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Welcome from our Administrator

Santa Rosa Christian School is here to provide a wholesome, Christian education for children in our community.  Your child's educational future depends upon the basics that he or she learns in the earliest years of school. We believe the very best Christian education provides both academic excellence and Biblical truth to its students.  Our school stresses high-quality academics with sound moral and spiritual values based upon the Word of God.  Our  teachers are dedicated to our time-tested educational philosophy, to our students, and to the Word of God.  Our student test scores indicate that we exceed the educational standards of the State of Florida.  If you desire a Christ-centered curriculum, loving teachers, and a school with a proven track record of excellence, then we urge you to give your children the proper foundation they need for life at Santa Rosa Christian School.

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Philosophy & Mission

Since the founding of the ministry, SRCS has understood that the specified philosophy of education greatly impacts both the direction of the school and the outcome of the students. The metaphysics, epistemology, and axiology of the Christian school’s philosophy must all extend from the Bible, building a strong foundation centered on the fundamental doctrines of the Word of God. Santa Rosa Christian has desired to build its philosophy within these parameters.

 

Santa Rosa Christian’s philosophy of education is taken directly

from the Word of God. Three basic verses guide our philosophy:

  • Deuteronomy 6:4-7a: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children.

  • Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

  • I Corinthians 14:40: “Let all things be done decently and in order.”

 

In general, SRCS follows the Biblical example of a Christ-centered philosophy. Stemming from John 14:6, Christ is the way (metaphysics), the truth (epistemology), and the life (axiology), and as such, SRCS strives to measure its direction and decisions against God’s revelation of Christ.

 

Metaphysics: In answering the question, “What is reality,” SRCS believes that ultimate reality is found in God, the Creator and Supreme Authority of the universe. Since this is true, any earthly authority is granted by God; this fact brings the realm of education with its authority structure under God. Furthermore, in the school setting, the authority of the parent is delegated to the school and in turn to the teacher. This authoritarian philosophy is to therefore permeate every area of the school life. This foundational tenet which puts God in the center of education focuses every element of Christian education toward objectivity. As Knight aptly writes, “Every aspect of Christian education is determined by the Christian view of reality,” including curriculum, role of the learner, authority relationships, and methodologies (Philosophy & Education, 178). With this in mind, SRCS takes seriously the responsibility to research, study, and investigate philosophical roots before decisions are made which affect the direction of the school. SRCS desires to avoid those educational methods and philosophies which shift the focus away from God and toward the student or content. Therefore, SRCS does not agree either with the humanistic, child-centered approach or the Godless content-centered approach; rather, SRCS works with the Holy Spirit’s guidance to maintain a Christ-centered approach which relates every subject and activity to our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Epistemology: Consistent with a Biblical metaphysic, SRCS believes that the sole source of absolute truth is the Word of God, the revelation of Jesus Christ. Because of this fact, SRCS realizes that students do not originate or construct truth; truth is revealed by God, and Christian educators have the honorable privilege of helping students discover God’s truth. This discovery is forged through another God-given element—reason and rationality. SRCS hopes to present objective a priori truth to its students so that with their God given reasoning ability, they may personally appropriate God’s revelation and apply it consistently to all areas of life. A key tool in achieving this goal is the use of Christian curriculum which interweaves all knowledge around the core of objective revealed truth. Knight (183) also writes, “The acceptance of revelation as the basic source of authority places the Bible at the heart of Christian education and provides the knowledge framework in which all subject matters are evaluated.” SRCS is therefore first and foremost a Christian school, and secondarily, an academic institution. While no conflict between these two should exist, truth will not be sacrificed for knowledge as the world defines it. In applying Biblical epistemology in a practical Christian school setting, SRCS strives to accomplish Deuteronomy 6:4-7 so that youth might love the Lord as the precepts of the Scripture are diligently taught. Furthermore, the mandate to train up a child requires vision on the part of both school leadership and classroom teacher as they focus on the “way he should go.” This way is the truth of Biblical epistemology, the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Axiology: The axiology of a Christian school should also be determined through the Scriptures. If the school does not present the Biblical view of values and standards to live by, then the student will either arrive at his own or receive them from a sinful world. SRCS believes that ethics and aesthetics should be built upon God’s character which is found in the revealed Word of God. Ultimately, the school can affect a student’s view of ethics through the methodologies used and the discipline enacted. SRCS believes that its students should build character through the use of discipline. I Corinthians 14:40 sets the tone for all things being done orderly; a disciplined, structured, teacher-led classroom provides the necessary environment for character building. Striving for academic excellence also challenges the students to work hard and reach the top of their ability. In order to develop young people with genuine Christian character, SRCS attempts to weave discipline, self-control, and individual responsibility into every phase of the program.

