TECHNOLOGY PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

At Family Christian Academy, we believe that all students should learn responsible, age-appropriate technology beginning in kindergarten and pre-K.

In elementary school, students and teachers enjoy access to smart boards, which allow for interactive learning games, encourage student participation, and add excitement to the learning environment. Chromebooks and computer labs allow students to receive supplemental instruction, enrichment, or other activities; however, all core-subject instruction occurs primarily using pencil, paper, and textbooks. Studies have shown a strong correlation—regardless of age—between retention and the use of proper penmanship or cursive, as developmentally appropriate, rather than taking notes on a laptop or tablet. This practice also allows younger students to develop both fine motor skills and strong written communication skills.

As elementary students progress into middle school, teachers begin to integrate more computer use, both for core classes and enrichment. Students also participate in computer literacy courses, where they learn basic computer parts, functions, and programs such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. These classes help to propel student success in English, history, and science classes with the use of computers for research projects, essay writing, e-labs, or world tours. Despite increased use of technology, our core subjects in middle school still require notetaking and completion of the majority of assignments with pencil-and-paper. We believe this approach balances the use of technology by teaching its use as a tool, rather than a crutch or replacement for their mind, and encourages students to begin to become independent thinkers during their early adolescent years.

In high school, technology use becomes more widespread, with students learning the responsible use of emergent technologies such as Artificial Intelligence. Honors math classes utilize a computer-based, vertically aligned curriculum with LSU’s dual enrollment program, allowing for individualized instruction and a greatly accelerated learning environment. Our English department mirrors the blended approach that colleges take to student instruction and offers dual enrollment opportunities for the student body. Across all subjects, students hone their skills in responsible technology use for various research papers, projects, and presentations in history, science and English. All the while, these classes remain grounded with a college-style, lecture-based classroom setting, peppered with technologically delivered learning aids. Advanced students will thrive in our computer science classes, designed to challenge even the most inquisitive mind. Our band, choir, and tele-productions students enjoy access to the facilities of an organization with worldwide reach (Sonlife Broadcasting Network), giving them experience with a vast array of broadcasting and recording equipment. By merging strong academic preparation with the wise and responsible use of modern tools, we equip students with the skills and purpose needed to excel after graduation.

Ultimately, technology brings the worldwide body of knowledge directly to students’ fingertips, but with that access comes the duty to learn to think independently and to function within a society where their God-given gifts, talents, and minds remain their most important resources. We aim to graduate students who are fluent in modern technology yet grounded in the ability to analyze, reflect, and reason— traits essential for success in higher education and in life.