Goals and Academic Philosophy

Koinonia Academy has three major goals; they are, 1) To create an educational environment which supports Christian values being taught at home by the parents, 2) To assist parents in the formation of children and young adult men and women as mature Christians, 3) To teach students to value their relationships with God and with one another and to understand the consequences of their actions.

Koinonia Academy consistently uses the following philosophy and approach to education:

• God is the source of all truth, beauty and goodness; therefore, we look to Him as the source of all that is taught at Koinonia.
• The basis of our curriculum is Sacred Scripture, Roman Catholic Tradition, and the Magisterium of the Catholic Church.
• The curriculum of the elementary grades emphasizes a “back to basics” approach, where mastery of the basics of communication and computation is stressed.
• The secondary level offers a full curriculum for the college bound
• Christian character in children is best formed through enjoyable hard work. Course material is made enjoyable, motivating children to learn. Course content is presented with students taking an active role; doing, not just watching.

Koinonia Academy is a school that supports parents, through dedicated Catholic teachers, in helping children to live a full Catholic life of holiness, especially in today’s world. Koinonia fosters courage of character and boldness of spirit in its students through its character forming instruction and academic preparation.  Its first priority is faith and character-formation. 

Koinonia is a school, rich in the blessings of God, deep in His truth, and proclaiming His beauty to the nations.  Koinonia Academy is a candle in the darkness, fueled by a light that will never go out, but growing even brighter as the world gets darker, until the Lord comes in glory.

"I am the light of the World." says Jesus. "Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." -John 8:12

While students are not required to be Catholic in order to attend Koinonia Academy, the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church are fundamental to the philosophy and purpose of the school. This is clearly stated in both the Vision of Koinonia and the Goals and Academic Philosophy of the school. Religious education is a daily part of student life at Koinonia. The Faith and Life curriculum is used by grades K-6. The religious education program for 7-12th grade students is based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Sacred Scripture, and papal teachings.

Participation in Catholic sacramental life is strongly encouraged. On Friday of every week, Mass is celebrated for the student body by a local priest. In order to strengthen and encourage the prayer life of both students and faculty, the school gathers to pray the Rosary on Mondays and Wednesdays, praise and worship charismatically on Thursdays, and Eucharistic Adoration on Tuesdays.  All forms of prayer are led by students.

A Eucharistic Chapel opened on campus in the winter of 2008, which allows students to regularly participate in Eucharistic adoration. This was an incredibly generous gift from Archbishop Myers, on the 30th Anniversary of the People of Hope.  Koinonia Academy is officially recognized by the Archdiocese of Newark as an Independent School.