At Harbor Christian Academy, we believe education is a commitment to the cultivation of wisdom and virtue in young hearts and minds. HCA takes a classical and Christ-centered approach to education because we care about worship. We want our students to understand that we study, experiment, think, discuss, write, debate, and create because we believe this is what it means to be created in the image of God. We study math, not ultimately to become an engineer, but because understanding math helps us understand God. Classical education is an act of worship at HCA.
We believe that every person bears the image of God. The salvation of the soul is of highest priority. Education is a means to an end. The end is not knowledge, or graduation, or high test scores. The end is Jesus Christ Himself—to know Him and be known by him.
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."
PROVERBS 1:7
As part of this commitment to cultivating wisdom and virtue, HCA employs Christian teachers and staff to ensure that our students are surrounded by adults who model a life committed to Christ. We expect all of our staff to model the Christian life through regular personal devotion to Christ, a commitment to Scripture and to the local church, as well as a commitment to discipleship by investing in the hearts and minds of students. As leaders and disciplers, we strive to inspire worship in our students through every aspect of their classical Christian education.
Leadership Retreat
At HCA's leadership retreat this past month, the administrative leadership gathered for a retreat not only focused on planning but on spiritual renewal. Led by John Bryant, Head of School, the team stepped away from the demands of the day-to-day to rest, reflect, and cast vision for the upcoming school year.
A central moment in their time together was a powerful message from pastor and author John Piper at this year's Society for Classical Learning (SCL) conference, challenging listeners to consider what it truly means to glorify God by enjoying Him. His message sparked deeper conversations around HCA's identity not just as a school, but as a Kingdom School.
In defining what that means for HCA, leaders discussed how to intentionally create a safe harbor for students, families, and staff. A harbor marked by grace, truth, and spiritual formation. From this vision flowed a commitment to not only strengthen academic excellence, but to cultivate a Christ-centered culture where every member of the community feels seen, known, and loved.
The retreat concluded with each administrative leader setting both team and personal goals, rooted in the shared mission to shape an environment that reflects God's heart in every classroom and every interaction.
More than just a leadership retreat, it was a recommitment to purpose, a deepening of identity, and a joyful step forward in the journey of becoming all that God has called this school to be.