For the glory of God, Timothy Christian Schools exists to uphold Biblical truth,  ignite academic growth, and inspire courageous leadership one student at a time.

Here at Timothy Christian Schools, we uphold Biblical truth. This is a responsibility that has been faithfully carried out for over a century and it is upon us to dutifully press on with this assignment — with the high expectations of a great cloud of witnesses. Please understand as we live out this fundamental part of our mission — our tone should never be haughty; our posture should never be finger-pointing; and our stance should never be from a soapbox. So, yes, we stand on the authority of Scripture, which means we must do so with love.

Of course, as a school, we also aim to ignite academic growth in our students. As an excellence-driven organization, we work hard toward successful outcomes. As you read through this edition of The Reflector, I’m certain this will come through loud and clear. The individual and collective achievements of our students and staff are extraordinary! You will marvel at these accomplishments as you peruse this publication. You may pinch yourself from time to time as you almost wonder if what you’re reading is make-believe. But it’s not! This is our school…this is us. We are in the business of igniting growth in our young people, and our motivation is righteous because foundationally we believe that success gives us a greater platform to share the life and love of Jesus.

The underpinnings of the Christian school must be both faith and excellence. They are inseparable values and objectives of Timothy Christian Schools. We have pledged to be a school where Jesus Christ has the highest place. So we are committed to growth, improvement, and excellence in every aspect of our school programming.

Another key pillar in our mission statement is to inspire courageous leadership. Of course, we have been called to educate, train, and equip our young people. And, yes, we have been called to assume a leadership role in that process. We take this mission very seriously, and we proudly do it with excellence. However, we also aim to inspire our students. Sadly, the word “inspire” is not used very often in education. Academia and educational circles are more receptive to familiar terms like — learning, instruction, outcomes, data, etc. Schools are more comfortable with what they can measure, and inspiration is difficult to display on a graph or chart or reveal in a survey. Moreover, inspiration requires extra work and extra time. In an era when educators are being asked to do more than ever before in American history, extra work and extra time can be considered unreasonable and even overwhelming. However, by the power of God we accept this challenge at Timothy Christian Schools. 

How do we inspire? After all, you’re probably not familiar with a college major or graduate level course on the topic of inspiration. Simply stated: building authentic and meaningful relationships with our students remains the best introduction to inspiration. We are interested in the good things that interest our students. We listen to them…we spend time with them…we challenge them…we support them…we pray for them…we love them – every single one. Thus, to sum it all up, a key to achieving our mission is found in the final (very intentionally added) phrase – “one student at a time.”

Would you count on a young man or woman today who upheld the authority of Scripture in love, proved a commitment to continual growth and improvement, and courageously lived out an inspired purpose – fully committed to Christ? I would count on that person every time. 

Photo by Victor Hilitski Photography

As the largest Christian school in Illinois and as a member of CESA (Council on Educational Standards and Accountability), Timothy Christian Schools is one of the flagships in the Christian school movement. This shouldn’t give way to conceit and complacency. To the contrary, this should promote a deep sense of humility and an intensity to strive for sustained excellence.

Over the years I have observed a growing tension between faith and excellence in many Christian schools. Rather than these two words having a harmonious relationship, there appears to be a growing divide between these fundamental building blocks of the Christian school movement. I have actually heard accusations that certain Christian schools are too excellence-driven, or place too much emphasis on academics or athletics or the arts. The accusations then go on to assume that these Christian schools must be diluting the vital spiritual mission. On the other hand, I have heard contrary perceptions that some Christian schools are second-rate institutions in regard to academics, athletics, arts, facilities, etc.; however, the solid spiritual and moral training offered to students is worth the “sacrifice” of an otherwise average educational experience. I am troubled by both of these assumptions and stereotypes. 

The underpinnings of the Christian school must be both faith and excellence. They are inseparable values and objectives of Timothy Christian Schools. We have pledged to be a school where Jesus Christ has the highest place. So we are committed to growth, improvement, and excellence in every aspect of our school programming. 

Biblical truth, academic growth, courageous leadership, one student at a time. Join me in accepting this as our collective mission.