Curriculum & Philosophy
The philosophy of Yorktown Christian Academy is based on the premise that man's ultimate purpose is to glorify God (I Corinthians 6:19, 20; 10:31). Yorktown Christian Academy exists to help each student to reach his full potential by guiding him in developing spiritually, morally, personally, socially, and academically (Luke 2:52). The faculty and staff recognize that only when a student accepts Christ as Savior and yields to His Lordship can he realize his own unique potential (Romans 10:10-13).
- God's mandate at creation for mankind to have dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:1; 26-28), requiring learning in the areas of language, mathematics, the physical and natural sciences, technology, and the fine arts.
- The hostile environment resulting form the fall of man (Genesis 3:9-24), intensifying his need to understand more deeply all of the curricular areas, as well as the social and health related sciences and the study of God's written Word.
- The command for Christians to evangelize the lost and to disciple believers (Matthew 28:18-20), further elevating the need to master all of the above areas.
All subject areas are taught from a biblical perspective and correlate with state and national standards.
Subject Philosophy
Bible
Yorktown Christian Academy's Bible Department values the pursuit of wisdom based on the intentional and prayerfully guided study of God's Word. The Bible states in II Timothy 3:16, "All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action."
The Bible Department of Yorktown Christian Academy embraces the philosophy that God honors His Word (Proverbs 22:6) and therefore strives to integrate biblical principles in all subject areas in order to draw students to a close personal relationship with Jesus Christ and equip them to lead lives that will glorify Him. Each Bible objective is designed to continue the process of instructing students in righteousness so that they are given opportunities to become motivated and to mature toward a lifelong study of the Word of God (Matthew 5:16).
The Word of God is the center of the Bible curriculum at Yorktown Christian Academy. Therefore, it is the conviction of the Bible Department that memorization of God's Word (Psalm 119:11) is vital in leading a student to the ultimate goal, the application of the Bible to life - "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105)
Language Arts
God is the author of all creation. Colossians 1:16-17 says, "For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him, and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." The Language Arts Department of Yorktown Christian Academy believes by faith the purpose of man is worship, honor, and glorify God.
In light of this purpose, Language Arts endeavors to help students find their God-given voice to communicate with clarity, confidence, and commitment. Language Arts will teach students how to speak effectively, write skillfully, listen attentively, and read with discernment in all mandatory and elective courses.
From Pre-Kindergarten through the eighth grade, the department is committed to promoting academic excellence from the biblical mandates given to us in the Word of God. The department's diverse curriculum exposes students to foundational skills enabling communication in a manner producing results which honor and glorify God.
Social Studies
The Social Studies department of Yorktown Christian Academy believes that the social sciences should be utilized to develop the student’s understanding that God through Jesus Christ created this world and all who dwell within its boundaries will ultimately bow before Him and acknowledge that He is God.
Therefore, Social Studies is the cumulative study of the relationship between God, man, world-culture, geography, economics, civics, and history. Study of the Social Sciences is important for enabling students to understand how God establishes individuals, families, communities and nations as part of His overall plan. It prepares them to be active, productive, Christ-centered citizens in God's world and allows them to discern God’s intervention throughout the ages in the efforts of mankind.
Essential to the study of Social Studies are the God established relationships within one's family, classroom, peers, community, state, nation and world. The influence of individuals and groups on historical and contemporary events must be explored, as well as how man provides for his basic needs within God's overall plan. Students must be able to understand how God has continually ordained His plan and purpose for every individual, country, and nation, and how one day all nations will ultimately bow down to the authority of Christ.
At Yorktown Christian Academy we believe social studies should incorporate student-centered learning through engaging lessons using a variety of resources and strategies equipping students to approach problems and situations within society in a Christ-like manner. Students will go beyond recall of facts and knowledge to the application of insights gained through their studies in their service to Christ and country.
Mathematics
The Mathematics Department at Yorktown Christian Academy believes that God is the author of scientific and mathematical law. He created and designed the world in perfect order (Genesis 1:1) and math reflects that order. Mathematics is one tool by which we better understand the way that God has designed the world. The study of mathematics is not only essential to our survival in the world, but also has a pervasive influence on our everyday lives and contributes to every vocation.
Therefore, the goal of the Mathematics Department at Yorktown Christian Academy is to prepare our students to function in the real world in a way that honors our lord and Savior. The Mathematics Department will strive to develop our students into strong Christian leaders that can not only excel in the ministry, but also fill the gap as world leaders.
Since mathematics is needed in every vocation, we want our students to be prepared to achieve these lofty goals. Our desire is for our students to be well versed in all areas of mathematics: number concepts, operations, patterns, relationships, algebraic thinking, geometry, spatial reasoning, measurement, probability and statistics. We want our students to be able to communicate their understanding of these math concepts, use a variety of strategies, and use critical thinking to solve real world problems.
At Yorktown Christian Academy we believe that the best way to achieve this is through a child-centered approach. The classroom environment will provide students the opportunity to explore and discover math concepts by using a variety of modalities. A continuous effort will be made to teach concepts, facts, and problem-solving techniques, but also to demonstrate that the acquired knowledge can be used for the glory of God and to contribute to society.
Science
"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and Devine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." Romans 1:20
Science is the avenue through which man reveals God's "…eternal power and Devine nature…" and affirms that God is the master designer and creator of the universe. As man investigates each aspect of God's creation, he becomes more acutely aware and established in the fundamental belief that creation is of "Intelligent Design." Therefore, he also becomes grounded in the truth of Jeremiah 29:11 – "…God has a purpose and plan for his life…"
Science education is an arena that affords man the opportunity to study all of God's creation beginning with the minute parts of an atom to His most brilliant masterpiece, the human body. Approaching science from a biblical perspective enables each student to realize God's handiwork. As he studies the intricate details and interrelationships of all creation, he gains an awareness that each aspect of God's master design has a purpose.
Science education involves a vast array of information. This information must be age appropriate and interconnected with the truth of God's word. Therefore, the Science Department's mandate is to provide and equip each student with purposeful activities that promote inquiry and are conducive to learning. Activities, such as hands-on experiments, online expeditions, compelling reading content, detailed graphics and visuals should all be related to the scientific method to enhance learning and for students to draw biblical wisdom from their knowledge.
Spanish
The Foreign Language Department of Yorktown Christian Academy endeavors to instill the value and importance of studying a foreign language so that the students of YCA will have a valuable tool with which to "...become all things to all men so that by all possible means [they] might save some." The students can then say with confidence, "I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings." 1 Corinthians 9:22-23 The study of a foreign language is essential to the development of a strong connection and understanding with people who speak another language and enhances the student's awareness so that they can become "All things to all men."
The Foreign Language Department of YCA focuses on the development of a strong core Spanish program beginning in Preschool and continuing through Eighth Grade. The study of Spanish was chosen due to the high percentage of a Spanish-speaking population living in the United States and South Texas. Secondly, the development of Spanish language skills enhances English vocabulary development as a result of the large percentage of English words that have Latin roots which are intertwined with Spanish words. The Foreign Language Department also recognized the need of developing an intense Spanish language program beginning in preschool so students would develop foreign language skills that would better equip them to communicate and share God's Word with more people. Students are immersed into the Spanish language and gain knowledge of different Spanish-speaking cultures and countries. Finally, YCA's Spanish language program provides a firm foundation for future Spanish study and academic success through its intense conversational, grammatical, vocabulary study of the Spanish language.