New Pentecostal church-based school in Newfoundland uses Bible-based curriculum

The Evangel Pentecostal Church in Gander, Newfoundland, is set to host Crossroads Christian School, a new institution offering an education model distinct from the province’s public school system. The school, which will open in the fall, is based on a curriculum that integrates a literal interpretation of the Bible with academic instruction. This approach includes the use of the Abeka program, an American educational resource that presents scientific and historical concepts through a creationist lens.

The Abeka curriculum teaches that the earth is 6,000 years old, was created by God in six days, and that humans coexisted with dinosaurs. The program’s website describes its science and health courses as presenting the universe as a direct creation of God, refuting evolutionary theory. Angela Hodder, one of the school’s founders, emphasized that the curriculum is “entirely biblical based,” including elements such as biblical concepts in mathematics.

Hodder noted that while the school uses Abeka, the staff are still developing their curriculum and will not rely solely on the program. Lyanne Dupuis, who will teach Grades 4 to 6, stated that the school will adhere to the NLSchools public curriculum in subjects like social studies, physical education, and health. This means students will not use Abeka’s sexual education materials, which discuss topics such as adultery, fornication, and homosexuality as presented in the Bible.

The school’s approach reflects a broader trend among some Pentecostal and charismatic churches to integrate faith-based education into academic instruction. This model emphasizes a curriculum that aligns with specific theological interpretations, offering an alternative to secular education systems. The school’s founders believe this approach provides a comprehensive educational experience that includes both academic and spiritual development.

The establishment of Crossroads Christian School highlights the growing presence of faith-based educational institutions in communities across Canada. These schools often operate under the guidance of religious denominations and aim to provide an educational environment that reflects the values and teachings of their respective faiths. The school’s focus on a biblical curriculum underscores the importance of faith in the educational experience for many families.

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