ABOUT CA

Our History

Charis Academy (CA), formerly known as Immanuel Christian School, was founded in 1979 and has been serving the Greater Hazleton area for over 40 years. CA is a non-denominational, non-public school. We believe that Christian education is much more than chapel and Bible class. We encourage an environment where students can grow in character, wisdom, and discernment to pursue the life God has called each of them to live. We have high academic standards with an emphasis on character development.

Charis Academy is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and the Mid-Atlantic Christian Schools Association (MACSA).

Rooted in Grace, Igniting Wonder, Inspiring Creativity

Mission & Vision

Mission

To provide high-quality, Jesus-centered education that equips students to become lifelong learners, innovators, pioneers, and servants–ready to transform their communities, shape the future, and break cycles of poverty through purpose, integrity, and faith.

Vision

To raise and release a movement of young people who carry both their God-given gifts and the good news of Jesus into their cities and circles.

Statement of Faith
based on the Nicene Creed

We believe in one God,

our loving Father, who made everything in heaven and on earth, things we can see and things we can’t.

We believe in Jesus Christ,

God’s only Son. He has always existed and is fully God – full of light, truth, and love. Everything was created through Him. Jesus came down from heaven to rescue us. He was born of the virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit and became fully human, just like us. He was put to death on a cross, buried, and on the third day, He came back to life, just like the Bible says. He went back to heaven and now sits in power with God the Father. One day, He will return to bring justice and make all things right. His kingdom will never end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit,

God’s presence with us today, who gives life, leads us into truth, and helps us live with love, peace, and power. He speaks to us, just like He spoke through the prophets.

We believe the Church is one family,

made up of people from every nation and background, called to love God and love people.

We believe in the forgiveness of sins, new life through Jesus, and the hope of life forever with Him.
This is the good news we believe and the story we live.

The Five Initiatives of Charis Academy

Charis Academy operates using five points of focus when making decisions. Each initiative is directed by a foundational team of individuals who gather regularly to discuss the school, its mission, and its vision for the future.

1

High-Quality

Education

Ensuring accessible, quality learning opportunites for all who want it.

2

Grace Culture

Fostering a grace-filled organizational culture.

3

Financial Stability & Generosity

Maintaining financial health while being generous.

4

City Impact

Making a positive difference in our community and encouraging students to do so in their own.

5

Future-Ready

Preparing our school and our students for future challenges and opportunities.

Philosophy of Education

At Charis Academy, our philosophy of education is rooted in Jesus Christ, who is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end of all things. We believe that Jesus perfectly reveals the heart of the Father; when we look at Him, we see what God is like. He is not only our Savior but also our teacher, model, and the lens through which we understand all of Scripture. Every subject, every story, and every pursuit of truth finds its center in Him. Jesus is the Truth, and in knowing Him, we come to understand the world, ourselves, and the God who made us.

We believe that parents are the primary educators and disciplers of their children. Our role is not to replace that God-given responsibility but to come alongside and support it. As Deuteronomy 6 reminds us, teaching our children about God happens “when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” That means everyday moments—from car rides to walks with the dog to bedtime conversations—are sacred opportunities to shape a child's mind and heart.

We are committed to partnering with parents in this journey and walking together in unity and purpose. We believe that when parents are engaged, and home and school are working hand-in-hand, the impact of a child’s education—both academically and spiritually—will be deep, lasting, and transformational.

Parents are to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (Deuteronomy 6:5-7; Ephesians 6:4)

We believe that the best learning doesn’t happen through passive listening; it happens through active engagement. Research shows that students retain only about 5% of what they hear in a lecture-style monologue, but that number jumps to 50% when they engage in dialogue. When students take action on what they’ve learned, retention rises to 75%, and when they teach it to others, it soars to 90%. That’s why our approach is interactive and built around conversation, collaboration, and real-world application.

We want our students to be curious learners who ask great questions, explore ideas deeply, and take ownership of their learning. This is a teacher-guided, student-engaged journey where learning comes alive and students are inspired and activated to walk in their full God-given potential.

Our philosophy of education is rooted in grace. We want every student to know deep in their hearts that their worth is not tied to performance, perfection, or comparison; instead, worth is found in the unchanging love of the Father. Acceptance is not earned; it’s received. This is modeled by the staff at Charis Academy.

We teach students that salvation is not the result of shaping up or getting it all together. The Gospel tells us that while we were still dead in our sins, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Jesus picks up the tab for our brokenness, our failures, and our inability to measure up, and He offers us life, identity, and purpose as a gift. Our prayer is that students will trust this good news, rest in it, and live from the beauty and relief it brings. In this grace-dependent environment, students are free to grow, try, fail, and thrive—all while knowing they are deeply loved and never alone.

We believe education should be available to all who desire it. Our doors are open to any student who wants to learn in a Christ-centered environment, because we believe Jesus welcomed anyone who was willing to come to the table. Throughout His Life, Jesus included people from all backgrounds. Rich and poor, young and old, healthy and sick. We are committed to classrooms filled with students regardless of their background or situation. We want to serve every student we have the capacity to serve—academically, emotionally, and spiritually— because we believe each one carries dignity and purpose.

Charis is not just a school; it is a ministry. It is our hope and prayer that both students and their families would experience healing, find faith, and encounter the love of God through their time here.