DAYSPRING CHRISTIAN Academy
ACADEMIC BROCHURE
Principle Approach education embraces the liberal arts as a means of forming the whole person through studies in the sciences and humanities, the fine and performing arts, and athletics.
The
PRINCIPLE APPROACH
The heart of the Principle Approach® teaches students to reason from biblical truth, or principles, and to make application to every area of life. In the setting of the Christian school, these principles are initially taught within the context of the various school subjects, offering a clear picture of the character and nature of the God who authored them. Students engage in the 4Rs of learning—Research, Reason, Relate, and Record—as a methodology that builds a biblical worldview. The notebook is developed as a record of a living curriculum, taught and modeled by the teacher, as well as researched and reasoned by the student. The notebook becomes a resource for future learning, while providing evidence of lasting scholarship.
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CLASSICAL CURRICULUM
The Principle Approach employs a classical curriculum that includes logic, rhetoric, Latin and Greek, classical literature, and the providential view of history. Principle Approach education embraces the liberal arts as a means of forming the whole person through studies in the sciences and humanities, the fine and performing arts, and athletics. Beyond the regular school curriculum, the Principle Approach specifically examines and instructs students in the biblical principles of government, teaching them to think governmentally, from cause to effect, from internal to external. Students recognize that the degree of liberty individuals enjoy in our nation is directly connected to the degree in which the biblical principles of God’s Word are embraced and followed. The Principle Approach is the kind of education that prevailed during America’s first two hundred years. This method produced men and women who were able to reason from biblical principles of government to form the world’s first Christian constitutional federal republic—The United States of America. This great experiment was built upon the Christian ideas of God, man, and government, and it afforded the greatest degree of liberty for the individual experienced up to that time.
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The biblical principles upon which America was founded include God’s Principle of Individuality: There is one God
The Christian Idea of Civil Government: Civil govern-
who is sovereign over all Creation. Everything in God’s
ment takes into account man’s sinful nature and exists to
universe is an expression of His character, His nature,
secure the God-given rights of the individual. Civil govern-
His infinity, and His individuality.
ment is based upon God’s law, not the will of the people.
The Principle of Christian Self Government: Allowing Christ to rule in one’s heart internally. The amount of liberty one enjoys is directly related to the degree to which that individual governs himself according to God’s Word. The Seed Principle/Cause-Effect: The seed of local Christian self-government is planted internally in the heart of the individual and then moves outwardly to affect the family, the church, and the civil spheres.
The Christian Principle of Property: That for which one labors, becomes his property. The individual has a property in his thoughts and beliefs, as well as in his physical possessions. “Conscience is our most sacred property.” 1 The Principle of Unity: Unity with diversity is a reflection of the nature of God, revealed in the Trinity and creatively expressed in the universe. Internal unity produces external union.
The Principle of Christian Character: A self-governing republic requires a virtuous people in order to endure.
These and other biblical principles are vital for maintaining the integrity of our republic. If we forget or abandon these principles, we will become, as colonial governor John Winthrop said, “a byword among the nations.” 2 1James Madison,Chief architect of the U.S. Constitution. 2 John Winthrop, A Model of Christian Charity, 1630.
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RESTORE AMERICA Inherent in Principle Approach education is the mission to restore America back to the biblical ideals of government upon which it was forged. The early generations of people who came to these shores had a Gospel purpose in mind. America grew to become an example, a model, a beacon of Christian liberty to the rest of the world. Restoring America to its Gospel purpose involves fulfilling the Great Commission. Without the intentional rehearsal of America’s Christian history, our nation will continue to slide into secularism (which goes well beyond the idea of separation of church and state) and an anti-Christian spirit will increase, thus hindering the advance of the Gospel here and around the world.
