God is Himself an Individual who made us in His image for a providential purpose.
Personal Application: My unique individuality has a purposeful destiny that can only be fulfilled through Christ's redemption.

The Principle of Christian Self-Government

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22, 23

Doctrinal Application: Knowing God through Christ teaches me to obey Him and enjoy liberty with law.
Personal Application: I am only properly self-governed when governed by Christ.

The Principle of Christian Character

Doctrinal Application: As my character is forged by Christ, I reach my fullest expression and enjoy harmony with others.
Personal Application: My character predicts the success and happiness of fulfilling my destiny.

Conscience is the Most Sacred Property

Doctrinal Application: Righteous law protects life and property; consent is the title to conscience.
Personal Application: My stewardship of property, both internal and external, has consequences.

The Christian Form of Our Government

Doctrinal Application: The form of government proven to best protect life and property is a Christian constitutional federal republic.
Personal Application: As I learn to think governmentally, I can balance the three powers of government to avert the tyranny of self in my personal conduct.

Planting the Seed of Local Self-Government

Doctrinal Application: Education is the cause to effect multi-generational maintenance of a Christian republic.
Personal Application: I continually sow seeds in my thought, speech and action; consequently I continually reap the results.

American Political Union

Doctrinal Application: The internal gives rise to the external.
Personal Application: Internal unity spawns external union.

Reflective learning—the student internalizes principles that shape his thinking and behavior—internal to external.

Key word study—using Noah Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language, students study the meanings of words defined whenever possible from the Bible, their original root and etymology, and research the meaning of other words found in the definition. Through this study, students truly understand the word and gain the ability to articulate an idea, acquire mastery of the English language, and learn its application to history and today.

Fine arts and liberal arts emphasis—building the person from the inside out requires the teacher to encourage the student’s creativity, talent, gifts and inherent skills—seeking each one’s unique purpose in Christ.

The classroom constitution—instills Christian character and conscience by empowering the student to take responsibility for his own learning and the learning environment where he contractually agrees to practice self-government.

Mastery learning—repetition of basic recurring principles at every grade level, continually applying age-appropriate methods to enable the student to internalize and understand his subject of study.

Expected Student Outcomes

Our student(s) ….

1. Are well prepared in all academic disciplines, and are skilled in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and thinking.
2. Are proficient in mathematics and science.
3. Have a knowledge and understanding of people, events, and movements in history (including church history) and the
cultures of other peoples and places.
4. Appreciate literature and the arts and understand how they express and shape their beliefs and values.
5. Have a critical appreciation of languages and cultures of other peoples, dispelling prejudice, promoting interethnic harmony, and encouraging biblical hospitality for the “alien” or “stranger.”
6. Personally respond to carrying out the Great Commission locally and around the world in a culturally sensitive manner.
7. Know how to utilize resources including technology to find, analyze, and evaluate information.
8. Are committed to lifelong learning.
9. Have the skills to question, solve problems, and make wise decisions.
10. Understand the worth of every human being as created in the image of God.
11. Can articulate and defend their Christian worldview while having a basic understanding of opposing worldviews.
12. Understand and commit to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
13. Know, understand, and apply God’s Word in daily life.
14. Possess apologetic skills to defend their faith.
15. Are empowered by the Holy Spirit and pursue a life of faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness,
brotherly kindness, and love.
16. Treat their bodies as the temple of the Holy Spirit.
17. Are actively involved in a church community, serving God and others.
18. Understand, value, and engage in appropriate social (community) and civic (political) activities.
19. Embrace and practice justice, mercy, and peacemaking in family and society.
20. Value intellectual inquiry and are engaged in the marketplace of ideas (open, honest exchange of ideas).
21. Respect and relate appropriately with integrity to the people with whom they work, play, and live.
22. Have an appreciation for the natural environment and practice responsible stewardship of God’s creation.
23. Are prepared to practice the principles of healthy, moral family living.
24. Are good stewards of their finances, time (including discretionary time), and all other resources.
25. Understand that work has dignity as an expression of the nature of God.

Dress Code

Uniforms are optional. Students (K-5) should wear navy blue or white shirts and khaki or navy blue pants, shorts or skirts/”skorts”. Shorts must reach to the extended fingertips. All shirts must be “collared” (button down, golf-style shirts) and are to be tucked in. Sneakers or closed-toe shoes are always recommended. Sweaters and sweatshirts may be worn, but must also match the respective uniform colors and must be solid color. Students will not be permitted to wear clothing with words, symbols, or pictures that distract from a Christ centered learning environment. Small brand identification marks (ie. “Polo Horse” or “Nike Swoosh” are allowable).

Open House or Orientation

(Please note: Registration must be paid before attending orientation)


				*The Shepherd's Christian Home School Program*



	Home \| Director Coaching \| Books \| Training Schedule \| Registration \| Child Development (CDA) \| Director's Training \| Book Onsite Training or Other Events \| Conferences \| Director's Roundtable \| Helpful Links \| Resources \| Consultation Services \| Client Reviews \| Recent Clients \| Recommendations \| Contact Us \| ESC Research Invitation \| Parenting Seminars \| Standardized Testing \| Home School \| About the speaker