Lower School Biblical Studies

Introducing children to the wonderful God we love and serve is the main focus of our Lower School biblical studies program. Beginning in Pre-K classes, students learn about God as both Father and Creator through interactive lessons and activities. While learning that they are created in the image of God, students are encouraged to use their talents so that God is glorified. Scripture is taught as the revealed Word of God, and integrated into the learning experience.

For the younger grades, teachers read Bible stories regularly during a period called “circle time.” As children advance through the Lower School, our Bible curriculum expands to include lessons on biblical events and heroes of the faith. Students learn about these men and women from their own personal Bible and Bible study. Engaging, relevant stories and character trait activities help students analyze the principles taught while applying Scripture in the context of their daily lives. Weekly Scripture recitation is also a central part of our Bible curriculum.

Reading Bible stories and memorizing Scripture could easily become part of a Christian checklist were it not for the loving faculty and staff who comprise our Lower School. Our faculty and staff are humbled by the opportunity to impart a love of Jesus to their students and view their role not only as educators, but also as role models. Because of their own faith and deeply held convictions, faculty members do not simply teach Bible lessons, but understand they must serve as “living curriculum,” modeling a life of faith to their students. In this manner, a Biblical worldview permeates every aspect of school life from learning math to studying the world God created; from praying for family and friends to practicing sportsmanlike conduct; from learning to extend forgiveness to receiving a friend’s apology.

There are many opportunities for students to exhibit spiritual growth in their daily lives at school. Teachers guide and instruct students in every area of their development: intellectually, spiritually, socially, emotionally, and physically through curricular and co-curricular activities. As stated in Luke 2:52, our desire is to see our students…"Grow in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and man." This moves biblical knowledge to an active faith; a faith in Jesus, the Son of God.

For a grade-by-grade description of our Bible curriculum, please click here.

Middle School Biblical Studies

Whitefield’s Middle School biblical studies program incorporates Bible study, character training, and intellectual learning experiences to help students mature into Christians with strong critical thinking skills. Middle school students are challenged to be proactive in their own spiritual growth, becoming disciples and imitators of Christ. The purpose of the program is to develop men and women of God with a strong intellect and godly wisdom that can only be found through an understanding of Scripture.

Beginning in the sixth grade, students grasp a general overview of the Old Testament while learning some of the history and geography of early civilizations that existed in the Old Testament biblical era. This study of the Old Testament emphasizes God’s continual redemption of humankind through in-depth studies of people who are highlighted in the Old Testament. More than a study of biblical history, however, this class teaches students to apply the principles of Scripture to their everyday lives. The study of these biblical principles coupled with discussion-oriented classes encourages students to view the Old Testament as a living and active testimony to the character of God.

Seventh graders complete a thorough study of the New Testament. The students study and discuss the impact of Jesus Christ on the world through a study of His life, death, and resurrection, learning to articulate the position and practices of those who put their faith in Christ. A careful study of Christianity as well as competing worldviews emphasizes the significance of Jesus’ place in history. Our hope is that students understand the divinity of Jesus and recognize His position of authority in their own lives, while being challenged to respond personally to what they have learned during their study of the New Testament.

Having completed an overview of both the Old and New Testament, eighth grade students delve into specific biblical traits and attributes through a program entitled StoneWorks. Students are challenged to make their faith genuine by incorporating these traits into their own lives. Unique components of this class include outside activities of fellowship and service, testimonies from parents related to the character traits studied, and movie clips to reinforce the concepts of the course. Middle school students also have an opportunity to develop additional skills through the Student Leadership Institute, an optional program designed to train eighth grade students in an understanding of biblical leadership. Participating students are chosen through an application process and meet regularly with Dr. Kevin Bracher, the Middle School principal, to study traits of biblical greatness, debate ideas found in books on leadership, watch leadership-themed videos, and discuss how to integrate leadership attributes into their own lives. With the help of Dr. Bracher, students define practical ways to become servant-leaders. They are encouraged to put these ideas into action by organizing and implementing projects to serve the school, the local community, and the world.

Upper School Biblical Studies

Providing students with an understanding of how to both read and practically apply Scripture is the primary focus of our Upper School biblical studies program. Ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade students complete a biblical course one semester each year; seniors complete a year-long discussion and debate course, providing an overall understanding of the Old and New Testament as well as an introduction to Christian theology. Discussion-style classes encourage students to examine their own faith, develop a biblical approach to problem-solving, and formulate a strong Christian philosophy.

Freshmen may study either Old Testament or Old Testament Prophets. The Old Testament course emphasizes general themes of the thirty-nine books of the Old Testament. The main themes discussed are God’s character, God’s provision, man’s response to God, consequences of behavior, and hope for the future. Old Testament Prophets introduces students to the prophetic books of the Old Testament, teaching students key messages of the prophets such as God’s rule in history, the need to get right with God, judgment and hope, and the messianic kingdom. The Old Testament Prophets course is also available to upperclassmen as an elective.

Sophomores have the option of taking either New Testament or The Writings of John. The New Testament course gives a thorough overview of its history and themes. The class involves an in-depth study of the Gospels, Acts, Galatians, 1 Corinthians, and Revelation, as well as a study of literary genres. Students who take The Writings of John will study the major themes of the Gospel of John and Revelation, with a brief study of John’s three epistles. Both of these courses teach principles of biblical interpretation.

Students learn to apply their understanding of Scripture in a Christian Thought course, typically taken the junior year. The purpose of this class is to introduce students to historical Christian theology by looking at the questions and issues Christians have struggled with throughout history. Students examine these issues not only in light of the current cultural climate but also through the lens of the past. Applying critical thinking skills to examine these issues, students recognize the need for all Christians to continually study the concepts of the Christian faith in order to incorporate them into their daily lives.

The final course of Upper School biblical studies program is Senior Bible. In this course, students gain a more thorough understanding of the Gospels, develop a biblical approach to apologetics, and examine the characteristics of world religions and cults. Through a discussion-oriented format, students continue formulating, refining, and expressing a biblical worldview, with the understanding that the way Christians believe and think affects the way they live. In this class, students are exposed to the cultural and ethical issues of our day, then challenged to formulate and distinctively articulate a biblical response.