Why Pathway?

We have many choices to make during our lifetime, but none as important as the education of our children. How do we instill lifelong values in our children so when they are grown, they make ethical decisions that make us proud and better yet, God proud. We can teach these types of values at home, but that is only part of their day and we are only a small subset of individuals that influence our child. As parents, we try to invoke a positive influence while others may not have our child's best interest in mind. Some things we can't control, in fact, we can't control most things. However, we can control their education. If you went to public schools in the 60's and 70's, we had pieces of these values taught to us; today, less and less. I'm reminded of a country song that came out several years ago called "It's a different world". The songwriter talks about a time when he was in school and how every day would start with the pledge of allegiance and then someone would pray. Where did that go? Whose decision was it to take that out of children's daily routine...to give thanks to God, our creator, and to ask him to watch over us and to impart his wisdom on our leaders of this great nation. One nation under God...where has that gone? Are we still a nation under God: today, less and less.
Those types of values are still available. Those values can be found in Christian education. Specifically, those values are being taught at Pathway. Those values and so much more. Values like compassion, forgiveness, honesty, justice and responsibility just to name a few. The best technique for educating is repetition. Instilling Godly values in our children is no different. Pathway's goal is to partner with the parents so that their child is taught these values, at home, at church and at school.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Should you send your child to a Christian school? What difference does it make? Is there a Biblical directive to do so?

These questions are some of the questions that Christian families struggle to answer. It is an incredibly important issue. Our goal is to answer these questions and more truthfully from the one great source of truth - the Bible.

Q: What is the value of a faith based education for a child, the family, a community and society at large?

A: Faith based education develops in a child the appreciation for life that has material, spiritual and moral dimensions. Some of the many lessons that a child learns and experiences are in values like compassion, forgiveness, honesty, justice and responsibility. Through faith based education a child is better prepared to be a responsible citizen of this multi-cultural, multi-faith country, as well as citizens of the world.

Q: Where would these values come from if not from faith?

A: I do not think that any of us can expect to learn this in the stock exchange or from Wall Street, nor do we expect to learn this from the Las Vegas Casino culture or similar institutions. Faith based education promotes tolerance of difference, allowing children to broaden their minds, share views and explore issues in an atmosphere of mutual respect. This contributes to the cultural development of the child through fostering the child's awareness and understanding of the range of different beliefs, practices and values in their own society and the wider world. This child in the future will adopt an attitude of respect towards others as opposed to suspicion or hostility against anybody who does not fit his model.
The effects of ignorance can be dangerous, it breeds racism and fear, which in turn breeds hatred and with regards to schools, can create discrimination, isolation and bullying, which creates low self-esteem, poor achievement and future unemployment. The benefits of faith-based education create opportunities and lessons learned that go beyond the classroom, by taking action in the neighborhood, the work-place, the market place and at home, and also in visits to places of worship and attendance at celebrations or seminars, or experiencing other people's literature, science, arts, history, and social philosophy, allowing a child to understand and appreciate others.
Parents feel that it is important that their child has the opportunity to learn their values to help the child develop their own sense of identity and belonging. It helps the spiritual and moral development of a child, to consider and respond to questions of meaning and purpose in life, questions about the nature of values in human society. They will learn to respond to areas of morality, using their knowledge and understanding of religious and ethical teaching. They will make reasoned and informed judgments on moral issues. They will consider the needs of others as well as their own needs, to love your brother/sister and neighbor as you love yourself.
The values of a faith based education are always positive and necessary. A moral child will be a better human, a better neighbor, a better spouse, a better citizen, a better student, and a better sibling etc, all this will be reflected positively on the family, the community, and society as a whole.

Q: What does God tell us to do with our children?

A: The first part of this answer has to do with the role of the parent. The parent is the God-appointed leader and teacher of a child. This should come as no surprise to everyone including a non-Christian. The overwhelming task of raising a child is in the hands of the parents.