HISTORICAL, POWERFUL The Principle Approach’s historic, classical approach draws from the American colonial and founding periods when there existed a prevailing biblical Christian worldview. While the world has changed dramatically since America’s founding, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His Word stands forever and is just as capable to renovate our age as it was in the days of Samuel Adams, George Washington, and Noah Webster. Truly, the same biblical principles that gave rise to the American Republic are just as powerful today to renovate our age. As students are taught to reason from biblical truth and apply it to their own lives, it moves outwardly through their families, churches, and communities to affect their nation and the world, thereby, fulfilling the Great Commission.
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The
RESTORATION Has Begun
At Dayspring, we think it is important to ask questions. Students are taught to seek original and primary sources, ask the question “why?” and relentlessly pursue truth. The Christian character and scholarship necessary to support a Christian republic are produced in students, teachers, and parents alike. This moral fiber enables them to separate from progressive and secular philosophies and methods and to avoid producing a character that is ripe for governmental socialism, secularism, and post-modernism. This method of education develops a biblical worldview and identifies truth. The road to biblical excellence in scholarship and character is both challenging and inspiring, producing ennobled individuals who are prepared for “every good work” (2 Timothy 3:17). DAYSPRING CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
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Dayspring Christian Academy
PRE SCHOOL
Dayspring’s preschool program is for children who are 3 years of age. It lays the foundation to a Principle Approach education and will train children in the way they should go. It is designed to build on the academics of kindergarten at Dayspring. ∙ Program includes an introduction to the alphabet. Students learn a Bible hero for each letter of the alphabet, culminating with Bible character day—complete with costume! ∙ Age-appropriate history, science, literature, and math lessons are woven together and rooted in God’s Word. ∙ Guided free play incorporates principles of self-government, order, and unity. ∙ Circle time incorporates songs, calendar, weather, colors, and Bible stories. ∙ Daily art projects incorporate the history, science, Bible, and literature focus. ∙ Your child is loved by our pre-school teachers who have advanced degrees in early childhood education and are warm, friendly, and love the Lord.
KINDERGARTEN Distinctives
At Dayspring Christian Academy, we take seriously the Bible’s call for parents to educate their children. As partners with you and your church, we will form “a three stranded cord that cannot easily be broken.” (Ecc. 4:12) Using this historic, biblical method of education that helped forge our nation, Dayspring Christian Academy offers a refreshing answer to families who seriously desire to launch their education in a program that is academically rigorous in a loving, nurturing environment. Three and five-day programs are available. PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM ∙ To fortify the love for God that is being taught at home. ∙ To instill a love for the special gift of learning that God has given to each of us. ∙ To assist parents in training their child in Christian manners and habits. ∙ To begin the process of fitting the child for usefulness in his/her future.
DEVELOPMENTAL KINDERGARTEN This level is developmentally appropriate for the child who is 4 years old or just turned 5 at the start of the school year. The program is activity-oriented while introducing the structure and rigors of a formal classroom setting. As a first step into scholarship, the student notebook is introduced and students begin formal steps toward reading through the Sound Sensible® program. Seeds of scholarship are sown in every academic subject in an inspirational manner. Highlights of the DK year include: ∙ Students begin phonemes and short vowel sounds. (Many students are reading by the end of the year!)
of every subject, including the biblical foundation of each.
∙ A science unit on farm animals with a trip to Long’s Park.
∙ Technology is brought directly into the classroom curriculum.
∙ Classical literature focus is on the life and works of Beatrix
∙ In physical education, we incorporate an action-based
Potter and a study of Mother Goose rhymes including a
learning program that prepares the brain for input using
dress-up day of characters.
challenge, feedback, and physical activity through stations.
∙ Memorizing a verse from the Bible representing each letter of the alphabet.
