Our Way of Life
The purpose of Houghton Academy is to provide Christ-centered education in a Christian environment. For this reason the school must maintain a high standard of Christian living. Coming from varied backgrounds, students have minor differences of opinion about accepted conduct, but the life standard upheld by Houghton Academy is widely endorsed. Christ is the center of Houghton’s purpose and program, and the rules exist to preserve a strong Christian emphasis in the educational process. These rules should not be construed as a statement of faith. We do not believe that Christianity is comprised primarily of rules. We do, however, recognize the need for an objective standard of conduct within which students are free to develop better relationships with Christ, with others, and with themselves. These standards can be divided into three categories:
First, there are standards and expectations which echo the timeless demands of the Ten Commandments and the ethical teachings of Christ. These are a direct result of the fact that Houghton Academy is founded, staffed, and supported by Christians who seek to create a Christian atmosphere for education. They cannot change as long as we are truly a Christian institution. Included in this category are our expectations of honesty, sexual morality, respect for authority, and abstention from profanity and obscenity. We believe that anyone who desires a Christian education should be willing to submit to these imperatives.
A second group of rules originates in a particular time and cultural context and reflects the practical application of biblical principles made by our founders and staff. They are not moral absolutes for all people in all times and places, but they do represent our firm convictions in this time and place.Thus, for example, we prohibit smoking and drinking, and we have a dress code which we believe reflects contemporary standards of modesty and good taste. We expect conformity to these rules, not because it is the only Christian way, but out of respect for our own convictions, those of the Houghton community, our particular religious heritage, and the scruples of our constituency. These regulations come slowly and with much thought.
Third, the greatest number of rules exist primarily for the creation of an orderly system in which large numbers of people can live and work together conveniently. In this category are rules about attendance at meals, dorm curfews, and study hours. Because the standards must be uniform and must benefit the greatest number, an individual may sometimes find that they inconvenience him personally. Rules in this group are more often changed, being revised to meet changing situations.
Houghton Academy is opposed to practices that contradict or hinder positive Christian testimony. Since the enrolled student has pledged to uphold the ideals and regulations of Houghton Academy, he is expected to abstain from immoral conduct, profanity, obscenity, and gambling. The use of tobacco, alcoholic liquors, and drugs is prohibited to every student while registered in Houghton Academy, both before and during the regular school year and on vacations. Once having matriculated at Houghton Academy, it is expected that the conduct of a student shall at all times be consistent with the principles of the school, regardless of time, place, or occasion.