Ps. 127:3: Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him.
Eph. 6:4: Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

But teach them what? Clearly, God has a great deal to say about this. And before that question is answered, another must be dealt with: "What or who is the most important thing or person for the child to know?" The answer is, "God is the most important person for a child to know." The goal of Christian parents is for their child to know God in a personal way and to know all about God. Nothing could be more important.

With those two simple facts in place as the foundation of our discussion, we can now look at what God has to say more specifically. God says that the education of children and youth is a 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week process that must take place from birth through maturity. Note the Deuteronomy passage below and the context. God is instructing His people how to live as they prepare to go into the Promised Land. Critical to the life and health of His people is the teaching of the Word of God by parents on a daily basis in every situation.

Deut. 11:18-21: Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land that the LORD swore to give your forefathers, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth.

Proverbs 22:6: Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

As you can see above, the education of children and youth must be based on God's Word as absolute truth.

Matthew 24:35: Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Psalm 119:89: Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.

Q: Do you mean that I should send my child to a Christian school so that he may become a Christian?

A: If that were the only reason, it would certainly be enough of a reason for every parent to send his child to a Christian school. However, the Bible tells us two important facts: while God does not promise salvation for everyone that hears the gospel message, He does say that faith comes by hearing the Word of God, and the Word of God is heard daily in a Christian school.
The Bible teaches us that God has a greater plan than one that focuses only on ourselves. A Christian education prepares a child to understand the Bible, know how to defend the faith, and share the gospel and disciple others. The next generation must be considered as part of the responsibility of the present generation. Matthew 28:19-20: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Psalm 78:6-7: so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.

Q: I think that I have a Christian teacher this year in the public school system. Does that handle my responsibility of making sure that my child is instructed and trained in the Lord?

A: Christian teachers in a school that are not allowed to teach about God are in an incredibly difficult position. They are trying to be an influence for the Lord, but the most important tool that they have they are not permitted legally to use-the Word of God. Children and adults alike must learn and be changed by the Word of God. It is the very basis for all truth. In John 17:17 Jesus prays for His people and says, "Sanctify them by the truth, Your word is truth." Christians grow and are made more like Christ as they hear the Word of God. This is why a Christian education is critical.

Q: Many of my friends say that they want their children to be "salt and light" in the non-Christian school. Shouldn't we do that?

A: I appreciate their concern. We should be "salt and light" in the world. However, I think a closer look at the passage and the context will help us see who that mission is actually directed to. In the gospels where this is written, salt and light are meant to be Christian influences in a dark and sinful world. It is only logical that in order to be a Christian influence in the culture, you must be a Christian. So, first you must ask yourself if your child is a born again believer.
Second, we must ask, "In what way can my child be salt and light?" "Is my 1st grader or 5th grader or 8th grader able to have an effect for Christ in the school?" "Can he effectively explain the gospel?" "Can he disciple a believer?" "Can he defend his faith when under attack?" "Can he withstand the constant bombardment of non-Christian teaching, non-Christian thoughts, and non--Christian acquaintances?" In the vast majority of cases the answer would be no, and if the answer is no, then your child can't be "salt and light." In a rare case the answer may be yes, but you are obviously putting your child at great risk. Sending a child into an environment that is anti-Christian in philosophy is subjecting the mind of your child to daily teaching that is determined to replace God in every subject and every area of life. How many young Christians can even discern that they are being fed worldly ways of thought? You might ask why the vast majority are not able to be "salt and light?" It is really quite simple-they are just kids, and kids are not the ones that Jesus told to be salt and light-it is adults. It is the same reason that children do not lead Bible studies, become pastors, or go to foreign countries as missionaries. They are not mature enough emotionally or spiritually, and for that matter, can't even provide their own physical needs. They are at a time in their life when their primary function is to be a good student, not someone who teaches or disciples others. They are still being trained for adulthood and are still in the care and direction of their parents. That goes full circle back to the Christian parents' responsibility. We are called to protect and nurture our children in the ways of Christ so they can grow up to be world changers for Christ-no longer little saplings, but instead, strong oaks for the Lord!

Q: But will I be sheltering my child from the "real world?"

