A Christian School's Foundational Values

In the normal course of a day at any Christian school, it is easy to lose focus on what is most important.  A couple unexpectedly drops by for a tour, time cards need to be approved, independent contractor documents need to be reviewed, special assemblies come up, and the e-mails and phone calls seem to pour in.  There are countless, urgent needs.

How do we stay focused on what is most important?

This is the purpose of foundational documents that record in succinct, written form the foundational values of a Christian school.  Foundational documents often include:

1.  Mission Statement - Why does your school exist?
2.  Vision Statement - If your school is successful in its mission, what will your graduates look like?
3.  Philosophy of Education - What does your school believe about the educational process -- the student, the teacher, the curriculum, and the school's relationship with parents?
4.  Core Values - What are the key values that drive every part of the school?
5.  Expected Student Outcomes - Similar to the vision statement, but in more detail what will a graduate look like if you are successful as a Christian school?

These statements record your foundational values, and they serve as a compass to direct every person at a school in the direction God has called you.  Among all the busyness of the day and the distractions of the moment, they can point you in the right direction.  As the School Board plans for the coming decade, these foundational values should guide their prayers and help shape their strategic initiatives.

Does your school have foundational documents?  Are they functional -- shaping every board member, every teacher, every staff member, and every family at your Christian school?

In the coming days, I talk more about each of these foundational documents.