What is an Adventist School?

To be Adventist, a school must display a number of “Adventist” characteristics. No one characteristic can truly show what “Adventist” is, but all of a school’s characteristics collectively reveal its Adventist nature. These characteristics comprise its special character which is shown in three key spheres of influence – the school’s philosophy, its curriculum, and its social relationships.

Schools will vary in how they display their Adventist character, but if they are trying to embrace all six elements listed below, their character is likely to be Adventist.

1. An Adventist school develops and communicates a clear statement of its Adventist mission, philosophy and objectives. This statement includes some description of what an Adventist worldview is, and of what the key values and beliefs of this worldview are.
2. An Adventist school is led by an Adventist principal and a staff who together model what an Adventist Christian lifestyle is like. The principal must be a Seventh-day Adventist. Each teacher shall either be an active member in regular attendance at a Seventh-day Adventist Church, or be a practising Christian who supports by teaching and example the beliefs and principles of the Seventh-day Adventist church.
3. An Adventist school shows evidence of pursuing its Adventist mission in its whole curriculum, all the learning planned and guided by the school. Important values, beliefs and ideas from the Adventist worldview are visible in both classroom learning and daily school life. Bible learning is given enough time to impact on students.
4. An Adventist school plans and pursues a set of religious learning experiences to develop student faith. Some of these experiences happen outside formal classroom learning. Examples are worships, chapels, weeks of prayer, student service activities, and baptismal classes.
5. An Adventist school provides a learning environment that is genuinely caring and supportive of staff and students. This is because much Adventist faith is learned in human relationships. Students and staff feel safe and supported in the social and emotional environment of the school.
6. An Adventist school clearly displays its Adventist identity in its appearance, governance and daily activities. Its identity is shown on the school sign, in displays in corridors and classrooms, in symbolic moves of staff at public events and in school life, in school policies, and in the school’s administrative style and communication.

Discussion: Do these six points capture the essence of what an Adventist school is? Can this essence be described more briefly? What would you add or change?

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