The appearance and behavior expectations ACA requires of its students find their source in God’s two greatest expectations of all believers: love God and love others. Some of ACA’s student expectations are “institutional” rules—guidelines that enable our community to function together in a smooth and orderly way. We believe that a structured environment minimizes potential interpersonal conflicts and ultimately reflects the orderliness inherent in the character of God Himself.
Discipline Philosophy
God intervenes when His children disobey. Hebrews 12 teaches that this intervention proves His love and favor, and biblical parental discipline follows the same model. By the same principle, ACA cannot remain silent when our students are disobedient. Because we love them, we will attempt to consistently, patiently, and lovingly inform students when they are not meeting our expectations.
We recognize that discipline brings discomfort. God’s Word tells us that His discipline brings the same—it is “grievous” (Hebrews 12:11). But Hebrews 12 also teaches that God’s purpose in discipline is to sanctify—to make us holy. In disciplining our students, we endeavor to share this motive. But we recognize that true holiness comes from the heart. We do not merely want outward conformity; we desire “heart obedience.” When ACA works with an outward problem, our goal will be a change of heart.
Major infractions may be met with consequences such as work details, detentions, suspensions, or expulsions. Our disciplinary process will often include parental conferences, discipline reports, counseling, and related projects.
A detailed list of our student expectations and correction system is found in our Student Handbook.