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∙ The use of art and drama to enhance studies in the rudiments
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ACADEMIC KINDERGARTEN This level is appropriate for those students who are 5 years old through early 6 years of age developmentally at the start of the school year. The program is still activity-oriented, but more emphasis is placed on paper-and-pencil activities and structured seat work. Additionally, the seeds of scholarship are sown in every academic subject to inspire a love of learning and appreciation for God’s hand in all we do. Highlights of Academic Kindergarten include: ∙ Classical literature focuses on studying A.A. Milne’s literary classic and children’s favorite, Winnie the Pooh. ∙ The Writing Road to Reading© literacy program is introduced at this level. ∙ Students expand their phonetic awareness and segmentation in preparation of beginning to read. ∙ The student notebook is expanded and built upon as a tool for scholarship. ∙ A science unit about mammals and reptiles with a trip to
∙ An exciting look at the five senses. ∙ Additional science focus on the solar system. ∙ Technology programs bring the use of technology directly into the classroom curriculum. ∙ Bible/Character: Fruit of the Spirit, God’s Principle of Individuality, and the examination of internal vs. external. ∙ Key field studies include visits to Zoo America, The North Museum, Long’s Park, Lancaster County Park, Kitchen Kettle Village, and Cherry Hill Orchard.
ZooAmerica in Hershey, PA. ∙ A strong, character-building emphasis by learning the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5).
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LOWER SCHOOL Distinctives
“Today and in this moment, we are in America. Frequently, we find ourselves forgetting the significance of our biblical foundation. . . . We are exceptional because the God we serve is exceptional! America belongs to God! Her revival is here, in this moment, in this day. Yes, we are ordinary, but through God we become extraordinary. Exceptional. Today you are an individual surrounded by many other individuals whom God has also chosen. Today we will choose to be a part of the Bride of Christ’s legacy. Today we will be a part of America’s revival because today is the day that we live.” Written by Megan Nissley, Grade 12, from her oration For Such a Time as This
At Dayspring, we wonder, will the very future of our nation be decided by this generation? A Dayspring education shines forth the light of God’s Hand in our history and can enlighten and inspire this generation to action. Beginning in kindergarten, we teach biblical principles to our students to equip them with truth, knowledge, standards of excellence, character, inspiration, and understanding. How do we do that? Children are taught to view the world through the lens of the Bible as the source of truth. They learn to think and reason through the 4Rs of learning: research, reason, relate, and record. ∙ The Writing Road to Reading method is used in grades K-2. In this method, all elements of language are integrated in spelling, writing, and reading lessons. These include phonemic awareness, systematic phonics, high-frequency vocabulary, word meanings and usages, and more. ∙ Shurley Grammar, which provides rigorous practice in the writing, revising and editing, analyzing sentences, building vocabulary, and practicing skills, is used. ∙ Students study classical literature including, Pinocchio; Heidi; Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates; Carry On, Mr. Bowditch;Treasure Island;The Secret Garden; and Little Women.
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Highlights of the Lower School include: ∙ Students begin Spanish in first grade and Latin in fourth. ∙ In-depth field studies are taken at every grade level, including a two-day study for second-grade students at the Daniel Boone homestead, four-day study in Plymouth, MA, for third-grade students. Fifth grade experiences a three-day study in oceanography. ∙ Public speaking is an important focus of our curriculum, so students participate in speech meet in Developmental Kindergarten through fifth grade. ∙ To develop the ability to research, write, and defend their work, students begin writing orations in second grade and presenting in third grade. ∙ They learn history through Ephesians 1:9-10 which concludes: “All human history is culminated in Christ.” We teach students that God is sovereign as He governs in the affairs of men and nations, because He sees the past, present, and future—he orchestrates events to accomplish His plan (that all men may know God the Father through Christ the Son.) ∙ Average class size is 19. 12
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Hybrid Math Learning Dayspring Christian Academy employs the hybrid math learning program in all grades. The hybrid method is a blended learning system that rotates students through three different learning stations within the math class to enable personalized learning. Students engage in the learning process through the use of direct instruction, which has a small group interacting directly with the teacher for more individualized teaching with each student. Another station includes collaborative activities, where students work in a group on real-world problems that relate to the material covered in class. The final station is independent learning, which takes place on the computer. It helps students to master each step in the problem and give immediate feedback to the teacher to let them know where each student may need further direction. This method enables students to have multiple ways of learning a lesson to enable mastery and to meet students varied learning styles.
