Statement of Philosophy
Seventh-day Adventist Christian education is dedicated to the fulfillment of one great purpose in cooperation with divine agencies: “to restore in man the image of his Maker, to bring him back to the perfection in which he was created, to promote the development of body, mind, and soul, that the divine purpose of his creation might be realized." Education, p. 15, 16. Even more than our excellence in academics, Yakima Adventist Christian School is building character.
Every human being is created in the image of God and is “endowed with a power akin to that of the Creator – individuality, power to think and to do.” Education, p. 17. Man’s capacity for free, creative, responsible thinking and acting has been considerably diminished by sin. It is, therefore, the purpose of Christian education to develop this power in each student. A knowledge of a loving God, His plan for our redemption, and the kind of persons men and women may become as they are restored to His likeness are of first importance throughout the total school experience. Such a transforming restoration involves the development of the whole person, physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually.
Seventh-day Adventist education places a high estimate on the infinite worth of every individual and seeks to provide a climate in which a positive, Christ-like self-image may be developed. The necessity of providing opportunities for students to secure a preparation that will fit them to live successfully and productively is recognized. Students are encouraged to take an active interest in making their community and world a better place, to appreciate the cultural and scientific advances of the age, to develop positive attitudes toward useful labor and toward all humanity, and “above all else to learn life’s great lesson of unselfish service.” Education, p. 30. Each student is challenged to take an active personal role in the great mission of giving the gospel message to all the world in preparation for the soon return of Jesus.
Seventh-day Adventist education seeks to give students an intelligent understanding of principles governing the functions and proper care of the body and mind, and to help them establish habits and practices which foster lifelong health.
Seventh-day Adventist Christian education seeks to acquaint students with great literature, art, and music and to develop appreciation for “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is lovely...” Philippians 4:8 NIV
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