International Christian School is a Christian School

International Christian School seeks to be centered upon Christ. We are committed to building God's Kingdom and integrating faith, learning and action. We are an evangelical[1] Christian school that uses academic and extra-curricular programs to develop the whole student – intellectually, physically, socially and spiritually[2].

We affirm the authority of the Bible over all matters of faith, the exclusive Lordship of Christ and a life of discipleship leading to holiness, witness and service. There is no contradiction between the truth of revelation and scholarly investigation. The intersection of Christian belief, the liberal arts and sciences, and an ethic of service provide an educational perspective that unites theory with practice, leading to an increased understanding of God, self and the world.

International Christian School is a Community of Learners

International Christian School recognizes the importance of the interpersonal dimension of the learning process. We believe that community grows out of common commitments and that learning is the result of interaction between people, ideas and experience. As students’ accountability and responsibility to others is increased, they are better able to understand themselves, respect others and serve as compassionate disciples of Christ and as constructive members of society.

ICS believes that the Gospel transcends all cultures and ideologies and we welcome students of different backgrounds to participate in our community. We affirm that Christian community is formed as individuals personally relate to God. We do not discriminate against students who cannot freely and honestly make a commitment to Christ and also recognize that those who have not made a commitment to Jesus Christ can still learn from and contribute positively to the school.

We seek to carry out our mission by building a community that promotes, and is committed to, the principles of sustainability and stewardship of God’s creation. Our belief in community is expressed in patterns of leadership and governance that are servant-oriented and participatory, leading to collaborative decision making. Qualified Christian teachers deliver a balanced curriculum that purposefully integrates biblical principles such as love[3], truth[4], moral integrity[5] and servanthood[6]. 

International Christian School is Prophetic

The prophetic function of ICS is to engage our community through church and society, believing that the Word of God transforms culture. With a respectful attitude, we persistently dialogue with and critique contemporary culture in a way that honors God and demonstrates respect for those who differ in view. As responsible members of a global community, we embrace our duty to love our neighbor by opening our doors to the community and serving others with humility and compassion.  

We encourage informed reflection on personal, institutional and societal values which contributes to a philosophy of wholeness that is Christ centered. We enable students to respond to current issues with the Word of God; to illuminate darkness with light and dispel ignorance with wisdom and understanding.

Our leadership trusts God to provide direction and provision for our community. Prayer is a mainstay of our school and we testify that God works through prayer. All students and their families are introduced to the gospel[7] with the intention of equipping them to lead a fulfilling life of obedience to God[8]. We strive to instill students with an evangelical Christian mission and dependence on the Holy Spirit so they are empowered to share their faith and bring God’s Word to bear in everyday situations. We plant seeds of faith and encourage students to incorporate biblical values into their personal, academic and vocational pursuits[9].

Therefore, our mission is to equip students with the knowledge, skills and Christian character to serve and transform their communities while preparing them for tertiary education.

[1] See ICS Statement of Faith
[2] 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, Luke 2:52
[3] Mark 12:28-31; John 15:12; 1 Corinthians 13:13
[4] John 8:31-32
[5] Psalm 24:3-5, Micah 6:8
[6] Matthew 20:25-28
[7]1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 1:16
[8] Matthew 28:18-20
[9] Colossians 3:16—17, 23-24
Adapted from the Fresno Pacific University “Idea”