Our Philosophy of Math

Through the study of mathematics aimed at mastery, students pursue excellence by exploring and expressing the truth, order, and beauty inherent in God’s incredible world. 

Mathematics is not merely about becoming proficient calculators but about engaging in a visual and creative process that reveals the ordered nature of creation, as well as the disorder and dissonance that came with the fall. 

The discipline of studying mathematics fosters mental rigor, encouraging students to rework issues and seek truth. Students develop critical problem-solving skills and logical reasoning through intentional real world problems. Through this exploration, students see how mathematics fits into the broader context of their lives and the world around them, enhancing their understanding of the truly creative process involved in mathematics so they have discernment in what is true, good and beautiful. 

We strive to cultivate a deep appreciation for language, recognizing its divine origins and its capacity to transform and elevate human thought and communication. Our philosophy of language is built on several truths:

• Divine Speech: In the beginning, God’s first act was that of speaking (Genesis 1:3).
• Sacred Revelation: God has revealed Himself in the pages of Holy Scripture or Sacred Writings (2 Tim. 3:15).
• Eternal Logos: Jesus Christ, the Author and Founder of our faith, is the Logos, the Eternal Word (John 1:1).
• Communal Word: In the Bible, God regularly speaks to and gathers His people around His Word (Neh. 9:3).

Our curriculum guides students from the basics of phonics to the complexities of English grammar, and eventually to the rigor of Latin grammar. Through language, we articulate truth, show love to our neighbors, and preserve the lost art of dialogue and dialectic. 

The study of Latin solidifies and enhances English grammar and reading skills, providing a logical structure that aids in understanding language. The tongue has the power to shape reality, as echoed in the Book of Proverbs. Mastery of language arts through dialogue and dialectic is essential. The logical and ordered nature of Latin underpins the effective use of English. 

Paideia → Humanitas → Humanities

Humanities is the study of the image bearers of God and their cultures for generations through history, language, art, literature, theology, philosophy and more. 

We teach these not as divided up ‘subjects’ with no connection to each other but rather as integrated fields of study that the teacher guides students through in an organic and meaningful way. 

Using a cyclical approach to history that the whole school follows (Ancient, Medieval, Modern, Post-modern), along with intentional literature selections that reinforce the historical time period, teachers help orient students to the larger story of God’s cosmic redemption and how we participate with God in that redemption. In this process, teachers help students grow in discernment and wisdom through intentional discussion and conversation using the Socratic method. 

In humanities, students learn various skills of speaking and writing, studying what it means to be human, including human contributions and the shared experience of humanity. 

IN PROGRESS... In the ancient Greek world, education broadly consisted of music (under that: history, literature, rhetoric, etc.) to train a student's soul and gymnastic to train a student’s body. Gymnastic or physical education at VCA is built on the fact that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, that we are to steward our bodies as gifts, that bodily training is of value, and that humans are integrated beings with both a body and a soul. 

In the younger years, PE focuses on fine and gross motor skills through various games, exercises, and drills. As students mature, they will learn more about taking care of their bodies, the disciplines needed for a long, healthy lifestyle, basic anatomy, and begin to focus more on strength, agility, mobility, and overall fitness. Competitive games in PE create opportunities for teamwork and strategy, as well as how to lose with dignity and how to win with humility.