Academics at Geneva

I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else. ~ C. S. Lewis

Welcome!

Some people mistakenly think of Christian classical education as an innovation in education. However, it is more accurate to think of it as a return to the type of education common before all of the innovations that we take as normal came about. Many parents who are weary of educators using their children to test out the latest pedagogical theories find that classical education is what they are looking for. Parents dismayed with the classroom being a podium for tearing down traditional virtues and faith often discover that they are looking for a school that “has chosen the path of cultural engagement, confidently and joyfully proposing the Christian worldview as an intellectually and morally superior alternative to the tired dogmas of secularism” (Robert P. George).

At The Geneva School, we believe that the Christian worldview and classical approach go hand in hand. As C. S. Lewis argues, “God is no fonder of intellectual slackers than of any other slackers. If you are thinking of becoming a Christian, I warn you, you are embarking on something which is going to take the whole of you, brains and all.” Given this sentiment, we take seriously the role of the intellect in Christian growth, so we are honored when parents choose to partner with us to provide a place for students to flourish intellectually and spiritually. Thus, a Geneva education is not just about learning subjects (though that is important), but about helping students see the big picture of humanity and history and finding their place in it as disciples of Christ. Put another way, we are training students to be Christian thinkers, not just competent test takers. If this sounds suspiciously like what a classical liberal arts education used to be, that is because, in many ways, it is.

It is our hope that by the conclusion of their school days at The Geneva School, students will be proud of the challenging distinction a Christian classical education provides. We don’t want “getting into college” to be the final goal; rather, our goal is for students to become lifelong learners who do to the glory of God whatever they end up doing. In fact, the question “What do you want to do?” takes a back seat to “What kind of person do you want to be?” because we believe that growth in character, grace, and wisdom matters just as much as growth in intellect. Though a Geneva graduate’s final transcript will be impressive, more importantly, we pray for and work towards students becoming “biblically faithful, doctrinally shaped, morally tough, intellectually vibrant, and culturally engaged” (David Wells). So if you are looking for an education that is more than just credentialing for college admission, we invite you to visit The Geneva School and see for yourself.

Best regards,

Rob Shelton
Upper School Director of Student Life