A: There is a common misconception that Christian schools shield children from every temptation and sinful exposure. This is not true, nor is it even possible. Christian schools have the same types of kids non-Christian schools have-sinners! Because all children come into this world with a sin nature, they are all prone to selfishness, anger, malicious talk, coveting, and the list goes on. In addition, they are exposed to many of the worldly influences that all children are exposed to in movies, books, television and more. The difference in the Christian school is that the Christian school brings the Word of God to every situation in the lives of the children. The Christian school is able to apply the Word of God to every instance of sinful thought or action, and by God's grace, renew the mind of the child. Hence, the goal to produce adults that have been trained unto godly living and thinking in a world full of temptations and their own weaknesses as a fallen human being.

Q: When is the best time to put them in a Christian school?

A: Based on what we have found in the Bible, there is a better question: "When should they not be in a Christ-centered environment?" The answer is plainly never. If at all possible, have them taught from a Christian perspective every day of their life.

Q: I don't know if I can afford the tuition. What do I do?

A: First, take an honest and careful look at your finances. Can you make some adjustments to how you spend money? Remembering that all of your money is actually God's money (He owns it and you are just a manager), pray to God to help you know if you are spending His money in a way that honors Him. Look to see if you are spending money on things that only bring you short term pleasure rather than things of eternal value. In light of all that and all that we have discussed here, ask yourself if you have placed less important things above the awesome God ordained task of educating your children the way God wants you to rear them. Remember the words from Jesus in Matthew 6:33: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." You may come to a sobering conclusion that you know that your child should be in a Christian school, but you have put your family in a position that makes it impossible to do so. If that is the case, make plans to make changes that will enable you to afford a Christian education, even if it will take 2-3 years before you accomplish the goal. If you review your situation and simply can't afford it, and you can’t make any changes to your personal budget/spending habits, pray that God will make a way.

Q: I went to a public school and I turned out OK. Can't my children do the same?

A: It is difficult to know what "OK" means. If you are saying "OK" means that you became a Christian, and you are a "nice" person with a "normal" life, give thanks to God.
But if you are saying that "OK" means that you are the same person today that you would have been if you had attended a Christian school, then we must think about what is assumed behind that statement. God says that His word does not return void, that there is power in His word, and that it is the tool that He uses to change and mold a person's mind and heart. If that is true (and God cannot lie), then it is impossible that you could become the same person whether you were or were not in a place where His word was taught and studied for as much as 13 years (K through 12th grades). Imagine where you might be in your Christian walk if you had daily study of the Bible from Kindergarten through high school! Think of how God's word might be more readily available to your daily thoughts and struggles. Think how you might have been used by God for His glory if you were better versed in God's truth.

Q: What would happen if Christians left the public schools? Wouldn't that be a disaster for the public school system?

A: God is in charge of all that happens, so it is impossible to predict what might happen to the public school system if large numbers of Christian families decided to choose Christian education. Certainly, Christians are not called to support institutions that teach in opposition to the Bible and questions about the legitimate functions of government are complex. However, this publication doesn't seek to answer those questions. We seek to address what God requires of Christian parents for their children.

Q: I am a teacher in the public school system. Are you saying that I am sinning to be there?

A: The Biblical direction for a mature adult Christian who teaches in the public school system is completely different than a child who is learning how to think.It is possible for an adult Christian to be salt and light in a dark world. However, the Christian teacher may be faced with being charged by the school system to teach children things that are in direct opposition to the teaching of the Bible. Individual public schools are often quite different in what degree they enforce the government teaching of things like same sex parenting, homosexuality, and evolution. Each Christian teacher must evaluate his own situation in light of Biblical principles, and pray before the Lord to discern what is pleasing to God.

Final Thoughts

God's directions to Christian parents regarding Him being primary in the education of their children's lives are clear. As long as Christians allow their children to be educated and trained in godless schools, our country will never become a Christian nation, and in fact, will continue to fall away from Christian principles for living and government. How could we expect any other result? Each one of us must decide how we will account to God for the educational path that we chose for our children. My hope is that you will choose the path that is built on His word and honors Him.

