Traditional vs Common Core

The mission of Faith Baptist Christian School is “to partner with families in educating students through a Bible-centered curriculum to foster academic excellence and spiritual growth in preparation for ongoing ministry and education.”

There are several phrases contained in our mission statement alone that obligate us to opt out of becoming Common Core State Standard compliant as a school.

First of all, it is our mission “to partner with families.” Believing that it is the parent’s prerogative to “raise children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord,” (Ephesians 6:4) FBCS is opposed to federal direction or involvement in the content or methods of the educational system, whether directly or indirectly. Common Core is a corporate-driven and federally-funded attempt to enforce an agenda on the next generation.

We often say that we “meet or exceed state standards” and, as a school that is committed to “fostering academic excellence,” FBCS continually reviews all educational standards, both state and national. To be aware of trends in education does not, however, necessitate compliance with them. We must apply critical thinking and discernment to all assessment and then “approve things that are excellent” (Philippians 1:10).

Our academic excellence speaks for itself. Our students test above grade level and are in high percentile rankings compared to both public and Christian schools. Common Core is a minimum standard for public schools. Why would we want to lower ourselves to something that is even a step lower than previous well meaning, but ill-conceived federal programs?

We are also committed to a “Bible-centered curriculum.” Biblical integration continues to be the core of FBCS academics. We are a Christian school and if we fail to keep our students focused on the Living Word of God and striving daily to become more conformed to His image, we may as well close our doors, for we are no longer a Christian school. Examples abound of how Common Core is agenda-based, and that agenda is not Christian, but rather dedicated to the breakup of traditional Christian values in our American culture. We remember daily - and prayerfully - the great accountability under which we labor in providing Christian education.

Dedicated since its founding almost forty years ago to excellence and truth, FBCS strives to keep itself constantly informed of changes in both pedagogy and technology. Staying abreast is not, of course, the same as blindly aligning with or agreeing with such changes. FBCS will continue to use publishers they can trust to deliver academically sound and biblically integrated materials. We check all curriculum against rigorous standards, both educational and theological.

God has given us a high calling, parents have given us a high calling, and our mission holds us to that high calling. We seek to give an education from a Christian worldview that cannot be discredited. We will continue to be vigilant in order to maintain those high standards, true to our mission statement.