Harvested Faith Christian Academy

The Purposeful Learning approach seeks to answer the question “Why are we studying this?” It is a critical question often left unanswered in schools, despite compelling research demonstrating that a clear sense of purpose fuels passionate learning. What if we’re learning this so that we can discover answers to our own burning questions. This equips students to participate in causes that are important to them, enabling them to accomplish important work. When learning is purposeful, students are poised to lead by serving with passion. 

Learning is not ultimately about studying discrete bits of information, but rather about constructing a meaningful framework of knowledge. When students see how information and ideas relate and fit together, they learn more and can apply their knowledge in new and useful ways. They don’t merely know – they understand; and, by understanding, they become more capable, competent, impactful members of society. This provides a meaningful context to lead by serving with ever increasing skill.

Students sometimes assume a passive role in school, with their education happening "TO" them. Educational research has discovered that students learn deeply when they have a personal responsibility: when they set goals and monitor their own progress; when they articulate questions and pursue answers; when they are called upon to make decisions, take risks, and claim responsibility. At HFCA, all learning will be intentional and personal, affording students a unique opportunity to engage with the curriculum in a manner that they ultimately own.

Vision-based learning projects, by nature, require collaboration with peers, teachers, and members of the larger community. They raise students’ attention above personal aspirations, bringing into focus others’ needs and perspectives. And they call upon students to consider their role in the larger work of God’s kingdom, taking prayerful steps of obedience to the Gospel. In short, leading by serving exercises faith.

Christianity is woven throughout every aspect of HFCA to include prayer, Bible study, discipleship, and service. HFCA endeavors to create an atmosphere where pressing questions about the Christian faith can be explored, striving to cultivate an atmosphere of non-judgment, recognizing that we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, while standing firm on biblical truths. We do life together by supporting, upholding, encouraging, and completely loving one another as we grow closer to Christ. The school community is also challenged to identify our purpose and impact on the world knowing that individually we all leave a footprint on the earth, while understanding our responsibility to care for every aspect it.

Serving others is a vital part of learning, and it helps students develop hearts for humanity. The Christian faith calls believers to be the hands and feet of Jesus, who is the head.  To that end, HFCA has a mandatory community service requirement for all students, taking place either on HFCA's school grounds or at an approved off-campus site. This creates leadership skills in our students, making them more aware of their roles in the community. It also empowers students to take their classroom learning into the world, by sharing their knowledge with others.