Why Pathway:

Why invest your time, money, and children in Pathway Christian Academy?
Pathway Christian Academy was established in 2005 as a result of the merger of two Christian schools committed to continuing a legacy of Christian Education excellence. We have not deviated from those principles and we strive to do the following:

• Arm our children with the Word to conquer life's daily challenges and temptations to sin
• Teach our children compassion, forgiveness, honesty, justice, responsibility and love for others
• Teach our children academics so they excel in life. Regardless of their plans after graduation...college, workforce, missionary...they are prepared to do it and do it well
• Provide a nurturing and loving environment for students so they feel safe

Pathway is non-denominational, non-profit, tax-exempt, private educational institution, hosting over 60 different churches from the New River Valley Community and surrounding counties - Giles, Floyd, Pulaski, Montgomery and Roanoke. Their student body and administration is as diverse as the churches and constituency that we serve.
Pathway has begun the accreditation process with the Association of Christian Schools International and upon completion will become the first fully Virginia state accredited private elementary, middle and high school in our area. Under ACSI's guidance we will obtain and maintain strenuous academic, curriculum, financial and business requirements for students, teachers and administration.
Finally, Pathway is mostly a ministry dedicated to developing the whole person, spiritual, intellectual, emotional and physical.

Our Future:

The vision God has given has become a reality.

Our school will be positioned upon 30.07 acres on top of the second most highest and picturesque site in our county. Pathway will be seen by motorist passing by as they travel along interstate 81 between Radford, Christiansburg, Floyd, Salem and Roanoke and will be compelled to say, look at what God has done in the NRV. The school will be constructed in 3 phases and will total 48,000 total square feet when completed and able to serve over 500 students.

Currently we have developed programs in 4 areas.

Daycare: Our daycare is licensed by the state of Virginia for 3 and 4 year olds. There are 27 spots filled and 40 spots will be available with our new facility in the fall. Each classroom will have dedicated restroom space and sufficient space for play and learning. We are excited to have this program be a continued presence in our school and we expect to grow this offering in the future with our new facility.

Pathway Elementary School: The elementary school contains grades Kindergarten through 5th. Our teachers are state certified and/or ACSI certified. The curriculum is a mix of ABEKA, SAXON, and BOB JONES. The foreign language, music and art programs to these youngsters are a plus for both parents and students. We will have at least two kindergarten, 1st grade, and 5th grade classes located with our new facility in phase 1.

Pathway Middle School: The Middle School is being equipped with an exciting sports mentoring program this year. The 6th, 7th and 8th graders will be getting a taste of academics mixed with sports and several electives. The technology and science offerings will be continually upgraded to prepare our middle school students for the high school level.

Pathway High School: A state of the art program where students are introduced to leadership programs, computer training, and college partnership classes with NR Community and high standards of citizenship. An honors program was introduced last semester and we hope to extend as far as the elementary school. High school will have science labs, a music lab for choir, band and orchestra instruction, a common area for electives and hanging out. We will have developed and in place a comprehensive sports program that will encompass the elementary grades through high school, with Basketball, Softball, Baseball, Volleyball, Soccer, and Track & Field.

The Phases of construction...

Phase I: Initial footprint will be 30,000 square feet with the ability to serve up to 350 students. This structure will house science and technology, music and the arts, offices, lockers and more. Classrooms will be state of the art for teacher instruction, storage and applied learning. Space and lighting will be used to allow for the maximum comfort in learning. We will build 24 classrooms and offices in this new two-story structure.

Phase II: Complete the gym facility to house courts and bleachers, locker rooms for both boys and girls and stage. This facility will also double as our auditorium and have a storage facility for sports equipment. Athletic fields are already being prepped but will receive their final touches during this phase. This state of the art gym facility will be able to accommodate 750-800 panther fans, friends, relatives and affiliates.

Phase III: Add the Right Wing facility. This structure will add 8 more classrooms, a kitchen and cafeteria area. This wing will bring our capacity for students to 500+ students.