One of the classical means of shaping character is the use of catechisms and creeds. Our version of a creed is called the Hope Academy Declaration — and students in grades K-5 recite it regularly. The declaration begins by distinguishing our school as different from most other schools. It begins with, “We go to Hope Academy, a Kingdom school.” Our school recognizes a King and seeks to honor him in all that we say and do.

Hope Academy Declaration

We go to Hope Academy, a Kingdom school.
We exalt the name of Jesus, we recognize His presence here.
We believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
We believe the Bible to be God’s Holy Word,
To be complete Truth, a guide for our feet.

I am created in the image of God, and He loves me beyond my imagination.
God calls me to love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ,
To listen and obey,
To listen and obey the first time,
Not the second time, or the third time, but the first time.
To use words with kindness,
To respect God’s creation and all authority,
To not seek harm against another,
But to love and encourage others and to serve my community.
For I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength –
I can be a teacher, a lawyer, a parent, a missionary, a doctor, a musician,
A coach, a business owner, a computer programmer, or a poet.

We will display a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
The oil of gladness instead of mourning,
A garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
We will be called oaks of righteousness,
A planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.

See a group of second graders from 2014 reciting the declaration here: