Philosophy
In 1988 what seemed unclear became highlighted and focused as concerned parents, educators, education secretaries and pastors of 8, then 10, churches in the North Bronx and Lower Westchester area met each month and established The Bronx-Westchester S.D.A. Education Committee groups goals of establishing a Seventh-day Adventist Educational/Evangelistic Center were set to:
Oakview Preparatory School of Seventh-Day Adventists provides Christian Education for children, based on Biblical principles. In so doing, the school seeks to:
- Promote spiritual and moral development – character building
- Maintain high standards of academic excellence at all levels in all areas.
- Teach and practice fundamental principles of health and physical well-being.
- Instill interest and knowledge of all cultures.
- Instill respect for the worth of the individual.
- Teach the responsibilities and privileges of good citizenship.
- Instruct students in practical life skills (e.g. Home Economics, Technology, Finance, etc.) and the dignity of labor.
- Prepare a student for service to God, church, community, and fellowmen.
In summary:
We believe “true education means more than the pursuant of a certain course of study. It means more than preparation 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, mental and spiritual powers. It prepares the students for the joy of service in this world and for the higher joy of service in the world to come.”
Education by E. G. White, p. 13
We believe “true education means more than the pursuant of a certain course of study. It means more than preparation for the life that now is. It has to do with the whole being and with the whole period of existence possible to man.
The Approach and Philosophy of Adventist Education
The Seventh-day Adventist Church recognizes God as the ultimate source of existence, truth, and power. In the beginning God created in His image a perfect humanity, a perfection later marred by sin. Education in its broadest sense is a means of returning human beings to their original relationship with God.
The distinctive characteristics of this Adventist worldview, built around creation, the fall, redemption, and re-creation, are derived from the Bible and the inspired writings of Ellen G. White.
The aim of true education is to restore human beings into the image of God as revealed by the life of Jesus Christ. Only through the guidance of the Holy Spirit can this be accomplished.
An education of this kind imparts far more than academic knowledge. It fosters a balanced development of the whole person—spiritual, physical, intellectual, and social-emotional—a process that spans a lifetime. Working together, homes, schools, and churches cooperate with divine agencies to prepare learners to be good citizens in this world and for eternity.