Faith Academy: Bringing up responsible citizens of the world

MANILA, Philippines - Every year, the students of Faith Academy go on week-long field trips, which their school administrators appropriately call Outdoor Education. Leaving the idyllic setting of their Cainta campus, the middle school students get to spend some time in the real world.

In Batangas, they perform science experiments along the shores of Taal Lake. In Corregidor, they acquire a new perspective on Philippine-American history. In Subic, they stay overnight at the jungle to pick up some survival training skills.

Approaching a guide at the Jungle Environment Survival Training Camp, one of Faith Academy’s school administrators asked him for ideas on how they can further improve their program. Smiling, the guide candidly admitted that they actually copy the program run by Faith Academy because, he says, “Your students are different from other schools. Your kids are disciplined. Your kids don’t swear.”

By its very nature, Faith Academy is different. Established in 1957, the school was initially intended for the children of foreign missionaries assigned to the Philippines. Through the year, however, it has opened it self up to children of non-missionary parents. Today, its 500 students represent about 25 different nationalities from across the globe.

Using a combination of the American and Cambridge international curricula, Faith Academy’s educational system is designed to bring up children who are not only creative and critical thinkers but also self-directed learners, explains Steve Schwarze, director for development of Faith Academy.

Schwarze reveals, “We don’t pay our teachers. All the teachers are volunteers. They work here because they feel that this is where they have been called to serve. It’s a calling. They actually have to find funds to come here.”

Thus, to say that Faith Academy teachers teach with unbridled passion may be an understatement. Take the example of Dave French. Twenty-five years ago, he set foot on Philippine shores with the vision of running an outstanding art program at Faith Academy. Today, he is still in his studio, creating exciting art programs that have made his class a popular one among Faith Academy students. He is but one of Faith Academy’s hundreds of teacher volunteers who have made it their mission to bring up children with a passion for learning.

But more than the exemplary academic training, Schwarze likes to believe that Faith Academy trains its students for life.

“We want them to learn a lot about life. That’s part of what we’re here for,” Schwarze says. Providing students with a range of activities from tennis and rugby to music and drama allows them to discover their strengths and weaknesses. Providing students with a range of elective subjects from languages to aeronautics teaches them how to prioritize their interests.

“The holistic program gives opportunities for kids to try different things. It’s not just what you are taught in the classroom, but also what your learn outside... We want to train them to make decisions because life is all about making decisions,” says Schwarze.

The presence of different ethnic groups in the school only adds to the richness of the students’ learning experience. Exposed to different nationalities every day, the students grow up in an environment where race is not an issue.

In the end, Schwarze says, it is the moral fabric of the school, which is run by Christian volunteers with a mission to serve others, which sets it apart from all others; it is Faith Academy’s vision to mold young minds into morally upright global citizens, able to make a productive contribution to the world.

Schwarze says, “We want to form Christ-like lifelong learners.”

Faith Academy is now open for enrollment for schoolyear 2012-2013. Enrollment is until May 31, 2012. To book a school tour, log on to http:explore.faith.edu.ph. Special schedule maybe requested.