We asked local independent schools to talk about how they teach non-academic skills essential for future success, such as persistence, teamwork and resilience. Their responses were included in our Independent Schools special section.
From Lions Gate Christian Academy:
The theme of this winter’s Independent Schools feature is most interesting to the Lions Gate Christian Academy community.
Our three overriding expectations for our students, staff and parents are: demonstrate mutual respect, try your best and have fun. They seem to work.
Let’s look at resilience. Over the 20-year life of LGCA, we have had to relocate several times. Our parent community, and thus the students, value the climate and results of our school and are ready to take on the challenge of the next relocation as we grow. The attitude spills over into a “together we can” motto.
Students feel a true ownership of the school because they have been part of the actual moving-in experience.
Curriculum in the classrooms is integrated with these three expectations. Trying harder, trying again and being supported by peers when we do is what happens at LGCA. Learning to organize and make connections beyond the school walls is inherent in our worship teams. Students have opportunity to share their creative, musical gifts with others, but are also in charge of the planning and technical support for community-wide worship nights.
Team building is a critical part of our Missions teams and Elements, our outdoor education program.
We persevere in athletics. Each team member is needed to support the rest of the team. Sometimes smaller is better when it comes to everyone participating: Everyone has to!
Through integration of these intangible attributes into our day-to-day curriculum, we prepare students for life.
After all, education should transform knowledge into wisdom, then act on it.