 

The relationship of these areas of philosophy to practical education is an essential link for proper Christian education. As Baker writes, the authoritarian approach produces good discipline and the belief in objective truth yields character training and excellence; ultimately, “A child taught from this God-centered traditional point of view, will be in a position to say, ‘Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth.’” (The Successful Christian School, 41) SRCS agrees wholeheartedly with this Biblical foundation, understanding that the traditional Christian approach to education charts the best course through which young people can prepare and yield to God’s call. Upon this premise, SRCS desires to unashamedly teach both the child and the truth. In a generation concerned with inclusion and tolerance, SRCS maintains the philosophy that God’s way is the right way, and therefore, this is the way that should be taught throughout the entire school program. As Morris aptly wrote, “Teaching is not the discovery of truth, nor sharing the truth; it is indoctrinating the truth!” (Christian Education for the Real World, 31).

 

With a Biblical metaphysics, epistemology, and axiology as the foundation, SRCS has established the following mission:

 

Santa Rosa Christian School is dedicated to the spiritual, moral, mental, and social development of youth through Bible based education.

Admissions Procedure

Non-Discrimination Policy: SRCS admits students of any race, color, national, or ethnic origin. Attendance at the school is a privilege, not a right, and admission is based solely on the policy and procedures outlined in this document.

 

Parents wishing to enroll their student at SRCS must take the following steps for acceptance and admission.

Step One: Parents must first complete the registration form which is composed of four basic parts: personal information for both students and parents, emergency contact information, pick up list designations, and statement of cooperation. The non-refundable registration fee of $100 must accompany the form; the fee allows SRCS to begin the process of placing the student and requesting records.

 

Step Two: Parents must provide the “big three”—birth certificate, immunization record (DH 680), and physical examination health report (DH 3040). The birth certificate enables the registrar to determine appropriate grade level, and the health documents ensure the school that basic health standards are met per state law.

 

Step Three: Before a student is accepted, the registrar of SRCS will conduct an interview with the parents for the purpose of not only communicating the school’s philosophy, standards, and mission but also gleaning data beneficial in determining the potential success of the child at SRCS. On the academy level, the student will either interview or complete a questionnaire, indicating a willingness to conform to the deportment and academic standards of SRCS. SRCS is not a reform

school; therefore, students who have been expelled or suspended may be denied admission.

 

Step Four: After a successful interview process, the registrar will set up a placement test appointment and instruct the secretary to request records. The registrar will evaluate any tests and make recommendations as to the student’s placement. A student may also be put back a grade level if age allows and parents agree. If repeating a grade is not feasible, SRCS will not accept the student; the registrar will suggest remedial routes and encourage the parents to come back when the student improves. These processes, along with previous academic records, help determine the specific grade placement of the student.

 

Step Five: The registrar may confer with the administration before making a final decision. The parent and student interviews, transcripts, and placement test are used to assess if the school’s mission can be met in each specific case. Assessment may include communication with the previous school as well as the family’s pastor where applicable. The decision will be relayed to the family in a timely manner.

 

Step Six: Having accepted the student, SRCS will bill the first tuition payment, orient the student and family, and place the student in the appropriate class.

 

Conclusion

 

Through effective use of this policy, SRCS hopes to be equitable in dealing with all applicants. As a Christian school, SRCS desires to maintain its standards of conduct and academic excellence, and following these steps helps in the enrollment of students that God would have for each school year.