Learning Services Dayspring Christian Academy’s Learning Services program meets the academic, social, and spiritual needs of students with a broad range of abilities. Our Illumine program serves students who are academically gifted. The P139 program serves students identified with mild to moderate specific learning disabilities, mild to severe intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and more. Additionally, students with mild needs are served through the school’s NILD, Search and Teach, and IU-13 services for reading and math support. Learning Services also encompasses our Bright Horizons program, which is geared toward students with multiple disabilities.
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UPPER SCHOOL Distinctives
“All this… to ask: What is holy behavior for Christian youth today? What can boil the stagnant lukewarm waters? Teen leaders must rise up and rebel against the rebellion in youth culture, being unashamed ‘of the Gospel… the power of God that brings salvation.’ (Romans 1.16)” Written by Dayspring student, Tim Bleeker, in his oration, Return of the Revolution.
The overall goal of this classical American Christian approach is to produce a student who has not only progressed from the rudiments of the subjects to the higher levels of understanding, but who has learned how to reason from the principles of the Bible to the concepts and issues of the subject. This is both the means and the end of a Principle Approach® education. It is accomplished through an emphasis on giving students the tools for learning rather than simply filling them up with knowledge. It is the liberating effect of the self-governed intellect combined with a heart submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ that allows the student to reach his or her fullest God-given potential.
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Highlights of the Upper School include: The Dayspring classical scholar studies classical languages, literature, and disciplines that have stood the test of time. We study classical literature, which not only enriches and elevates the mind and the soul of man—it develops character. ∙ Classical languages include Greek and Latin. ∙ Classical literature includes British and American classics from Beowulf to Ben Hur, with an annual study in Shakespeare. ∙ Students study science through courses including: Biology, Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, and Physics. ∙ Our students study the ancient disciplines of logic (“the art of thinking”) and rhetoric (“the art of speaking”) (Webster’s 1828). ∙ In-depth field studies in upper school include overnight trips to Gettysburg, PA; the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and the Creation Museum to examine evolution and scientific evidence for creation. Students study rudiments of American history in studies to Boston, Plymouth, MA, and Washington, D.C. ∙ Classes include Understanding the Times, a class that examines various world views and the evidenced result of each. ∙ Students take Exegesis to better understand and interpret the original languages of the Bible. ∙ Juniors participate in an apprenticeship career program. ∙ Seniors write and defend their senior thesis. ∙ Senior year is culminated with a 10-day study in Israel. ∙ AP classes include: AP Psychology, AP US History, AP English Composition, AP English Literature, AP Physics, AP Statistics, and AP Calculus. ∙ Dayspring students consistently rank well above national SAT averages. ∙ Students may participate in art classes from Introduction to Art to Art Studio. ∙ Music options include middle school and high school choirs, music theory, as well as Honors Choir (auditioned). Students may join instrumental ensembles and take music electives. ∙ Athletics include: ∙High School and Middle School: Girls Volleyball, Girls and Boys Basketball, Track, Boys Soccer and Boys Baseball ∙Middle School only: Girls Lacrosse ∙High School only: Golf
∙ Electives and clubs include film instruction, worship team, theology, yearbook, and more. 16
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WHY DAYSPRING? Dayspring is uniquely prepared to raise our children to be prepared academically, to think critically, to have liberty of heart through Jesus Christ. Dayspring’s mission has always been to renovate our nation by restoring its Christian worldview, Gospel purpose, and its educational practices. In a sense our mission is America and we get there by equipping our students to be capable, thinking Christians who are ready to lead. There are only 25 Principle Approach schools in America. Of those, Dayspring is one of five model demonstration schools.
Every day Dayspring shines a light into a child’s heart. Every day we are preparing those who will help restore our nation to her historic and God-given purpose to be “a shining city on a hill.” 3 3 Ronald Reagan, Farewell Address, Washington, D.C., January 11, 1989.
Dayspring Christian Academy 120 College Avenue Mountville, PA 17554 (717) 285-2000 dayspringchristian.com
