Orangewood Academy believes that education truly meets its highest expression only when it addresses every human need: intellectual, social, physical, and spiritual. It is this final dimension of Orangewood’s brand of education that separates it from other forms of academic pursuits. We believe both men and women were created in the image of God. As such, every person has an innate need to find meaning which cannot be totally satisfied outside a personal encounter and relationship with the Creator. As a Christian school, with membership in the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist educational system, we believe that God entered human existence in the person, life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He is the Creator, who longs to restore the relationship with his creation. This perfect state was lost through sin. Education is one avenue by which God reconnects with his lost children. Through the education of mind, body, and spirit, we work to equip our students with the knowledge, the energy, and dedication to meet the needs of a world in need of salvation.
In addition to daily providing a comprehensive religious curriculum, Orangewood Academy strives to integrate spiritual themes and moral foundations in the context of the overall instruction. Although our religious curriculum is shared with the purpose of encouraging students to have a personal encounter and relationship with Jesus Christ, we respect personal and differing religious convictions and perspectives as long as they do not become antagonistic or hostile toward the pervasive and proactive spiritual intent of our educational program.
Every class is anchored on a spiritual foundation. Our religion classes are unapologetically Christ-centered and draw from an Adventist heritage. Our preschool incorporates spiritual themes and activities throughout its daily curriculum. Classes begin every day with classroom devotionals in grades K-5. Middle School and High school offer specific religion classes which challenge every student to grow and mature spiritually.
The high school religion offerings include:
Freshman Bible: This class offers a study of the books of Genesis and Matthew. This course provides opportunities for the student to gain a better understanding of God, self, and family by wrestling with historical and contemporary subjects implicit in the study of the origins of this world as narrated in the Book of Genesis. The second component of the 9th grade Bible curriculum studies the meaning and personal implications of the Incarnation, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Sophomore Bible: This class offers a study of the mission and purpose of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. This historical overview traces the origins, development, and growth of the Adventist Church from its humble beginnings to its present state. It provides the student with a clearer understanding of the church through a study of its unique place in ecclesiological and eschatological history.
Junior Bible: This course offers an in-depth study of the prophetic books of Daniel, and Revelation. It provides a biblical foundation for the unique beliefs of the Adventist Church and how these compare to other Christian denominations and World religions. The class also seeks to broaden the students’ understanding and Christian tolerance for people and religious organizations that possess variant religious perspectives.
Senior Bible: This class offers a study of the Biblical principles that are basic to personal development and to success in one's relationships at home, church, and community. The student also gains knowledge of the principles which will assist in the development of one's talents for effective and meaningful service to God and humanity.