Philosophy of Education

We believe that God uniquely gifts each one of us and has an abundant plan for our lives. We also believe that God entrusts parents with the primary responsibility of training their children to know Him and enjoy a relationship with Him. At GTA, we partner with parents to help fulfill this God-given role by offering a Christ-centered, meaningful, and rigorous education experience which honors God and enables students to excel in academics. Students are encouraged to explore and cultivate their unique talents, preparing them to follow His lead in transforming the world around them. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2) 

Statement of Faith

We believe there is one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

We believe the Bible is the only infallible and authoritative Word of God.

We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracle, in His vicarious and atoning death, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal future return to this earth in power and glory. 

We believe in the Blessed Hope, which is the Rapture of the Church at Christ’s return.

We believe the only means of being cleansed from sin is through repentance and faith in the precious blood of Christ.

We believe that the redemptive work of Christ on the cross provides healing of the human body, soul, and spirit. 

We believe that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, according to Acts 2:4, is available to all believers. 

We believe in the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling, the Christian is enabled to live a holy life.

We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost, the one to everlasting life and the other to everlasting damnation.

Curriculum/Testing

For grades Kindergarten and higher, the curriculum used is Bob Jones University Press.   BJU curriculum teaches analytical thinking and offers whole-brain teaching, meeting the many learning styles of our students. BJU curriculum is thoroughly biblically integrated throughout each subject. 

By law, we are subject to testing our students annually, with a state-approved testing system. GTA has adopted the approved NWEA Map testing program, which tests students three times a year. MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) will show parents and students the specific areas of growth, delay, or decline for every student in the subject areas of Math, reading, Language, and Science. After each testing period, NWEA MAP Reports are shared with parents, and discussed at the first and third quarter parent/teacher conferences, and sent home with 4th quarter report cards. 

Our Values

As we experience God’s unique love for us, we learn to love one another and to:
1. Live Biblical Truth - Holding to and living out the unchanging Word of God in an ever-changing world (Matthew 24:35)
2. Uphold the Fruits of the Spirit - Encouraging Spiritual and personal growth through crucifying our flesh and staying in step with the Spirit of God (Galatians 5:22-25)
3. Seek Unity - Pursuing oneness of spirit through humility and selflessness, as Christ modeled for us (Philippians 2:2-11)
4. Pursue Excellence - Whole-heartedly seeking excellence in everything (Colossians 3:23) 

Admissions

Attendance at GTA is a privilege and not a right. GTA reserves the right to deny enrollment to any student applicant who does not meet the enrollment requirements of this school. Students applying to Glad Tidings will be required to submit all appropriate documents for entry. Florida Law requires all new students entering all grade levels (K2-12th) to present certification of the following:

  1. Original Birth Certificate

  2. Prior School Report Card and Transcripts

  3. Standardized Testing

  4. Original, current immunization from #680 or #681

  5. Original, current physical form #3040 A Florida physician must complete all physical examination forms within twelve months prior to entering a Florida school.

  6. If applicable: IEP, 504, Diagnoses Plans. As a private, non-public school, Glad Tidings is not required by law to adhere to IEP, 504, or Diagnosis Plans. Glad Tidings does not have the ability to provide small group or one on one instruction. Students requiring these services are recommended to enroll in an exceptional student education environment. Glad Tidings can provide reasonable accommodations for students in the general population setting. GTA uses IEP, 504, and Diagnosis plans as a guide for enhancing the student’s education in collaboration with parents while upholding rigorous instruction standards.

Admissions Notice of Non-Discrimination Amendment Policy

It is a privilege to attend Glad Tidings Academy, not a right. Proper Christian conduct is expected of students, faculty, and parents. Glad Tidings Academy recruits and admits students of any race, color, or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities of the school. In addition, the school does not discriminate based on race, color, or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, scholarships, tuition aids, educational programs, or extra-curricular activities.