Academic Excellence

In the pursuit of educational excellence and in accordance with our Mission Statement, we believe that acquiring the eye of the tiger by becoming academically acute is one of the pillars of SMLCA. Focus has become a very important word in education today. In a world of instant gratification and a multitude of distractions, students find it increasingly difficult to stay focused and on task. Consequently, students will receive extensive training in organizational and study skills in addition to establishing appropriate goals and how to attain them.

Academic excellence is the combining of an experienced and enthusiastic faculty with an exciting and energetic program. SMLCA aspires to be innovative yet always fundamentally sound. The core curriculum of math, science, English, history, foreign language and Bible must never waiver in its importance of establishing the solid foundation for academic excellence. Jesus said a wise man builds his house on a rock (Matthew 7:24). The core curriculum will always be the rock of educational excellence.

With small classroom settings, SMLCA will provide extensive communication between students, teachers and home. Timely feedback is essential for insuring effective accountability. In addition to their classroom teacher, each student will have an Advisor that will closely monitor their progress and provide communication to home. It should be noted, however, that levels of accountability should in no way diminish the burden of the student to accept full responsibility for their performance. Click for Philosohy

Electives

We believe that educational excellence demands a well rounded and balanced approach to life. Consequently, SMLCA is committed to offering a broad range of electives; first and foremost is our commitment to the Arts and Music. Perhaps no other academic discipline allows students to discover, develop and display their God given talents and gifts than the Performing Arts. Consequently, every student should benefit from this discipline. Performing arts allows students the opportunity to gain confidence and poise, character traits we expect to see in our alumni.

From the study of hymns to using musical jingles to memorize scripture, music is a tremendous tool to develop faith. It provides a great teaching catalyst to analyze that what goes into our hearts is usually what comes out. We will begin most mornings in worship and praise!

In our desire to be innovative while being fundamentally sound, we hope to be creative in our elective offerings. Short term mini-courses from cooking, interior design, firefighting, photography, automobile basics to basic economics-studying the market and balancing a check book are all being explored.

The Integrity Institute

All students will participate in the Integrity Institute. Conducted daily during the zero period, this program is designed to cover a broad range of topics, all of which would fall under the Four Principles of the Mission Statement:

1) Developing the Heart of a Lion... becoming physically fit.

2) Acquiring the Eye of the Tiger... becoming academically acute.

3) Being Gentle as a Lamb... learning to be a selfless servant.

4) How to Soar Like an Eagle... developing a mind for the Master

All lessons in the Integrity Institute will be from a distinctively biblical perspective. However, over the course of the academic year, emphasis will be placed on developing a mind for the Master enabling this period to serve as chapel time and one of biblical studies.