These ten principles support the life and work of Saint Augustine’s Academy. They are the foundation upon which our entire program is based. Every element of our program grows out of these principles and is an expression of them.
1. All knowledge points to God, who has revealed himself through creation. Knowledge is perfected and unified in God and may be fully comprehended only in relation to God.
Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely, his eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made. - Romans 1:20
2. The foundation of all knowledge is Jesus Christ, through whom God has uniquely revealed himself. The ultimate meaning of life, its nature and purpose, is disclosed in Christ alone.
God has made known to us in all wisdom and insight the mystery of his will, according to his purpose which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fulness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
- Ephesians 1:9-10
3. God has given parents the authority and responsibility for raising their children. In partnership with them, Saint Augustine’s Academy stands in the place of a parent.
Jesus went down with his parents and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them. - Luke 2:51
Fathers…bring up your children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. - Ephesians 6:4
4. Teachers must know and love both their subjects and their students and must strive for the highest standards of excellence.
I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. - John 13:15
5. The teaching method of the classical Trivium corresponds to every subject and to the natural development of every child. Grammar, Dialectic, and Rhetoric are the tools for all learning.
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. - Proverbs 2:6
They found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. - Luke 2:46
6. The cultural and intellectual heritage of Western civilization, including its Christian history and moral tradition, has permanent value. Our duty is to hand it down to the next generation.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. - Matthew 24:35
Do not boast over the branches. If you do boast, remember it is not you that support the root, but the root that supports you. - Romans 11:18
7. Growth in knowledge requires growth in virtue, and the good use of knowledge requires the exercise of virtue. Therefore, knowledge and virtue must be acquired together.
I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live. - Deuteronomy 30:19
8. The final goal of classical Christian education at Saint Augustine’s Academy is personal transformation into the likeness of Christ, who is our model and guide.
Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. - Romans 12:2
9. In order to present a clear, consistent, and constant example of Christian life, every member of the board, faculty, and staff is expected to live in accordance with biblical teaching.
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD; and you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. And these words which I command you this day shall be upon your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. And you shall bind them as a sign upon your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. - Deuteronomy 6:4-9
10. Saint Augustine’s Academy intends to assume a place of leadership in our culture, working to encourage both the vision and the practice of classical Christian education.
Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” - Matthew 28:18-20
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