Student smiling.

About MCA

Purpose of Midland Classical Academy

Midland Classical Academy exists to provide an excellent academic foundation from a Biblical worldview. Midland Classical Academy is committed to recovering classical education and the Christian worldview in order to revitalize the impact of the Holy Scriptures on human history through such godly and educated disciples of Jesus Christ as God may raise up by this means.

Education at Midland Classical Academy is intended to be inherently different in philosophy and content. Midland Classical Academy strives to operate as an extension of the family under the conviction that education is the primary responsibility of parents and the immediate family rather than that of the State.

Educational Philosophy

  1. We believe that the Bible clearly instructs parents to "bring children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." Therefore, we seek to teach and discipline in a manner consistent with the Bible and a godly home environment.
  2. We believe that God’s character is not only revealed in His Word, but is also displayed in every facet of the creation. Therefore, we teach that all knowledge is interrelated and can instruct us about God Himself and our purposes before Him.
  3. We believe God wants us to love Him with our minds, as well as with our hearts, souls, and strength (Matt. 22:37). Therefore, we seek to challenge children individually at all levels and to teach them how to learn, not simply to learn by unthinking repetition.
  4. We believe our purpose is to help parents teach their children that all they say and do should be done "heartily, as unto the Lord." Therefore, we seek to encourage quality academic work and maintain high standards of conduct. This includes principles of Biblical discipline.
  5. We believe that as long as a child is under the parents’ authority and undergoing formal education, he should be trained Biblically (Deut. 6:6,7; Prov. 22:6; Eph. 6:4).

Midland Classical Academy Goals

Christian Character

In all its levels, programs, and teaching, Midland Classical Academy seeks to do the following:

  • Teach all subjects as parts of an integrated whole with the Scriptures at the center (II Timothy 3:16-17; John 17:17).
  • Mentor: Provide a clear and authentic model of the Biblical Christian life through our staff and board (Matthew 22:37-4).
  • Encourage every student to begin and/or grow in his or her relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20, Matthew 19:13-15); and learn to serve Him with his entire life (Romans 12:1-2).

Academic Excellence

In all its levels, programs, and teaching, Midland Classical Academy seeks to do the following:

  • Encourage every student to reach toward his or her academic potential and to develop the skills correspondent to learning and thinking for oneself.
  • Emphasize the Classical Trivium; grammar, logic, and rhetoric in all subjects (see definitions below).
  • Provide an orderly atmosphere conducive to the attainment of the above goals.

Definitions

Grammar – The fundamental rules of each subject.

Logic – The ordered relationship of particulars in each subject.

Rhetoric – The clear expression of the grammar and logic of each subject.

In order to clarify these three areas, some have proposed the following as an alternate framework:

  1. Data Accumulation (Grammar)
  2. Analysis (Logic)
  3. Decision-making (Logic and Rhetoric)
  4. Communication (Rhetoric)

For further understanding of the classical method, please refer to:

Structure

The schedule for students at Midland Classical Academy’s Upper School is similar to a college or “block” schedule where classes do not meet every weekday. Some classes meet twice each week; others three times per week; etc. A student is also likely to have an open period or “block” of time between classes when he or she may study, seek help from a tutor, or even leave campus. Each student should expect approximately 15 hours per week of in-class time as well as approximately 25 hours of homework. This schedule promotes individual (self-initiated) learning, time management skills, and is excellent preparation for college.

The schedule for students at Midland Classical Academy’s Grammar School is similar to a "university model" schedule.  Grammar School students attend school two days per week for the core academic program, and Fridays are reserved for enrichment classes.  Twice weekly students will have assignments to complete at home with parental supervision in order to prepare for the subsequent school day.  Kindergarteners will have approximately one hour of work, first through third graders should expect approximately two to five hours of work, and fourth through sixth graders should expect approximately four to seven hours of work to prepare for the next school day.