A Community of Learners

BY DR. KELLY SWANSON, ACADEMIC DEAN

TThe word “community” is often bantered around in conversation, yet its meaning is subjective, depending on the setting and social group. Mount Paran Christian School is a community united in Christ – a community focused on the mission to develop servant-leaders to honor God, love others, and walk in Truth. While MPCS is a Christ-centered environment, we strive to grow the intellect of every child with excellence.

At the classroom level, community takes shape through the building of positive relationships, connecting students with their peers, as well as teachers with their students. This connection is foundational for our teaching success, with each student feeling known and loved. We aspire to partner with families in building communication and setting goals that help students realize their God-given potential. This connection is at the heart of what we do.

priate level for comprehension and mastery. Our teachers spend time in professional development to better understand how students learn, as well as how to convey content in a manner that meets a variety of learning styles and skill levels.

From an academic perspective, this means students are actively engaged with the curriculum. Using “backward design” as the model for course design, student learning is the focus, rather than teachers’ pedagogies. By beginning with the end in mind, teachers work on assessments that build upon necessary skills, then fill in gaps with content related to the course.

In lower school, strong reading and math skills are foundational for future success. Orton-Gillingham is the primary methodology used at MPCS to teach reading skills. This specialized method teaches students to break down words phonetically, yielding a well-rounded approach to aid student learning.

Dif ferentiated instruction ensures all students are learning at the appro-

The Directed Studies program for lower school through high school turns curriculum into relatable content. But the process of differentiation goes beyond Directed Studies. Students as young as third grade may begin even more challenging, hands-on curriculum through the ENCORE program. Advanced courses begin in fifth grade, with middle school students eligible for high school courses in some disciplines. High school students are challenged with AP and honors courses. There is a pathway to college for every learner.

Best of all, because MPCS is a preschool through grade 12 campus, teachers across all grade levels work together to ensure students master the foundational skills for success at the next level. It’s this intentional focus on community and connection that leaves each of our students feeling known academically and loved spiritually. W