CSDA Christian Academy

Student Handbook

"The main object of education should be to gain a knowledge of how we can glorify God, whose we are by creation and redemption.
The results of education should be to enable us to understand the voice of God."

Mission Statement

CSDA Christian Academy is first and foremost an institution "owned and supervised by Yahweh, the Creator" of Heaven and Earth. It provides a Christian, Bible-based education for students without tution, fees or operating costs incurred by the parents/guardians according to the instruction: "freely ye have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:8b) We have composed this "student handbook" for the convenience of current students, prospective students, and their parents/guardians. Let it be understood, however, that the "pimary operating guideline," that is, our basic Academy handbook is the Holy Bible.

Principles of Christian Education

"It is the nicest work ever assumed by men and women to deal with youthful minds. The greatest care should be taken in the education of youth to so vary the manner of instruction as to call forth the high and noble powers of the mind." - Ellen G. White, Fundamentals of Christian Education.

The primary goal of education is to furnish an individual with the knowledge required to succeed. For the Christian, the concept of success is entirely centered around the plan of the Creator for his or her life. The focus of the CSDA Christian Academy is to prepare a people to stand in the day of judgment, at which time each of the faithful will hear the voice of the Master saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." (Matthew 25:23)

The "few things" made mention of in the Scripture above are not neglected either, for it is also written, "A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, 'Occupy till I come.'" (Luke 19:12,13) The Academy endeavors to allow each student the opportunity to develop the talents delivered unto him or her by the Almighty, and to use them in a way which is both beneficial to society and glorifying to Heaven's King.

We are told in the Bible that, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (2 Tim 3:16) As such, the Academy considers the Bible Itself to be our basic textbook, consonant with preparing a body of individuals to stand victorious in character until the coming of Messiah. Various other resources will be drawn upon as the need is perceived.

As our foundation of education is vastly different from those of secular and other Christian schools, so is our approach. Worldly methods of grading and testing are not designed to produce or strengthen the attributes of a character which is being prepared for the holy and harmonious society of Heaven. It is written, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it," (Proverbs 22:6) and the Academy views this instruction as being applicable to both this earthly life and the life to come.

"True education means more than the pursual of a certain course of study. It means more than a perparation for the life that now is. It has to do with the whole being, and with the whole period of existence possible to man. It is the harmonious development of the physical, the mental and the spiritual powers. It prepares the student for the joy of service in this world and for the higher joy of wider service in the world to come." - Ellen G. White, Education.

Our Services

The CSDA Christian Academy provides an educational ministry, in harmony with the principles of the Bible and plan for the Creator. In accordance with it being a ministry of the Creator, no fees or tuition is requested from parents/guardians.

There is no charge assessed for the use of the school building, accessories, kitchen area, appliances, computers, reference materials and other on-site facilities/amenities. Aside from this, parents/guardians are required to provide for the basic needs of their children during times of instruction, including the following:

- Food (one nutritious meal during the day).

- Transportation to and from the Academy.

- Bibles, workbooks, special text books, writing materials, and stationery supplies in general.

- Special equipment for vocational projects such as protective gloves, goggles, shoes and

other miscellaneous items.

-Costs for admissions, meals, and transportation related to Academy-sponsored field trips.

Policies and Student Requirements

The CSDA Christian Academy declares no affiliation with any worldly or earthly associations or any other educational institutions. Our headquarters is the New Jerusalem of the Heavenly Kingdom, (Revelation 21:2) and from thence are derived all our policies as they relate to our operating procedures (the Holy Bible sufficing as the revealed will of YAHWEH, our Heavenly Father).

Upon enrollment, a form is provided which includes such articles as a parental release for emergency medical treatment, a waiver of Academy liability, and a request for student records (both academic and health) from previous learning institutions. We accept enrollment applications for children ages 8 years old through 21 years old. We recommend home-schooling for younger children.

The schedule of required attendance, concerning both number of hours per day and specific days per week, is variable and flexible. The meeting arrangements are discussed with parents/guardians ahead of time. The Tennessee standard for the 180-day per school year instructional requirement will be met. The default system for class times will be Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Make-up days and/or special programs will be arranged on Sunday afternoons as necessary.

Discipline is required to maintain optimal learning environment for all. Our "primary handbook" should firstly be the Holy Bible which says, "The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame." (Proverbs 29:15) We shall administer "corporal punishment" only in cases of rebellion against righteous authority. The preferred procedure for discipline is to reason with the child in such a way as to bring forth a spirit of co-operation. Times of separation from the instruction group can be employed for this purpose with success. Prayer will not be neglected.

At CSDA Christian Academy neither grade levels nor a grading system of performance are recognized. Students have some input into the topics of study according to their varied interests. Bible instruction is required and chosen by the staff on a daily basis. All students will be encouraged and assisted by Academy staff to perform at their highest level of competence.

Students seeking a diploma from our school will be tutored in preparation for taking the General Educational Development (GED) exam at whatever time they are qualified to do so by the state government of the child's residence.

Boarding students will be considered on an individual basis, and parents/guardians will be required to support their children financially while attending our institution.

NOTE: We are blessed to offer to the communities of Selmer, Tennessee and Corinth, Mississippi a quality Christian educational program. Understanding that much time and personal sacrifice has been invested to secure such a blessing, we take this brief line to say we accept and appreciate all free-will offerings to insure that this ministry shall continue without financial hindrance.