Academic Overview

List of 6 items.

• Biblical Worldview

  The foundations we lay in every unit, every lesson, and every conversation are directly tied to Biblical Worldview. At the heart of all instruction is God's Great Story taught through the framework of Creation - Fall - Redemption - Reconciliation - Consummation -- from the beginning of time through the present. We examine the Creation Story to see what God intended, how the world has unraveled as sin entered, the impact of Christ's redemptive work on the cross, how we will join Him in healing and redeeming the world, and finally, how it will all be experienced upon fulfillment. After this framework is in place for all content areas, we design learning experiences to inform students and cultivate a response from them. Our desire is for our students to ultimately move toward all of humanity, toward societies and the world, engaging and influencing their communities for Christ.

• Backwards Design

  At Central, we begin with the end in mind. In a desire to create intentional learning experiences, we ask ourselves:
  

  • What do we want students to learn?
  • How will we teach content to help students learn it?
  • How will we know if students have learned it?
  • How should we create space and experiences that allow students to respond?

  Using these questions, our teachers plan a comprehensive curriculum and design learning experiences. We help students not only learn content but to apply what they've learned in other contexts.

• Cross-Curricular Connections

  Life is not fractured into separate subjects, but instead draws upon all disciplines as we engage with society. Central curriculum simulates the complexity of real life as subjects are often studied interconnectedly through authentic literature, writing, Socratic-style discussions, and project-based learning. Students explore, analyze, and acquire the skills, knowledge, and disposition necessary to become lifelong learners. They learn to think critically and engage in real-world problem-solving. Because our program begins with Enduring Truths, which begin with Biblical Worldview, our students leave equipped to apply classroom learning to complex realities, including social and moral aspects, and confidently make decisions grounded in their identity in Christ.

• Developmental Framework

  Central teachers are committed to ensuring students make connections with meaningful experiences that are developmentally appropriate.
  
  We desire to be students of our students, seeing each child as a unique image-bearer. In our classroom, on the playground, and in extra-curricular activities, we want each child to be seen, known, valued, and loved. Understanding where children are developmentally -- academically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually -- gives us guidance on how best to engage with them.

• Standards-Based Instruction

  In core content areas, as well as some specialty areas, we assess student learning and progress across set standards (Math, Literacy, Science, Social Studies, Bible, Art, Music, and Physical Education.) Rather than just moving through curriculum, we look to learning standards that encompass grade-level based skills in order to foster higher-level critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration with others, and communication.

• Global Studies

  One of our primary goals is to orient young minds to our global culture. Throughout their studies at Central, students will examine cultures throughout history and the world, from Mexico to the Arctic to Ancient Egypt and more. Global studies encompass major pillars of culture, including beliefs, values, traditions, family structures, educational systems, government, economics, etc. Through reading, discussion, and reflection, students evaluate how cultures are dynamic and change over time. They consider their place in our culture and the larger, globally connected world.