Philosophy of Education

The Glenview New Church School draws its spiritual principles and philosophy of education from the New Church faith, a Christian religion based on the Bible as interpreted by the theological writings of Emanuel Swedenborg. While maintaining a clear focus on the system of belief taught in the New Church, the school welcomes students and families from all faiths, and honors the goodness of those faiths.

It is a teaching of the New Church that “all religion is of life and the life of religion is to do what is good.” The Glenview New Church School seeks to promote a good life in all facets of the educational experience. Students participate in daily morning chapel and religious classes that combine Biblical knowledge with spiritual principles. We reach beyond the mind to the hearts and lives of the students, to help them become intelligent, caring human beings. We work together with families by teaching the same Christian truths at school as the children receive at home.

It is a teaching of the New Church that “we are not created for ourselves alone but for the sake of others.” The Glenview New Church School promotes healthy relationships and charitable attitudes toward others. The faculty, working together with parents, institutes policies and behavior expectations based on spiritual principles of order blended with compassion.

It is a teaching of the New Church that “All instruction is simply an opening of the way”—the way to wisdom, to enlightenment from the Lord, to higher levels of learning. The Glenview New Church School sets high, but attainable, academic goals, recognizing the value of an educated mind. We are dedicated to nurturing in students an affection for learning and good study habits that will serve them throughout life.

It is a teaching of the New Church that “those who love the end in view, love the means to that end as well.” The goal of leading students to be equipped for success in all facets of life manifests itself in our chosen educational techniques. These include: individualized attention, involved parents and volunteers, a breadth of educational experiences including field trips and extra-curricular opportunities, technology, and current educational practices.