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Why My Boys Attend ACS—A Father's Perspective
by James Orcutt (March 9, 2011)
As a father of two young sons, I believe the most sobering responsibility I have is to insure they are instructed in the ways of the Lord. Since my wife and I both work outside the home, the selection of a K-12 school was a matter of great importance we took very seriously. After much study and prayer, I chose American Christian School as my partner in our sons' education. I would like to share with you some of the reasons why my boys attend ACS.
First, ACS teaches truth. The school is deeply rooted in the Christian faith and the entire curriculum is constructed from a Biblical worldview. Proverbs 1:7 says that the “fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” I appreciate the school reinforcing the moral values I teach at home.
Second, ACS embraces and frankly demands parental participation and involvement. The school understands its role and my role are distinct. The Bible teaches it is the primary responsibility of parents to instruct their children, not the State or the Church. I have every opportunity to engage my sons' teachers and the administration as I feel led. I feel my involvement is genuinely embraced, not shunned. I appreciate the school understanding their role versus my role.
Third, ACS offers smaller class sizes of 10-15 students. There is unmistakable evidence which proves class size influences student learning. ACS teachers have the flexibility to offer individual attention and tutoring when necessary. Classroom management and discipline is easier. Teachers don't get burned out as quickly. Students form stronger peer relationships and rally to support one another. I appreciate the school's commitment to maintaining smaller class sizes.
Fourth, ACS offers a strong academic program. The school utilizes the classical method of instruction rooted in the Trivium, a centuries-old instructional philosophy that has endured the test of time. Admittedly, I poorly understood the classical model when my oldest son first enrolled. Over time I have grown to love and admire this genius approach to K-12 education. An outstanding faculty, many with advanced degrees, complements this model. One need look no further than the fruit of the school to appreciate the power and significance of the decision to utilize the classical model. Each spring all students take the Stanford Achievement Test and over half of the student body scores in the top 25% in the nation. The school has produced 8 National Merit scholars in the last 8 years—a truly remarkable achievement for a small school that typically graduates 10 students each year. The debate program has won the Oklahoma state championship in their class for the last 3 years and qualified several students to national tournaments. I appreciate the school's commitment to the classical model and the emphasis on teaching the Tools of Learning from which students reap lifelong benefits.
Fifth, ACS offers a safe haven for children. Employees are professing Christians who actively attend local churches and have been rigorously screened. They are committed to the school's vision and mission and many have their own children enrolled in ACS. The school is making additional investments in a state-of-the-art security system with electronically controlled key access, multiple cameras and improved perimeter lighting. They recently completed a project to modernize the fire suppression system. The fire and security alarms are monitored 24x7. I appreciate the school's commitment to safety and security.
Sixth, ACS offers a balanced curriculum with music, drama and arts. Grammar students have the opportunity to perform in winter and spring music/drama productions. Secondary students have formed a worship team of instrumentalists and vocalists which lead chapel services throughout the year. The debate program offers rich public speaking and performance arts experience across a broad spectrum of subjects. I appreciate the school's deliberate efforts to broaden the inclusion of the arts into the curriculum.
Finally, ACS maintains excellent parent-teacher-school communications. By creatively utilizing several channels (web, e-mail, direct mail, flyers, newsletters, on site meetings, student planners, etc.) the school strives to insure every parent and interested party is informed. Open communication is paramount to a successful K-12 program and I believe ACS excels in this area. I appreciate the school's commitment to a strong communications program.
I believe providing a first class K-12 education to my sons is the absolute best investment I could ever make. My experience with ACS these last three years has convinced me this school is by far the best value in K-12 education throughout northeast Oklahoma. This is why we drive 30 miles one-way to school. This is why I choose to invest my time, talent and treasure at American Christian School. This is why my boys attend ACS.
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