About
Education is not mainly about knowledge, or understanding content, its chief goal is forming the mind and heart toward a love of God. We were made in the image of God by His mighty hand and for His purpose, therefore education has the higher call of drawing our affections to God. We do not simply aim at knowing Christian morals. But we commit to the cross of Jesus and His centrality in all the events of humanity. We seek to draw students to the truth of who God is, and His plan for redemption.
“The question is not, -- how much does the youth know? when he has finished his education -- but how much does he care? and about how many orders of things does he care? In fact, how large is the room in which he finds his feet set? and, therefore, how full is the life he has before him?” -Charlotte Mason
Parents Role
Scripture says that parents are called to bring their children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Parents are the primary teacher of faith by what they cultivate at home. Our philosophy is to support and encourage parents in this vitally important role. The in-class days are opportunities to build community as well as provide support for students and parents. We bestow concepts for deeper conversations at home and space for parents to keep their discipleship goals in mind.
Community
TOGA is a place to belong and to grow. We believe that working and serving together builds connections. We seek to encourage an authentic community that represents the varied cultural history and priorities that families bring to the academy. Bringing together multiple generations, friends from differing backgrounds, ethnic uniqueness, and economic diversity builds a community that represents God’s plan for unity among those called by His name. Life together is a high priority; therefore, we encourage life-on-life overlap socially, educationally, and ministerially, with the aim of sharpening one another more into the likeness of Christ and sharing together as each has need.
Education Method
We are grounded in a Charlotte Mason model of education. Learning is relational and living, not the gathering of facts to pass a test. This means we introduce our children to solid truths, notable men and women from history and great books. We think broadly about our world and culture. We are rooted in methods that start with the building blocks of learning and knowledge, and then grow in evaluation, analysis, and application of that knowledge. Our educational philosophy is less focused on the latest trends, and more focused on time tested ideas to prepare the great thinkers of the future.
Habits
The cultivation of Christ-honoring habits is an integral and intentional part of the educational philosophy at TOGA. The mental habit of attention is an example of a habit that will assist a student throughout their lives. This is especially relevant in today’s technology-saturated and easily distracted society. Attention as a habit is emphasized at every grade level by the daily task of narration, where students are asked to summarize a story or idea from a single reading of material. Students learn through continual reinforcement the importance of focus and attention to the task at hand.
Philosophy
Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life. -Charlotte Mason
The Olive Grove Academy uses the Alveary curriculum and training program.
For more information about the Alveary, click here.
Classes are held in Waterloo. Please contact us for more details.