Ethics in Education

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Standards of Ethical Conduct 

 

As a private Christian religious based school, Santa Rosa Christian School hires employees who meet standards of good moral and ethical character.  The school seeks those teachers who exhibit honorable characteristics such as honesty, responsibility, loyalty, dependability, and Bible-based morality. Therefore, we expect our educators to uphold certain standards of ethical conduct.

 

SRCS understands that each teacher and student is a creation of God, and as such, is precious in His sight. We therefore value the worth and dignity of each person as well as their right to the pursuit of truth, excellence, and knowledge. All students are given the same opportunity to learn.​

 

As a Christian educational institution, SRCS seeks to fulfill its mission of using Bible based education to develop children spiritually, morally, mentally, and socially. Since our goal is the development of students, SRCS seeks to employ those individuals who have integrity, are professional, and act in an ethical manner.

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SRCS believes that Christian teachers must work together in fulfilling the school mission; therefore, teachers must maintain ethical relationships with each other as well. Teachers must not discriminate or harass based on race, sex, ethnicity, handicap, or family background in a manner that denies benefits and advantages or fosters an abusive and oppressive environment. As instructed in the Bible, Christian teachers seek to edify each other and remained unified.

 

Training Requirement

 

All instructional personnel, administrators, and educational support staff are required to complete training on these standards of conduct.  The information is available in the faculty manual and reviewed annually during in-service training. This training includes content from video as well as administrator-led instruction.

 

Reporting Misconduct by Instructional Personnel and Administrators

 

All employees, educational support staff, and administrators have an obligation to report misconduct by instructional personnel and school administrators which affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student. Examples of misconduct include obscene language, drug and alcohol use, disparaging comments, prejudice or bigotry, sexual misconduct, cheating or testing violations, physical aggression, and accepting or offering favors. Reports of misconduct of employees should be made to Dr. Adam Watt, school administrator (adamcwatt@outlook.com; 850-698-3122). Reports of misconduct by administrators should be made to Tod Brainard, President (todbrainard1964@gmail.com; 850-449-3702). Appropriate action will be taken as detailed in the Gospel Projects Personnel Manual.  Policies and procedures for reporting misconduct by employees or school administrators which affects health, safety, or welfare of a student are posted in the main hallway, faculty manual, and parent-student handbook (available for parents through Sycamore). 

 

Reporting Child Abuse, Abandonment, or Neglect

 

SRCS requires each teacher to sign the DCF form on their obligation to report child abuse. All employees have an affirmative duty to report all actual or suspected cases of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Call 1-800-96-ABUSE or report online at http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/ abuse/report.  The following suggestions may help a teacher with reporting such abuse:

 

Signs of Physical Abuse: The child may have unexplained bruises, welts, cuts, or other injuries; broken bones; or burns. A child experiencing physical abuse may seem withdrawn or depressed, seem afraid to go home, or may run away, shy away from physical contact, be aggressive, or wear inappropriate clothing to hide injuries.

 

Signs of Sexual Abuse:  The child may have torn, stained, or bloody underwear, trouble walking or sitting, pain or itching in genital area, or a sexually transmitted disease.  A child experiencing sexual abuse may have unusual knowledge of sex or act seductively, fear a particular person, seem withdrawn or depressed, gain or lose weight suddenly, shy away from physical contact, or run away from home.

 

Signs of Nelgect:  The child may have unattended medical needs, little or no supervision at home, poor hygiene, or appear underweight. A child experiencing neglect may be frequently tired or hungry, steal food, or appear overly needy for adult attention.

 

Patterns of Abuse:  Serious abuse usually involves a combination of factors. While a single sign may not be significant, a pattern of physical or behavioral signs is a serious indicator and should be reported.  

 

Liability Protections

 

Any person, official, or institution participating in good faith in any act authorized or required by law, or reporting in good faith any instance of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect to the department or any law enforcement agency, shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability which might otherwise result by reason of such action. (F.S. 39.203).  

 

An employer who discloses information about a former or current employee to a prospective employer of the former or current employee upon request of the prospective employer or of the former or current employee is immune from civil liability for such disclosure or its consequences unless it is shown by clear and convincing evidence that the information disclosed by the former or current employer was knowingly false or violated any civil right of the former or current employee protected under F.S. Chapter 7600. (F.S. 768.095).

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