Dear Upper School Parents,
The first portion of the school’s mission statement, “Charlotte Christian School is a Christ-centered, college preparatory school,” establishes the school’s fundamental nature. As a Christian school, our focus is developing a Christian worldview and mentoring our students. As a college preparatory school, we focus on preparing students for institutions of higher learning through a rigorous academic program. We are shaping students’ hearts as well as their minds.
In his second epistle, the Apostle Peter offers guidance as to such heart development when he calls for his readers to “…make every effort to add to your faith goodness and to your goodness knowledge.” We see that true education not only points young people toward trust in Christ, and academic knowledge; but also toward virtue, genuine good or Christ-imitating behavior.
I recently had occasion to be reminded of C.S. Lewis’ The Abolition of Man. In it, Lewis argues that most “modern” education is devoid of instruction as to any sense of an objectively good or virtuous life. Lewis sees as indispensable instruction in what he calls the “ordinate affections.” Lewis emphasizes that to pursue education apart from the development of such heart sentiments, is to merely help shape “men without chests.”
In this regards we are putting emphasis this year on our school Honor Code. Our desire is for students not to merely see it as a cold list of dos and don’ts, but rather as a calling to a good and virtuous life as we live together in a mutually respectful and loving community.
As we enter this school year, I am grateful more than ever that Charlotte Christian is a Christ-centered, college preparatory school, where we have both the freedom and calling to train both the hearts and minds of our students.
Providential Blessings,
Allen Nielsen
Upper School Principal