Holland Christian will heighten focus on ‘faith integration’

Mitchell Boatman, Holland Sentinel
·2 min read

HOLLAND — As it works through its five-year re-accreditation process, Holland Christian Schools is participating in a pilot program to focus on "faith integration."

The district's accreditation agency, Christian Schools International, visited this fall to conduct a review. Thanks to past successful accreditations, the district was invited to participate in a pilot process called a “focused review.”

As it works through its five-year re-accreditation process, Holland Christian Schools is participating in a pilot program to focus on "faith integration."
As it works through its five-year re-accreditation process, Holland Christian Schools is participating in a pilot program to focus on "faith integration."

The special review allows the district to choose one or two areas of focus, to see how they can further improve. Holland Christian chose faith integration.

In October, a team from CSI visited each of the district's campuses — except for South Side Elementary, which was hosting an event. CSI spoke with the district’s school improvement team, as well as teachers and students in both official meetings and informally in hallways and classrooms.

Following the visit, CSI was "impressed" with Holland Christian’s passion and vision, according to a press release.

“Holland Christian has a high value on vision and innovation and celebrates the passion of teachers and innovators,” one comment read.

"The staff in all roles have the same heart and passion to build beautiful relationships with students,” another said.

CSI unanimously recommended Holland Christian for accreditation. Now, the district will review and propose improvements to further integrate faith into daily academic subjects.

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“Being able to take a step back and hear the feedback from our CSI friends was super powerful and moving,” Miles Colago, principal at Holland Christian High School, said. “We’re also excited to respond to their feedback and wisdom as we further brainstorm how we deepen our implementation of the discipleship practices."

Holland Christian’s review will also note how they can share their work with other schools nationally and internationally. Their proposal will be returned to CSI for a final accreditation approval in 2024.

— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Holland Christian will heighten focus on ‘faith integration’