HARVEST CLASSICAL ACADEMY
A K-12 Christian Classical Collaborative School in Windsor, Ontario Learn MoreInfo NightsWelcome to Harvest Classical Academy
Our Mission:
To cultivate wisdom and virtue by nourishing the soul on truth, goodness, and beauty, so that, in Christ, the student is better able to know, glorify, and enjoy God.
Our Distinctives:
Thoroughly Christian
We deny the myth of moral neutrality and believe that one’s worldview informs and influences the approach to all subjects. As such, we hold the Lordship of Jesus Christ over all creation as a foundational principle that must be recognized in every subject so that students can learn to think Christianly about all of life.
“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” Col. 1:16
A Ministry of Harvest Bible Church
As a ministry of Harvest Bible Church HCA is able to stay true to its founding principles through accountability to the elders of Harvest. Teachers at HCA are Ministry Partners of Harvest and are therefore in alignment and submitted to our beliefs, pillars, and leadership.
Classical in Approach
The classical approach to education is a time-tested method of developing the student in age-appropriate ways. It is concerned with cultivating wisdom and virtue rather than simple head knowledge. Read more.
“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Mark 12:30
Collaborative
We believe it is the parent’s ultimate responsibility to steward the education of their children; therefore, HCA partners closely with parents in a hybrid model of education where students are given in-class instruction by HCA teachers Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and are assigned home assignments to be led by a parent on Tuesday and Thursday.
“Bring them [Children] up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Eph. 6:4
What is Classical Christian Education?
Classical Christian Education is the cultivation of wisdom and virtue by nourishing the soul on truth, goodness and beauty, so that, in Christ, the student is better able to know, glorify and enjoy God.
It is not simply a different curriculum; it is a different approach to education on the whole that helps a child learn how to think and what to do. It is:
Sacred in Worldview
Believing that God is the creator of all knowledge and that the world can only be rightly understood within the framework of a Christian worldview.
Integrated in Approach
Meaning that knowledge in different fields is interrelated and best retained when understood as such. For example, a study of a period in history would be combined with a study of works written in that period.
Logocentric in Methodology
Meaning that study is “language focused; learning is accomplished through words, written and spoken, rather than through images.” This develops the mind to work systematically and comprehensively.
Appropriate to Development
The process of training the mind follows the natural development of the child as well as the natural process of learning any new material. This is outlined in the trivium explained below.
The Trivium
The trivium is a three-part process of training the mind. Each stage is closely aligned with the natural development and interests of the child as they grow.
The Grammar Stage (K-Gr. 4)
• Cultivating the skill of interpreting symbols (letters)
• Memorization of facts is fun and exciting for young children
• Teachers use singing, chanting, and repetition of facts
• Early training in language, behaviour, character, and basic skills
• Equipping students with the foundational building blocks of education
The Logic Stage (Gr. 5-8)
• Cultivating the skill of understanding why/how come?
• At this age, students are naturally pushing back against ideas presented
• Students are challenged to think more abstractly, form sound arguments, debate, analyze, persuade and discuss
• Lessons are interactive, dynamic, and ask students to apply what was learned in the Grammar stage
The Rhetoric Stage (Gr. 9-12)
• Cultivating the skill of applying knowledge (i.e. wisdom)
• At this stage students are concerned with appearances and how they are perceived by others
• Students take their foundational skills (Grammar), coupled with their ability to think and reason (Logic) and begin to solve difficult problems in the community around them.
Additional Resources
Interested in reading more comprehensively about Classical Christian Education? Here are some helpful resources to get started:
The Case for Classical Christian Education Book by Douglas Wilson
What is Classical Education? Article by Susan Wise Bauer
What is Classical Education? Article by CiRCE INSTITUTE
What is Classical Christian Education Article by Association of Classical Christian Schools
Tuition, Fees, and Payment Plans
Due to the generosity of God’s people, we are able to offer this quality education at affordable tuition rates well below the real cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be involved?
Because Harvest Classical Academy (HCA) is designed to work closely with the parents it is essential that the parent overseeing the at-home portion of the education is available, committed, and has the capacity to oversee the completion of the assigned material.
HCA is a biblically based ministry of Harvest Bible Church that supports families who choose to give their children a Christian education based in the Christian worldview and moral convictions expressed in the school’s Doctrinal Statement and Statement of Core Family Values (available in our application package). The school also welcomes students from families that do not hold these beliefs under the clear understanding that:
1. Every student will be taught all aspects of the school curriculum including the beliefs outlined in the school’s Doctrinal Statement and Statement of Core Family Values.
2. No family will actively seek to alter or undermine the mission, distinctives, leadership, beliefs, or teachings of the school.
3. All students will be encouraged to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, but no student will be compelled to do so.
We at HCA respect all parents, including those whose beliefs are contrary to ours. However, we encourage those who strongly oppose the beliefs and values taught at our school to seek a form of education for their children that is in keeping with their own convictions.
It is not a requirement for families to attend Harvest Bible Church or be Ministry Partners.
What grades are offered?
HCA offers classes from JK through to grade 12.
Currently our classes are broken down as follows:
- JK/SK
- Grade 1-2
- Grade 3-4
- Grade 5-6
- Grade 7-8
- Grade 9-10
- Grade 11-12
How do I apply?
Read more about our application process at harvestclassicalacademy.ca/application
When are Application Packages due?
Application Packages are due April 30 for the 2023-2024 school year. Starting May 1 late fees will apply. Read more about our application process at harvestclassicalacademy.ca/application
Are there uniforms?
Yes! Families are responsible for purchasing their own uniforms from a select list of vendors provide by HCA upon admission.
Where will classes take place?
Monday – In class instruction at Harvest
Tuesday – At home assignments with Parent/Guardian
Wednesday – In class instruction at Harvest
Thursday – At home assignments with Parent/Guardian
Friday – In class instruction at Harvest
HCA has been blessed with an exceptional facility with quality classrooms, a large gymnasium, ample green space, and outdoor climbers.
What qualifications are required to teach?
In order to maintain theological alignment and accountability we require all our teachers to be Ministry Partners at Harvest Bible Church.
Additionally we require a bachelor’s degree as a minimum educational requirement to teach Grade 1-12.
For more information please visit: harvestclassicalacademy.ca/teaching-opportunities
Who are the teachers/staff?
To view our growing roster of administrative and teaching staff visit: harvestclassicalacademy.ca/staff
How can I volunteer?
If you are a Ministry Partner at Harvest and interested in volunteering with the Harvest Classical Academy, please fill out our Volunteer Application Form.
How can I donate to the school?
Because HCA is a ministry of Harvest Bible Church, individuals cannot donate directly to the school. Instead, individuals can donate to the general ministry fund of Harvest Bible Church.
We do encourage business owners and corporations to donate to the school. Donations made will go directly to the overall tuition and staff expenses. Donations can be made via e-transfer, cheque, or credit card.
E-transfers can be sent to giving@harvestwindsor.ca It is important that you send your mailing address and email address in the memo line and designate your gift as “HCA Donation”. This helps us to process the gift properly and give the receipts to the correct people.
Cheques can be made out and mailed to:
Harvest Bible Church
2001 Spring Garden Rd.
Windsor, Ontario
N9E-3P8
Credit Card donations can be made on-site at the welcome centre.
For more information on this, please contact the church office at admin@harvestwindsor.ca or call 519-250-5520.
Get in Touch!
Harvest Classical Academy/Harvest Bible Church
hca@harvestwindsor.ca
519-250-5520 ext. 239
2001 Spring Garden Rd.
Windsor, Ontario
N9E-3P8