Merging Classical Education and Modern Innovation at John Nelson Darby Academy

John Nelson Darby Academy (JNDA) is excited to herald a new era in education that amalgamates classical principles, cutting-edge technology, and a biblical foundation. Starting September 2023, we are offering free online education for 3rd – 5th grade students. Here’s what you can expect in our educational environment.

Classical Roots, Modern Presentation

At JNDA, we hold the belief that classical education holds timeless virtues and unmatched depth. We, therefore, design our classes around a rich classical curriculum that empowers our students to master essential knowledge, understand and apply logic, and express ideas in a refined manner.

Our subject range includes Bible Studies, Language Arts, Science, History & Geography, and Math. In each subject, our classical influence is clear. For example, in Language Arts, students will master grammar, expand vocabulary, and study great works of literature, an echo of the classic trivium.

The Power of Online Learning

Our classical approach is carried out in an online setting, making education accessible to all families. Each student reads a portion of text, works on practice problems, and takes a daily quiz. Each quiz question is an essay question (except in Math). This enables the student to learn verbal expression, something critical to successful living and leardership. The self-paced learning format promotes mastery of each topic, mirroring the rhythm of the classical style, and providing flexibility for students who need it.

We value the role parents play in education, and we come alongside them to facilitate a solid, whole-person based education for their children. Our teachers grade assignments and maintain communication with students for encouragement and tutoring. However, parents remain the primary teachers, reflecting our classical orientation. We provide a weekly “talking points” bulletin for parents to use in gauging their progress.

Artificial Intelligence: A Learning Ally

We understand the importance of familiarizing students with technology. As such, our curriculum integrates the use of Artificial Intelligence tools. Students get to learn about the potential benefits and drawbacks of AI, an aspect we deem crucial in preparing them for future technological advancements.

Spiritual Foundation

JNDA prides itself on providing education with a strong biblical foundation. We view every subject as an opportunity to understand the world God has given us. Whether we are exploring Science, History, or Math, our goal is to provide strong knowledge combined with a conservative, literal approach to scriptures, equipping students to make informed, values-based decisions.

Well-Rounded Education

Our commitment extends beyond academic growth. We require students to participate in arts and physical education. These activities aim to foster personal development and provide a well-rounded education that prepares students for success in all areas of life.

Our Commitment

JNDA stands as a testament that quality education need not be prohibitive. We believe knowledge should be accessible to everyone, hence, our commitment to free tuition. Many of our teachers volunteer their time and expertise because they believe in this cause as much as we do. We welcome donations to support our vision.

Our Culture

Our classes are taught from an American conservative Christian perspective. Currently, we only admit students whose parents live in the USA or are American citizens serving in foreign countries. However, we look forward to expanding to other languages and cultures in the future.

Final Thoughts

The future of education lies in the successful integration of traditional and modern teaching methods. At JNDA, we strive to provide an environment that echoes this blend. We invite you to join us in this exciting journey, where we honor our classical roots while embracing the power of online learning and artificial intelligence. Welcome to our educational environment, where tradition meets transformation.

Our Theological Approach

We believe that the Bible is the foundation of all truth. We also believe that we must rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15) so that we do not misapply and misinterpret Scripture. We use Scripture and biblical principles in almost every unit of study.

Although JND utilizes the curriculum of various providers, our faculty and staff reviews every lesson and ensures that the theology (as well as the educational content) of the lesson aligns with a literal, historical, grammatical interpretation of the Bible.

Here are some key theological factors that each lesson will adhere to:

  • We believe that every child in our school can be saved.
  • We believe that every child in our school is offered the grace of God through Jesus Christ, the only Savior.
  • We believe that the Bible is inerrant and is correct in every matter which it touches.
  • We believe that matters which are not directly addressed in the Scripture are indirectly addressed in the Bible’s principles.
  • We believe that the Law was given to Israel and is not the behavioral standard for the world today.
  • We believe that this age of grace will end suddenly with the rapture of the church.
  • We believe that our world is in a fallen condition that can only be fixed by Jesus Christ and that it will ultimately be restored at His Second Coming.
  • We believe that the King James Version of the Bible is the most accurate English translation and that children are challenged to higher levels of learning and understanding by having the KJV in their curriculum.

For more information on our doctrine, read our Theological Perspectives Statement.