Our Mission

The Mission of Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy is to grow students spiritually, mentally and physically. The foundation of the mission is set forth in the Four Principles of the Student Integrity Curriculum: developing a mind for the Master, learning that leadership is predicated on being a selfless servant, realizing the importance of being academically acute, and understanding the value of being physically fit. The total SMLCA experience should enable its alumni to be characterized as being joyful, articulate, poised, confident, humble, polite, balanced, discerning and fully prepared for their next step of life.

Our Philosophy

The following words of exhortation reflect what we believe establish the optimal educational environment:

The top priority in all that we do will be a pursuit of excellence. God calls for nothing less. (Colossians 3:23)

We believe that high expectations are critical to achieve excellence. Students tend to perform at the expected level. Consequently , they will always be challenged to reach beyond what they think is achievable for themselves. (Romans 8:37, Phil.4:13)

We believe the proper execution of any task is fundamental to reaching those expectations. If it's going to be done, it ought to be done right! The concept of hard work and delayed gratification will be stressed in every academic and extra-curricular discipline. To this end, we believe in the value of effective and productive homework; not just the idea of busy work. (2 Tim. 2:5) Endurance, or persevering to the end, commensurate with good execution leads to excellence. (James 1:4)

We believe that students thrive in an atmosphere of encouragement and empathy. Putting others' interests and feelings before our own is a staple of the Christian life. Students should understand that being intentional in helping others will only help themselves. (Heb. 10:25, 2 Cor.1:4, Romans 12:3)

We believe it is important to be an example or role model for others. Teachers should be role models for students and students should be good examples for one another. (1 Cor. 4:16, Heb. 6:12)

Finally, although hard work and discipline should never be replaced in schools, we believe that in a Christian school, the joy of the Lord should be ever present through an atmosphere of energy, excitement and enthusiasm. The root of enthusiasm is en theos, to be with God. A school that is with God should be one of enthusiasm! (1 Thes. 5:16)