Not just college-ready or career-ready… Kingdom-ready.

At Pella Christian, we offer education that is shaped by the Christian faith. We affirm that every aspect of education belongs to God. We acknowledge Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord over all of life.

That’s why we are committed to weaving Biblical truth into the fabric of all academics and co-curricular activities. Students develop healthy social, intellectual, emotional, and physical self-concept in a learning environment that provides guidance to and encourages critical thinking. This combines to equip students for a lifetime of service to Jesus Christ.

Spiritually Growing Individuals…

…who experience the full, regenerating power of Jesus Christ and the Word of God through the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives, and who strive for the highest development of their individual God-given gifts.

Ephesians 1:3-4
Colossians 2:6-7

Lifelong Learners…

…who demonstrate confidence in their God-given gifts, and set realistic personal and academic goals for a life of service in God’s Kingdom.

Romans 12:3-8

Critical Thinkers…

…who carry out problem-solving skills to promote the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 4:6-9

Effective Communicators…

…who express themselves and their faith in writing, speaking, listening and numbers.

1 Thessalonians 1:5

Servant Leaders…

…who practice Biblical skills in developing Godly relationships and who are able to work harmoniously in a diverse environment and function effectively as a citizen in God’s Kingdom.

Philippians 2:15

Healthy Individuals…

…who understand their identity in Christ as a unique individual created in the image of God, and are physically, emotionally and spiritually fit, practicing good health habits and wise use of the body as the temple of God.

Romans 12:1-2
1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Community Participants…

…who understand God’s influence in history and world events, and realize their need to practice responsible citizenship through community service.

1 John 3:16-18

What is the deepest desire for your child’s education? What are the stories and messages that you want to form them as they learn? What type of environment do you want them shaped by and participate in shaping?

Faith Integration

Pella Christian Schools uses Teaching for Transformation framework to help us design learning opportunities that invite, nurture and empower students to know God’s story and live their part in God’s story. 

Deep Hope

“What is my deep hope?” It is the first question a teacher asks when designing learning experiences for their students. It’s why they have followed the call to teach at Pella Christian Schools. This deep hope aligns with the desires that you as parents have for your children when you enroll them at Pella Christian. It reflects the promises contained within the school’s mission and points to God’s Story.

Storyline

Every Christian school classroom must have a powerful and compelling vision of the Kingdom that creates a longing and a desire within every student to play their part in God’s unfolding story.  The classroom storyline is designed to help teachers establish the connection between their curriculum and God’s story.  The storyline invites students to imagine his or her place in God’s story in daily learning. 

Throughlines

The Throughlines are biblical characteristics that each person can be challenged to embody.  Christian schools can develop Christian culture by challenging their people to actively live out these characteristics. These Biblical Throughlines help us to understand our roles within the community.  See below for a list of our ten Throughlines.

Formational Learning Experiences (FLEx)

Formational Learning Experiences (FLEx) help students to live our his or her part in God’s story now.  Every Christian school should offer meaningful opportunities for students to do real work, for real people with real needs.  FLEx allow students to take action with their faith and build capacity for them to become people who live and breathe to work of God’s kingdom. 

Common Curriculum Questions:

What is it? 
The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) is a set of standards developed by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) in 2010. The standards are intended to provide direction to schools in determining what students should know and be able to do at each level of the educational experience so each student will exit high school with the necessary knowledge and skills for college, career, and life. The IOWA CORE includes the Common Core with some additional standards. 

Does PC use the Common Core/Iowa Core? 
When each curricular area is reviewed a team of teachers, administrators, board representatives, and parent volunteers examines the Iowa Core to determine the desired level of alignment in that curricular area. As we create curriculum that promotes the PC vision, mission, and values, we choose to use standards from the Core only if they reflect our desired rigor and do not conflict with our beliefs. Because we are independently accredited, we have the ability to add, delete, and modify the Core.   

