 | from the McCallie Blue Book
In the diverse world of Christian schools, parents and students may choose from almost as many philosophies as there are Christian denominations. It is important that parents and students understand McCallie’s stance.
McCallie School was founded as a Christian school without direct connection to a specific congregation or denomination. The founders were sons of a Presbyterian minister and chose the first statement from the Westminster Catechism as the school’s motto: “Man’s Chief End is to Glorify God and to Enjoy Him Forever.” Their father, the Reverend T. H. McCallie, whose land became the campus, wrote that he hoped that McCallie School would have higher academic standards than most of the Christian schools of that day.
McCallie has remained an academically-oriented school and has never intended to supplant the influence of Christian churches. Overwhelmingly, McCallie boys have come from families and communities with strong church ties, and McCallie has wished to be an affirming influence for boys of all Christian denominations without becoming involved in doctrinal matters. McCallie welcomes students from other faiths and balances its love of the Christian message with a supportive concern for the spiritual development of non-Christian boys, something that churches are not called upon to do. This requires an appreciation of cultural diversity that Christians with strong doctrinal beliefs might interpret as a lack of Christian resolve.
Nevertheless, McCallie has found a variety of balanced practices that allow for the celebration of the Christian gospel while respecting the faith and feelings of non-Christian students.
The Board of Trustees regularly appraises the Christian practices and policies of the school and affirms both the school’s Christian heritage and the value of cherishing all McCallie’s students, no matter what their religion is, by protecting them from unwanted proselytizing and affronts to their faith.
The Board also affirms the school’s pursuit of academic excellence and intellectual integrity.
The school asks parents, students, alumni, and other McCallie community members to respect its religious practices even though those practices might not mirror the practices of their churches. The school administration is charged by the Board of Trustees to protect the present religious atmosphere, which is supportive and respectful of all religions.
McCallie requires Bible for graduation as a matter of tradition and for its present value as a guide to life. The school has always believed the Bible to be the source of the Christian religion and much of Western ethical thought. It is also important in the study of Western literature and history. At McCallie the Bible course is taught by believing Christians, who do not seek statements of faith from their students. All students are required to attend Chapel.
Boarding students are required to attend Sunday church services either on or off campus.
A more complete policy statement from the Board of Trustees Bylaws and Policy Manual may be requested from the Headmaster’s Office.
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