education.
Because we are on the same campus, I was able to attend the exordium with the fourth through sixth grades. As I saw these precious children cheerfully demonstrate the memory work they have been learning, I was reminded how truly educated these students are becoming. Imagine knowing all the kings of Israel in the fourth grade. Consider understanding, even before you have all your adult teeth, all of the parts to the earth’s atmosphere. Even more beautiful—which nearly moved me to tears—was hearing the answer to the question "What is adoption?" to which the children answered, “Adoption is an act of God's free grace, whereby we are received into the number, and have a right to all the privileges of the sons of God.”1 As elementary students, these kids have the answer! They may not fully comprehend it yet (who among us can?), but the truth is indeed hidden away in their hearts. These are hefty subjects that the students understand at an age appropriate level, and they are happy to share with others.
In contrast, a few weeks ago, I received a catalog selling AP (Advanced Placement) test preparation material for high school students. The catalog contained items that sought to cram as much information into a student in as short a time as possible. It was unabashedly pragmatic, with no regard for understanding, or even basic knowledge. Forget about an attempt at wisdom, or a love for learning. (There are actually Cliff’s Notes for AP History—oh the irony!)
In classical Christian education, we are working against a culture that cannot even recognize what it misses when cramming for Advanced Placement exams. Our culture does not trust that the laborious road to deep understanding might also lead to success, at a minimum. At Trinity, we have goals that transcend the tests, and yet the majority of our first graduating class excelled on AP exams, and many have placed into advanced classes at college.
If we are to take on the high calling of educating children to the glory of the Lord, and preparing them for life in the world, we owe them better than “pump and dump” or teaching to the test. We owe them the time-consuming long answer to the questions life will present to them. We owe them an education based in true truth, as Francis Schaeffer called it.
Know that at Trinity Christian School we are dedicated to the high calling of training our students up in the
wisdom and knowledge of the Lord and all that He has created. Practically and eternally, that means there are no short cuts.
Jeanne Wilks
Secondary School Principal
1 Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 34 drawing from 1 John 3:1, John 1:12, and Romans 8:17