The Heritage Oak School has a requirement for both parents to have completed the Along the Virtuous Way (formerly known as Growing Kids God's Way) Parenting series. Parents should be in agreement with the philosophy of the Along the Virtuous Way program since it is integrated into the school’s philosophy. There are several reasons why we require the AVW program prior to school entrance:

1. Because we believe the moral responsibility for the moral training of the children rests with the parents, we do not want to usurp that role by having the on-campus teacher play the role of the parent. This requires that we use the AVW program as the standard to ensure that the parents agree with us that they have the primary role for moral training.
2. We are a school that emphasizes the parents' primary role in the education of their children (Deut. 6:1-7). Unlike many educational models we believe the parents should be acutely aware of everything their child is learning.
1. Mom or Dad must be at the school at least 3 hours per week to fulfill a parent job.
2. Mom and/or Dad teach their children at home 2 days per week. Lesson plans are sent home by the teacher and the parents take their children through their lessons. Because the parent is one of the teachers, he/she should never be surprised to learn that the child is struggling academically or morally in school. When parents have the same conviction, education is much more effective. AVW helps us to be on the same page regarding educational philosophy.
3. We want to ensure that we spend the majority of our time providing an excellent education and not on disciplining. Without a practical screening tool, we would eventually have the same discipline problems that prevent other schools from being able to adequately focus on education. Our goal is not to be exclusive or isolationist in such a way that we neglect our responsibility to be salt and light in the world or our responsibility to the Great Commission. Our goal is to be pro-active and provide the best education possible in order to EQUIP children to fulfill their Biblical witness in the world.

We cannot adequately provide such an education if we are spending much of our time concerned with discipline issues such as disrespect for authority, property, peers and parents. AVW helps us (it's not a guarantee) to accomplish that goal.

4. Studies show that a child learns more, has fewer behavioral problems, and excels academically and morally when his/her parents are actively involved in their child's education. AVW helps us ensure that the parents will be actively involved.
5. We chose to start a school with a focus and mission of discipleship and equipping children to impact their world for Christ. Some schools are evangelistic in focus and we realize there is a legitimate role for such schools. We, however, believe that the best use of our resources and gifts is in the training of children in a Christian world view that prepares them to face a culture that is in need of answers and in need of Christ, and prepares them to be salt that does not lose its flavor, and light that cannot be put out. We are acutely aware of the Great Commission, and endeavor to encourage, equip, and prepare our children, as well as each other, for that mission.

First Peter 5:15 says, "... but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence." We teach logic, Bible, theology, apologetics, and rhetoric to provide an education that gives the student the tools to be an equipped and prepared witness.

You may call the school office at 823-0885 for a schedule of our Along the Virtuous Way classes. For more information on the Along the Virtuous Way program or other parenting courses, contact Growing Families International at 1-800-474-6264.