Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy Vision Statement

The vision of Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy goes far beyond being a school. It goes far beyond fielding athletic teams. It goes far beyond concerts, drama productions and days of community service. The vision of SMLCA is to make a profound impact for Christ on its community and beyond, through its alumni and in the manner it conducts its business. The reward of an impressive college acceptance, winning a state championship or receiving artistic critical acclaim in and of itself is fleeting. However, if those achievements are earned as a consequence of being pleasing to and honoring the Lord, a long lasting impact may be felt. In other words, we don’t simply desire to develop excellent students but to develop excellent students that are godly, wise, humble and strong with a desire to impact their world for Christ. Consequently, while the pursuit of academic, athletic and artistic excellence will certainly be the standard at SMLCA, of greater importance will be the personal growth of each student incurred during the process, as so carefully expressed in the mission statement:

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.

Joyful: Perhaps nothing has a more positive influence on peers than a joyful spirit. How can a vibrant child of God walk with their head down? What good is academic excellence if it is encompassed by a depressing spirit with no ability to have a positive impact on the world around? The world says we ought to be depressed. The child of God says, “Not me.”

Articulate: We live in a contradictory culture. Clearly, the ability to effectively communicate is a prerequisite to success. If an athlete wins a championship and with it the opportunity to influence, yet cannot properly communicate the message, what good is the forum? In this age of text messaging, instant messaging and email slang, the need to effectively articulate truth is overwhelming. The world says take short cuts. The child of God says, “Not me.”

Poised: To experience grace under pressure or the ability to contain our emotions is such an asset today. Anger and quick-temperedness is rampant. Rage has become an everyday word. Religious hostility has become normal. The world says to rant your rights. The child of God says, “Not me.”

Confident: Confidence is the result of good preparation. Well prepared students walk with confidence and poise. The ability to joyfully articulate with poise and confidence is the result of an intentional and carefully thought out plan or curriculum. The world says there is nothing to be confident about. The child of God says, “Not me.”

Humble: It is not contradictory for a confident, poised, articulate and joyful student to be humble. In fact, the concepts should be mutually inclusive. It is the recognition that all of our gifts, talents and even the ability to work hard are gifts from God which we enjoy by His grace. Few things attract more positive attention and a command of respect than true humility. The world says the world revolves around self. The child of God says, “Not me.”

Polite: Nothing distinguishes young people more (other than good grammar) than being respectful and well mannered. Simple politeness opens doors beyond our imagination. There is a reason men in uniform have a certain awe about themselves. The world says good guys finish last. The child of God says, “Not me.”

Balanced: Paul said to let your moderation be known to man. We live in a world of extremes; people going off deep ends. Consistency and stability will bring notice and an opportunity to serve others. The world says go off and do your own thing. The child of God says, “Not me.”

Discerning: We live in an age that is becoming increasingly deceptive. “Spin” is the operative word in many areas of life. Truth has become relative and whatever is expedient. Today’s student must be wise and discerning; have the ability to read between and to see what is behind the lines. The world says we’ll fall for anything. The child of God says, “Not me.”

Fully prepared for their next step in life: Again, acquiring excellence in academics, athletics and the arts is admirable. However, without acquiring personal growth during the process, opportunities to impact the community will be lost. This culminating statement in our mission is all encompassing. When objective excellence is actively pursued along with personal growth, the ultimate mission of fully preparing yourself for the next step of life has been fulfilled. The world says be dependent on the system. The child of God says, “Not me.” 

Generally, the vision of SMLCA should be pervasive in every facet of school life; the classroom, the lunch room, the gymnasium, the stage, the ball field or in community service. Faculty will be trained and encouraged to be purposeful and intentional in looking for those invaluable “teachable moments” to instill and develop these character traits so desired for the students. More specifically, curriculum content, materials, learning activities and teaching methods will all be influenced by the vision.