Our goal is for students to learn, grow, and develop within a loving Christ-like school environment. The Upper Elementary (Intermediate) years can be challenging as students become socially aware and begin to navigate new dynamics that naturally occur at this point in their lives. To help your child thrive in intermediate years of his/her schooling, we have built a nurturing learning environment with intentionality and age-appropriate opportunities to unlock their God-given abilities.
Deuteronomy 5:33 calls us to,” Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.” This scriptural passage guides much of what we have set out to accomplish in collaboration with your family. At UE, we are trying to build students into future leaders that will go on to make a significant impact on others.
At CHCA, our mission is to partner with you in guiding your most precious gift toward becoming all that God has created him or her to be. Throughout our time together, the UE team will do everything possible to keep you informed of your child’s progress with honest and timely communication. We will utilize a variety of tools to engage in feedback such as student planners, email, phone, Canvas, and in-person meetings. Please keep in mind that every teacher is different and will have slightly different expectations and/or frequency of communication. We believe that this is beneficial to our students as part of learning to adjust and thrive under a variety of personalities. At all times we strive to maintain a mindset focused on bringing out the best in each student so that everyone can learn and grow to the best of their God-given abilities.
The Lord tells us in 1 John 3:18,” Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” In our obedience to Christ, at CHCA Upper Elementary School, we will W.A.L.K.!
What does it mean to W.A.L.K.?
W.A.L.K. is an acronym for Words, Actions, Love, and Knowledge. At UE, we believe that these four words get to the heart of our mission. Below you find an explanation for each work within W.A.L.K. so that we can partner in our communication with your child.
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Words
Ephesians 4:29
_“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” _
While we cannot always control the challenges and negativity present in the world around us, we are committed to using Christ-honoring words in our school and at CHCA events. When we fall short of this standard, we will take the opportunity to reflect, seek restoration, and encourage one another toward a more thoughtful and Christ-centered way of speaking.
Connection to CHCA Portrait of an Eagle:
We will learn how to effectively communicate, collaborate, and build relationships in a Christ-honoring manner.
We will develop our skills of discussing controversial topics with conviction, compassion, and civility.
We will demonstrate a willingness to ask and wrestle with hard questions.
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Action
Matthew 5:14-16
_“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” _
This scripture reminds us that each member of the community: students, teachers, and parents have the opportunity and responsibility to be a light to those around them. Being “the light of the world” means reflecting Christ’s love, kindness, and integrity in our actions and words. Our faith in Jesus should be evident in how we treat others, how we respond to challenges, and how we contribute to a positive and respectful environment. We let our light shine in ways that inspire and uplift others. When we live in this way, our good deeds point others toward God and help create a school culture that is full of hope, encouragement, and purpose.
Connection to CHCA Portrait of an Eagle:
We will set, monitor, and achieve goals.
We will recognize that we are relational beings that function best in community.
We will discern what goals are best accomplished through a collaborative effort versus an individual effort.
We will begin to identify and articulate core values, aligning daily actions with these beliefs.
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Love
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
_“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” _
This scripture beautifully reflects how we care for each other at CHCA Upper E. Learning here is not just about math problems or reading books. It’s also about growing in character, building our faith, and becoming more confident in who God designed us to be. Just like God leads us with both wisdom and love, we want to do the same for each other every single day at school.
Whether we are learning something new, working through a mistake, or celebrating success, our goal is to lead with love. Real love, the kind we read about in the Bible, means thinking beyond ourselves. It means doing what is best for one another, even when it’s difficult. Sometimes that might come in the form of personal expectations, having honest conversations, or helping each other through tough moments.
We do these things not out of frustration or judgment, but because we care deeply. We are choosing the more thoughtful, intentional path because we believe that’s what God has called us to do. He has brought us together as a team; teachers, students, and families, to protect, teach, learn, persevere, and to walk alongside one another with care and love.
Connection to CHCA Portrait of an Eagle:
We will practice empathy, curiosity, intellectual humility, and cognitive flexibility.
We will listen with interest and speak with clarity.
We will develop emotional intelligence and self-awareness in service to one another.
We will recognize that we are all created with unique gifts and talents, and will begin to discover the intersection between our calling and what the world needs.
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Knowledge
Psalm 32:8
_“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” _
Our philosophy is that learning is about more than just earning grades on a report card. Our goal is to help each other build a strong foundation of knowledge, skills, and thinking strategies that will prepare us for future learning, success in life, and the impact God wants for His kingdom.
We work together to learn new concepts with clarity, depth, and purpose. Academic success means becoming curious, capable, and confident learners; people who ask good questions, think deeply, and keep growing.
We’ve designed a learning environment with a purpose. CHCA Upper E is a place where we are challenged with the end in mind, supported when needing help, and encouraged to take responsibility for contributing to a Christ-like culture for learning. Through intentional lessons, meaningful feedback, cooperative experiences, and high expectations, everyone will grow. This growth will not just be in what we know, but in who we are becoming. Through it all, we trust that God is shaping our minds and our hearts for His purpose.
Connection to CHCA Portrait of an Eagle:
We will demonstrate a willingness to ask and wrestle with hard questions.
We will cultivate grit and a growth mindset.
We will begin to understand that true failure is not trying in the first place.
We will be informed and formed by the Gospel so that we may live a life of integrity and virtue.
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