How we see Central Baptist Academy
Following a biblical worldview and the Ontario curriculum, Central Baptist Academy offers Christian education to students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8. With around 100 students, the school provides a supportive, caring, and respectful community that aims to develop Christian character and foster a spirit of excellence in academics and other pursuits. Music instruction begins in Kindergarten, with instruments introduced in Grade 5. Extracurricular activities include band and chess club, as well as competitive and recreational sports. Weekly chapel is taught by pastors, and Christ-centered teaching is at the heart of all programming.
How Central Baptist Academy sees itself
"Central Baptist Academy is located in Brantford, Ontario and is a ministry of Central Baptist Church Brantford. CBA offers Christian Education to students from JK to Gr.8. Our mission is to renew our minds with Christ-centered teaching that engages our hearts through discipleship, equipping students spiritually and academically to serve God. CBA aims to develop Christian character and foster a spirit of excellence in academics and all other programs."
"Central Baptist Church stands out with beliefs rooted in the Word of God. The responsibility of teaching students is not taken lightly and our teachers provide a loving and supportive environment to each student that is biblically based. Students leave CBA knowing what the Word of God says, understanding how to use their God given gifts and abilities for family and community, and able to share their faith and apply it to real life within their family and community."
"CBA offers a Christ-centered environment with staff that genuinely cares for and prays for each of their students. Teachers are concerned for each student and are influential in each one reaching his or her potential. The high expectation for appropriate behavioral values is reflected in the respect shown to those in authority and the solid work habits in the classroom."
"While CBA offers a strong spiritual and academic component we also offer a variety of extra-curricular events and activities. Each grade is taught music and French along with intramural sports and competitive sport opportunities. From pizza days to dress down days, outings and concerts, there is something for every student to enjoy at CBA."
"A Christian education at CBA is one of the greatest gifts a parent can give their child. The rewards far exceed the sacrifice and the benefits will last a lifetime."
"Curriculum with a biblical worldview
Safe and nurturing environment
Equipping students spiritually and academically for life
Over 40 years of experience
Hands on technology"
Top-down influence on the school’s direction and tone
Carolyn Staats, Principal
BA/BEd/OCT
“I came to know the Lord as my Saviour as a young adult. Having grown up in the Lutheran tradition, it took a real working of the Holy Spirit in my heart to realize my need to accept Christ’s free gift of salvation. Since making a decision to give my life to the Lord, the road has not always been easy and it has taken some unexpected turns, but I can truly say that God is good no matter what. Two life verses that I continue to embrace can be found first in John 14:27.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Secondly, Jeremiah 29:11.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
It is my heart’s desire to be continually growing to be more like Christ and live a life that points my family and others to the love of God and His saving grace.
I have been a member of Central Baptist Church for over 20 years and think of Central as my home. I have been involved in a variety of ministries over the years including AWANA, Junior Church, Women to Women and Central Soccer. My children grew up at Central with the majority of them attending and graduating from Central Baptist Academy. I am currently an active member of the CBA committee and have also been filling in as a part time teacher at CBA.
I returned to post secondary education as a mature adult and obtained my Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education in 2011, from Redeemer University in Ancaster, Ontario. I have also maintained a current registration with the Ontario College of Teachers. Following my graduation, I was employed for three years as a teacher at Central Baptist Academy. I then took up the challenge of running my own business at the Sylvan Learning Centre in Brantford, where I have remained for the past eight years. In this role I have gained immeasurable administrative and managerial experience. Although God has blessed me in this role, I have felt His tug back to full time Christian education, specifically as principal at Central Baptist Academy. I look forward to God’s leading and provision in the days to come.”
If you’re considering a small school for your extroverted child, make sure it offers plenty of social opportunities, including the ability to seek out and interact with different peer groups. Since smaller schools have smaller and less diverse student populations than big schools, it can sometimes be more challenging for your child to find a like-minded group of friends—friends with similar interests, values, etc.
“It’s important to look at the social makeup of the school,” says Ruth Rumack of Ruth Rumack's Learning Space. "Is there enough variety that your child will have a group that they feel connected with? Because you want to have friends that are like-minded and you want to be in a social situation where you feel honoured and respected. Variety can also be found in extracurriculars, leadership programs, and sports activities, which tend to have kids with a wide range of personalities.”
Also, make sure a school’s teaching and learning approach is suitable for your social child. “For instance, a school focusing on individual learning instead of group learning may not play into your child’s strengths,” say Ann and Karen Wolff, Toronto-based education consultants at Wolff Educational Services. “You want to make sure the social, emotional, and academic realities of the classroom are a match for your child’s personality.”
Smaller schools often have small classrooms and tight-knit communities, which can make it easier for your introverted child to come out of their shell, make friends, and feel like they belong. Since they’re less socially overwhelming, your child should find it easier to navigate their social environment. And since they’re conducive to group work, small classes often have plenty of interaction, which can help your child develop critical interpersonal skills.
Of course, small schools normally have a less diverse student population than big schools, which can sometimes make it more challenging to find a group of like-minded peers—peers with similar personalities, interests, values, etc. This makes it especially important to ask a school about its extracurricular programs, which can help your introverted child establish an intimate social circle.
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: Central Baptist Academy
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