St. John of Damascus Academy is committed to providing an exceptional education. In the best tradition of Christian education, we take a Classical approach; academically challenging and developmentally appropriate with emphasis on Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric. Rooted in the historic teachings and ongoing life of the Church, our program integrates faith with learning across all disciplines. In addition to providing a solid foundation for higher education, the Academy prepares students to excel in every endeavor, to deepen in their faith, and to engage the world with courage and love. As a Christian school we believe that "the true light that enlightens every man (has come) into the world" (John 1:9). This is the light that illumines the mind and the heart, the body and the soul of man. This is the light that responds to the anguish of Gilgamesh, the contemplation of Lao Tsu, the reasoning of Plato, and the observations of the modern astronomer. This light, the light of Christ, must infuse and order every aspect of a Christian education. At Saint John of Damascus Academy we integrate this faith into every aspect of our learning, paying due respect to the questions mankind has asked through all ages confident that God has given his full response in our Lord Jesus Christ. We are building the St. John of Damascus Academy to be competitive with the best schools across the nation. Success in this endeavor will come about by combining the richness of Christian educational heritage with a sound business model. This education is available to anyone who desires to partake, regardless of background or economic means. We are committed to a generous need-based tuition assistance program. From the beginning, St. John of Damascus Academy envisions a powerful education rooted in historic Christian understanding - available not only for students in Santa Barbara but also for children across the nation. Our long-term goal is to help organize a national network of Christian educators who will work together to develop and refine a curriculum available to all Christian schools.