There are two priorities at Southeast Christian Academy (SECA): Academic excellence and character development.
The academic excellence of SECA is demonstrated every year when students take a nationally standardized achievement test. The average (median) high school student attending SECA scores at the 80th percentile in comparison to other students in the state and the in the nation. There are several factors behind this achievement.
The depth of the curriculum is astounding for such a small school. Honors classes are available in chemistry, physics, and biology, and students participate in a science fair every year. Students that show an aptitude for mathematics are placed in an accelerated program so that they are able to take a course or two in calculus by the time they graduate. Grammar and vocabulary are stressed in the English classes, enabling students to become better writers. Political positions are debated in history classes where students are instructed in honing their arguments. College-level classes in theology are available at the seminary associated with SECA. The teachers encourage the development of critical thinking in all disciplines.
Another contributor to SECA’s success in the excellent, highly qualified faculty. The high school science teacher is a former chemical engineer with a breadth of knowledge in all the secondary sciences. The high school mathematics teacher is a former electrical engineer, with additional degrees in mathematics education and computer engineering. The high school history teacher is also a former electrical engineer with additional degrees in business management and pastoral theology. The high school staff is entirely voluntary, and see their work as a ministry rather than just a job. The primary concern of the staff is to ensure that the students receive the best education that they can provide while helping the kids develop good character.
The staff of SECA believes that developing good character in its students is just as important as encouraging academic performance. The students are taught that diligence and a good attitude are crucial The principal frequently says, “Good boys grow up to be good men, and bad boys grow up to be bad men.” Everyone is trained to be prepared for class and to be punctual. Children in all grades are required to keep their areas neat and clean and help in the classrooms. Older students set up for lunch and gym class and clean up afterwards, while younger students do chores such as collecting the trash. These tasks teach them to be dependable and helpful.
Another aspect aspect of character is having good manners. Being polite and kind is engrained in the students from kindergarten on up. The little boys are instructed to hold doors for girls and to let them go first in line. Bad behavior and nasty attitudes are not taken lightly. Over time, students instinctively begin to treat everyone well.
In all these ways, SECA has not only prepared me for college, but for life. I have received life instruction on how to be a good worker, husband, and father, and I am confident that I can handle those roles when they come.
- James Stanfield, 12th grade