Educational Philosophy and Catholic Nature of The School
The educational philosophy of the Atonement Academy is summed up by the Latin phrase "Fides et Ratio" (faith and reason) and the curriculum is designed in the mold of classical and Catholic education. Classical education begins with the goal of nurturing independent lifelong learners. It focuses on independent learning skills and independent critical thinking skills necessary to encourage and foster in the student a mature desire to learn, to explore, and to seek answers independent of the instructor. The Atonement Academy curriculum is designed to encourage the rise of literate, wise and moral contributors for society by integrating the classical educational approach with a constant awareness of our culture of Western Christianity and with the magisterial teachings of the Catholic faith. It is not necessary to be Catholic to attend the Academy, however all students take theology/religion classes, all attend and participate in daily Mass, and all participate in prayers throughout the school day. On Fridays, the settings of the Novus Ordo Mass are chanted in Latin. Many of the teachers are also parishioners.
The Second Vatican Council confirms the importance of the Catholic school in its Declaration on Christian Education (Gravissimum Educationis) when it declares:
"Among the various organs of education the school is of outstanding importance. In nurturing the intellectual faculties, which is its special mission, it develops a capacity for sound judgment and introduces the pupils to the cultural heritage bequeathed to them by former generations. It fosters a sense of values and prepares them for professional life. By providing for friendly contacts between pupils of different characters and backgrounds, it encourages mutual understanding. Furthermore, it constitutes a center in whose activity and growth not only the families and teachers, but also the various associations for the promotion of cultural, civil and religious life, civic society, and the entire community should take part. (Gravissimum Educationis, 5). "
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