Benchmarks

View Curriculum Maps
View by Grade level by viewing the PCG maps in the drop down menus

Trixanna Wang, PCHS’ Academic Counselor, walks alongside families as they learn about graduation requirements and credits, and explore class offerings. PCHS provides a liberal arts education including college courses and classes in industrial arts, fine and performing arts, and family and consumer sciences.

PCHS Course Guide

Over 40 college credit classes are available to students through our partnerships with DMACC, Dordt University, Calvin University, NIACC and the Pella Career Academy. Apprenticeships and certifications are also available at PCHS through WorkSmart Connector.

Where is your child at in his or her relationship with Jesus Christ?

Key text: 2 Corinthians 5:7 “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

Question #1: Does your child understand salvation?
Mark 10:15 -“Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”

Romans 10 – 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

Although this text is addressed to adults, it references the genuine faith a child can posses.

A child should:

  1. Understand Godʼs plan of salvation at an age appropriate level.
  2. Understand that Godʼs plan of salvation is meant for them personally.
  3. Be able to articulate their personal “faith statement” at an age appropriate level.
  4. Begin to understand Godʼs purpose for them in the world.

Question #2: What are some indicators your childʼs faith walk is developing?
This could be called the “faith walk,” and can only occur after personally understanding Godʼs plan of salvation. Luke 9:23 states: Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” As Christians, Jesus calls us all too personally follow Him. This is the process of discipleship. What does this entail?

  1. Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18 This is the process of discipleship, of becoming a disciple of Jesus and beginning the process of walking through life with Him.
    • Here a child should grow in his or her knowledge of Jesus Christ through scripture teaching that clearly explains the Gospel and correct doctrinal understanding of the teachings God has revealed in the Bible.
    • Fruit of the spirit begins to be demonstrated in behavior and life. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
    • Scripture memory should support this knowledge.
    • Development of spiritual disciplines: personal Bible reading, prayer and giving
    • Worship of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
    • Service: An attitude of service to God cultivated through projects etc.
    • Giving: Personal giving can happen through school activities and projects.
  2. The continual development of a Biblical worldview can only happen if the above are happening for each student in a personal way. To grow the childʼs world view:
    • All subjects are taught from a Biblical and distinctly Christian point of view.
    • A Biblical worldview begins with an understanding of how God created the heavens and the earth, and that we are his handiwork. The concept of stewardship of Godʼs world and what he has given us to manage are to be developed.
    • The concept of a Biblical world view builds in all the grade levels and eventually moves into concepts of Godʼs call for each person to kingdom service. In essence we are learning our place in Godʼs creation and exploring Godʼs personal call to serve Him in our lives.

Question #3: What are some indicators your child is walking by faith, not by sight?
“The Christian walk” is the culmination of a personal faith and an age appropriate Biblical worldview, which guides daily living, behavior and life choices.

This is where we begin to train children to walk “not by sight, but by faith.” What then is “sight?” It is “what seems right in our own eyes.” Judges 16:7, Proverbs 12:15 How then do we train students in this aspect of their personal faith walk so they live authentic lives based on Biblical principles, “not by sight?”

  1. Teaching that affirms the origin and inspiration of the Bible.
  2. A Biblical understanding of the origin of all things.
  3. Teaching Biblical norms, standards and guidelines for living in obedience to God.
  4. Age appropriate exploration of the fallacies of secularism with affirmation of the wisdom of Godʼs plan for mankind.
  5. Age appropriate defense of oneʼs faith and oneʼs Biblical worldview.
  6. A clear understanding that all of creation belongs to God and that all aspects of my life are service to Him. No part of my life is truly secular.

Craig Juffer

Director of Learning

Craig’s Deep Hope is that people will be more fully formed to embody God’s collective and individual call for their lives. He has a passion for learning. He supports and challenges teachers to reach academic success rooted in God’s infallible word and brings creativity in supporting diverse learners.

CONTACT CRAIG