Pacifica Stories

At Pacifica Christian High School, we are committed to providing a well-rounded education that goes beyond conventional learning. One of our most distinctive and cherished programs is the Center for Philosophy and Theology. Read on as we delve into what the Center is, how it influences our curriculum and school programming, and why it stands as a Signature Program that we believe can shape the future of our students.

Understanding the Center for Philosophy and Theology

The Center for Philosophy and Theology is more than a mere academic department, it serves as a guiding light for our students, encouraging them to explore profound questions about life, meaning, and ethics. Our program creates a space where intellectual curiosity and spiritual exploration meet, fostering a holistic approach to education. Through our Leisure at the Lyceum guest speaker series, quality course offerings, and community engagement, this unique program extends into many areas of our school.

Integration into Our Curriculum and School Programming

Our commitment to nurturing young minds through the Center is evident in how it seamlessly integrates into our school's curriculum and programming:

1. Diverse Course Offerings: The Center offers a wide range of courses that go beyond standard high school offerings. Students can explore subjects like ethics, ancient philosophy, theology, church history, political philosophy and civics, and modern philosopher, empowering them to think critically about complex issues.

2. Community Engagement: The Center's influence extends beyond the classroom. It fosters an environment where we can actively engage with our local community and culture, promoting the values of intellectual curiosity and engaging the ideas in our society.

3. Center Events and Seminars: Recently, the Center for Philosophy and Theology alongside Pilgrim Lutheran Church put on a dinner and speaking event with Trey Dimsdale entitled—"Friedrich Nietzsche & the Decline of Christian Culture” This event offered a platform for students and the community to hear the ideas of Friedrich Nietszche and ask if there was something to be learned from him in our engagement with an increasingly post-Christian culture.

Why is the Center a Signature Program?

Pacifica Christian High School's Center for Philosophy and Theology is a signature program for numerous reasons:

Intellectual and Spiritual Growth
It fosters an environment where students are encouraged to think deeply, wrestle with complex questions, and develop a mature understanding of their own beliefs and values.

Preparedness for Higher Education
The critical thinking skills, ethical awareness, and intellectual engagement fostered by the Center prepare our students for success in higher education and a lifetime of learning.

Character Development
The Center cultivates traits such as empathy, moral integrity, and compassion, which are essential for students to become responsible, engaged citizens.

Lifelong Love for Learning
We aim to instill a passion for lifelong learning, ensuring that our students continue to explore the deeper questions of life and meaning long after they leave our halls.

BENEFITS to our students

Our goals for the students who engage with the Center for Philosophy and Theology are:

Become Inquisitive Thinkers
We aspire to nurture students who consistently ask big questions and approach life with a sense of wonder and curiosity.

Develop a Sense of Purpose
Through exploring themes of meaning and ethics, students discover their values and sense of purpose, which guide them in making informed life choices.

Engage in Constructive Dialogue
We encourage students to engage in respectful and constructive dialogue, understanding and appreciating diverse perspectives.

In conclusion, the Center for Philosophy and Theology at Pacifica Christian High School is a beacon of intellectual and spiritual exploration that enriches our students' lives. We are excited to witness the fruits of this program by fostering an environment of intellectual curiosity, ethical awareness, and compassionate engagement with the ideas of our culture. Through these means the Center is preparing our students not just for success in the classroom but also for a meaningful and impactful life beyond our school walls.