The Essential Connection: Faith and Academics
Faith is infused in everything we do and impacts the entire class session, our lunch time, recess, and interactions throughout the day.
The opening statement in Dock’s Educational Philosophy notes, “Dock Mennonite Academy understands faith and learning to be inseparable”. We often describe faith and academics as sides of a zipper – stronger when joined and only able to function when interlocked together.
In the Dock logo, you note the words “Mennonite” and “Academy” are the same size and on the same line. This design was to emphasize that neither superseded the other. Our understanding of faith is that Christ-centeredness is a part of every minute of every day. Our faith instructs how we relate to one another and how we restore relationships that have been damaged.
As parents of students in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Middle School we have seen how curriculum is expertly tailored to each age group. Meaningful relationships between students and teachers are cultivated and maintained across grade levels, and faith is seamlessly integrated into education at all levels.
- Justin Youk and Amanda Yoder ('09)
"Who was Christopher Dock?"
The school is named after Christopher Dock, a compassionate, 18th century Mennonite educator who pioneered a shift in the philosophy of teaching by combining academics and faith. He emphasized character building, classroom connections, and discussion to encourage a richer educational experience, just as Dock Mennonite Academy continues to do today.
Learn more about the Faithful Schoolmaster of Skippack, Christopher Dock