Phone: (630) 964-5363
Academy > About > History, Mission, Four Pillars, Our People, Our Programs, Other Defining Terms
Marquette Manor Baptist Academy provides a well-rounded education for students in preschool through twelfth grade. Our greatest desire is that our students: Seek to know God intimately, Learn to love Him wholeheartedly, Saturate their minds with His Word, and Biblically serve God and their neighbor.
Marquette Manor Baptist Academy was founded in 1970 as a ministry of Marquette Manor Baptist Church. Dr. Wayne Van Gelderen, Sr. founded the school as a result of the degradation of public education. Church families wanted to rear their children in a consistent learning triangle of the home, church, and school. We began with a K5-through-third-grade program and grades were added as the downward spiral of humanism continued in this culture. A preschool program was added in 1971.
For over 35 years, MMBA has earned and maintained an excellent reputation for quality education in the community, the state, even throughout the country as our graduates have gone forth prepared for the challenges of life.
Marquette Manor Baptist Church exists to glorify our God through the faithful proclamation and sincere application of the Word of God by the Spirit of God in order to evangelize the lost, edify the saints, and exemplify Christ.
As a ministry of Marquette Manor Baptist Church, we desire to fulfill the commission of our Lord to teach His disciples the commandments of God (Matthew 28:19-20). MMBA agrees to assist Christian parents in meeting their biblical responsibility to train their children “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). As an extension of the local church and the Christian home, it is the purpose of our school to assist parents in giving each student a thorough Christian education as each subject is taught within the parameters and principles dictated by the Word of God.
From our mission statement there are four major pillars that govern everything we do here at Marquette Manor Baptist Academy. First, we desire a warm, spiritual atmosphere for our student body. MMBA seeks to be a strong environment where Christian young people may learn a biblical worldview. While this goal pervades our classrooms, the philosophy of our athletic program is also rooted in this pillar. Athletics is a microcosm of life and provides a school setting where principles of Christian discipleship are taught and developed as athletes are stretched physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually (Luke 2:52).
Secondly, MMBA strives for academic excellence in preparation for life. MMBA believes in traditional educational procedures and emphasizes the basics in building a strong academic foundation. Qualified teachers using proven teaching methods challenge students to work hard, to meet a higher standard academically, and to think biblically on their own. As they are led to the truths of God, they build biblical convictions that will stand under the pressures of our hedonistic and godless culture.
Thirdly, our school has a strong emphasis on the fine arts. We want our young people to sharpen their skills in speech, art, and music. Growing in these areas will enable the young people to use their talents in their local churches for a lifetime ministry of service to the Lord.
Finally, Marquette Manor Baptist Academy is committed to developing character in young people through a strong, consistent, and loving discipline program. All rules and regulations are established on the basis of biblical conviction (“love God”) or enable the school to function more orderly (“love thy neighbor”). We sincerely believe that “firm, fair, and friendly” discipline will help young people develop good character that will enable them to be more useful tools in the Lord’s hands.
The doctrinal statement and these pillars are the foundation for the philosophy by which MMBA is operated. In order for our young people to gain the maximum from their MMBA experience, it is imperative for their parents to understand fully these principles. If you have any questions about our philosophy, please do not hesitate to bring them to the administration.
Our faculty/staff is made up of Christians devoted to the cause of Christ, faithful to His Word, and committed to the ministry’s philosophy. Our teachers hold four-year college degrees, primarily in education, and are certifiable through the American Association of Christian Schools, a nationally recognized educational organization. They view their ministry as a calling from God and are dedicated to that assignment.
Our program places an emphasis on Christian character development and mastery of academic fundamentals. It is biblically oriented and directed to assist in the total development of the child. In addition to the traditional academic subjects, the program includes physical education, computer, speech, art, general music, choir, and band. Private piano, instrumental, and vocal lessons are available for an additional fee. Our interscholastic sports program in the secondary school (7-12) provides another extracurricular tool for developing a Christlike character.
Prayer, Bible stories, and Scripture memorization are stressed on the primary and elementary level, while a greater emphasis is given to the study of fundamental doctrines with practical life application on the secondary level. There is a strong emphasis on personal evangelism and service in the local church. As a matter of consistency, the King James Version of the Bible is the only version used as a standard for memory and content work. Chapel is a regular part of the school program and is held on a regular basis that varies with the grade level.
ACAD • EMY, n. [L. academia]
A private, college-preparatory school for special instruction, holding a rank between a university and a common school
EDUCA • TION, n. [L. educatio]
“The bringing up, as of a child, instruction; formation of manners. Education comprehends all that series of instruction and discipline which is intended to: enlighten the understanding, correct the temper, form the manners and habits of youth, fit them for usefulness in their future stations. To give children a good education in manners, arts and science, is important; to give them a religious education is indispensable; and an immense responsibility rests on parents and guardians who neglect these duties.” (Webster’s 1828 Dictionary)
CHRIS • TIAN, n. [L. Christ]
“A real disciple of Christ; one who believes in the truth of the Christian religion, and studies to follow the example, and obey the precepts of Christ” (Webster’s 1828 Dictionary)
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
To lead to truth
Thus, to lead to God, first through faith in Jesus Christ (salvation) and then to a separated lifestyle (sanctification) for His glory (service).