Core Commitments

Jesus

We acknowledge Jesus Christ as the Son of God, Messiah, Lord and Savior. In every decision we make, we strive to honor Him first. We are committed to integrating the Bible into every subject and honoring Jesus through personal conduct, corporate decision-making and our efforts at loving one another. It is Jesus who saves us and, through the Holy Spirit, it is Jesus who teaches us how to live here on earth as it is in heaven.

Shalom

We are called to seek the shalom of the city. Our commitment to Jesus in the city highlights the need for shalom, which is the Hebrew word for peace. Shalom is wholeness in right relationships with God, with our neighbor, and with His creation. Shalom became visible in Jesus and we bear witness to His shalom in a city awash in violence and in violent responses. We seek to nurture students to become peace makers, to resolve conflict and to pursue justice. Seeking peace is an essential way that we are not conformed to this world, but rather bear witness to Jesus.

City

The city is a place where joy and destruction converge.The city is vibrant, rhythmic and overflowing with countless cultures, voices and points-of-view. At the same time, the city is uniquely burdened with disparity and despair. We embrace our call to the city both in its unique opportunities and in its unique challenges.

Excellence

Schools are overwhelmingly tyrannized by that oppressive word “or,” which tells them they must choose between being a community of excellence or a place that is accessible. We reject this division, and instead, we embrace what Jim Collins calls, “The Genius of And.” We provide an education that is excellent enough that doctors and working professionals send their children here AND accessible enough that we can serve students living in homeless shelters. Excellence is service in love, neither mere service nor kind-hearted intentions. Our commitment to excellence includes training minds and discipling hearts by challenging students where they excel and meeting them where they struggle. Excellence also includes a commitment to organizational alignment of mission, vision, goals, instructional approach and student expectations.

Accessibility

We desire to be accessible across race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and academic ability. We do not shy away from the truth of the gospel in the life of Jesus or the rigors of life. Our commitment to accessibility means we are committed to providing hundreds of thousands of dollars of need-based financial aid that meets the varying financial needs of over two-thirds of our student body.