As a product of the Christian school system, I read A Classic Excellence with great interest. The author does not sell out either intellectually or spiritually. If you need specific direction with your start up school, you can find it here. If you are striving to breathe life into a school that once had a great witness for Jesus, be encouraged. If you have a vision to do more than has been yet been done in the area of Christian education, read on. Dr. Marsh challenges the current notions of private education with radical, yet sound advice. Having worked in the trenches of Christian schools, he calls them to uncompromised obedience to Jesus Christ. He envisions a Christian school that worships Christ with heart and mind. After reading his book, I am beginning to envision the same thing.

Matthew Tague
Pastor, Rancho del Rey Church


If you are considering launching a quality Christian school, or are searching for ways to elevate the level of your existing academy--look no further--read this helpful book. Dr. Marsh presents proven principles which will save you hours of writing and needless stress. Moreover, this “practical principal” candidly replays his personal execution of these principles, from how to reel in potentially confrontational parent meetings, to student discipline to motivating your staff--those nuggets alone ought to compel you to read book.

Richard Andujo
Principal, The Rock Academy

Christian education is at a crossroad. One of the paths trodden by some Christian educators is simply to copy the government schools and add a Bible class or a chapel to the public educational frameworks. This, of course, seldom works in that the worldview espoused by the frameworks does not align itself with the Bible. Additionally, the pedagogy of public frameworks, though helpful, is not always thorough and takes a distinctly progressive tone, especially in relation to History, Science, and English. Another path taken by some is to invent some new format or theory of education and pray that it works. Of course this road leads to hardship in that many of these new theories are untested, un-researched, and suspect in their scope and agenda; and ultimately it is the student who suffers as these uncharted waters are sailed.

So, what is the Christian, serious about their faith, to do? Well the answer is simple: turn to the Bible. Two years ago I wrote a book entitled The Master Teacher: Developing a Christ-Based Philosophy of Education. In this book, I challenged the educator and Pastor to look closely at the person of Jesus found in Scripture when constructing a philosophy of education. I encouraged the reader to seek a framework of education based upon Christ’s commands and actions derived from the Bible, and not just reformulate a government (or any non-Biblical) school-based model when implementing curriculum or starting a school. In this work, my intention was to highlight the fact that there are four distinct areas emphasized in the ‘schooling’ of Jesus and in His teaching. These elements are the body, mind, soul, and social action. It was upon these four areas, I argue, that Christian schools should develop their educational environment and framework.

Since the writing of that book, several exciting elements have occurred within the Calvary Chapel movement, of which I and the author of this present volume, Dr. Chapin Marsh, is a part. First, an on-going dialogue has flowered between several of Calvary Chapel Schools. The conversations, ideas, and encouragement have been an exciting thing to behold. The Lord has richly blessed Calvary Chapel’s with wonderful servant-leaders. Second, an association, CCEA, has been initiated to help assist schools in developing Christian schools within the Calvary Chapel movement. Third, national, and upcoming regional conferences are being held to aid schools in the education process. Fourth, literature (of which this is handbook is a part) and other resource helps (scope and sequence, tapes, etc…) are being made available to the schools in their educational ministry. However, the greatest element of the endeavor has been watching the Lord work in the lives of His people, utilizing them for impacting the next generation.

This handbook you are about to read is the first installment of CCEA’s endeavor to equip the Christian school movement within Calvary Chapel’s. Its focus is simple: it seeks to give Biblical and practical advice on how to implement a Christ-based philosophy of Education. My good friend, Dr. Chapin Marsh, in my opinion, is a master in helping schools garner vision, set goals, and give sound, Biblical direction in developing a truly Christ-based educational framework. In this handbook you will find solid advice from one who has prayerfully, carefully, and Biblically, set out to minister to educators. As you read through this work, ask yourself how you can implement the truths and practical aid found within its pages; and most importantly, ask the Lord to give you a passion for education and the shaping of the minds, bodies, and souls of the students you minister to, trusting the Lord to accomplish wonderful things in your Christian school!

In conclusion, as opposed to a government school or an untested educational path, I present to you a third way: Christ-based education where the Bible leads and the truths that transform your educational ministries are found within its very pages.

May the Lord be glorified, and your ministries richly blessed!
Grace and Peace,

Brian C. Nixon