Pharos Academy About
Why Pharos Academy
A Christian, classical hybrid microschool: families choose the classes they want taught in community, and teach the rest at home. This is what we are for, how we go about it, and what we hold to.
Our Mission and Vision
Mission
Partnering with parents to provide academic rigor and mentoring, while deepening students’ relationships with Christ, developing a Biblical world view, and pursuing goodness, truth, and beauty in a loving church environment.
Vision
Preparing students to, “honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense for the hope that is within,” (1 Peter 3:15) while loving and impacting the world for God.
Our Method
Six words, and what the school means by each of them.
- Christian
- Our students will be guided to adopt a CHRISTIAN worldview, anchoring all that we do in the principles of God's Word.
- Classical
- Our students will thrive under a CLASSICAL teaching approach that emphasizes goodness, truth, and beauty while pursuing excellence, as they explore rich curriculum.
- Church-based
- Our families, as part of this CHURCH-BASED school, are encouraged to actively participate in a Christian church community. Affiliation with Pharos Academy’s partner, Enola First Church of God, is not mandatory for parents or students.
- Covenantal
- As the cornerstone of our COVENANTAL school community, parents will sign a partnership agreement affirming that, while their children are entrusted to Pharos Academy’s care, they will fully support the school in educating their children according to its principles, mission, vision, core values, and statement of faith.
- Hybrid
- Students flourish in our innovative hybrid model, which beautifully blends the structure and community of classroom learning with the flexibility and personalization of homeschooling. Families enjoy the convenience of dropping off their children for engaging small-group classes, or they may relax in our parent lounge. At the same time, we actively support parents as the primary guides of their children’s education at home—providing resources, guidance, and encouragement every step of the way. This approach is rooted in H.O.P.E. — Helping Our Parents Educate.
- Microschool
- Your child will thrive in our vibrant microschool, where small-group classes allow parents to select a variety of subjects and experiences.
The hybrid part is the one that surprises people, and it has a name here — H.O.P.E., Helping Our Parents Educate. A week here is what it looks like on a timetable.
Our Core Values
What the school believes, in the short form.
- God
- We believe God is one God Who exists as and manifests Himself in the three Persons of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Scripture
- We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, is our rule of faith, and is the guide for how we think, speak, and act, as well as the lens through which we view and engage culture.
- Salvation
- We believe salvation comes by grace through faith by accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. By His death on the cross, Jesus paid the price for our sins so that we can be forgiven of our sins and be reconciled to God.
- Family
- We believe that the responsibility to train and educate a child belongs to the parents, and it is our goal to assist parents in this biblical endeavor.
- Learning
- We believe that the use of Classical Education leads to wisdom; virtue; and a love of goodness, truth, and beauty as seen throughout all curricular areas.
- Community
- We believe in the value of individuals as people created in God’s image, celebrate their gifts, encourage mutual growth, and care for others.
- Discipleship
- We believe in the use of Truth to develop a mature and growing faith in Christ, to build godly relationships, to develop the fruit of the Spirit, and to share the love of Christ with others.
- Leadership
- We believe in the calling to be servant-leaders in our families, churches, and communities, and desire to use godly wisdom, grace, and love to impact our world for Christ.
This is the summary, not the document. The Statement of Faith and Practice is the full text — eleven articles — and it is what families are asked to read before applying, so please read that one rather than this.
What “Pharos” Means
Pharos Academy derives its name from the Greek word “pharos” (φάρος). The Lighthouse of Alexandria, Egypt, one of the Seven Wonders of the World stood on the island of Pharos in the harbor of Alexandria and is said to have been more than 350 feet (110 meters) high; the only taller man-made structures at the time would have been the pyramids of Giza. It was a technological triumph and is the archetype of all lighthouses since (Source: Encyclopedia Britannica). The lighthouse was built around 300 B.C. and was still standing until the 12th century A.D.
The Greek word “pharos” spans both the Classical and Koine Greek periods, evolving in meaning over time. During the Classical era (500–323 BCE), it referred to a “plough.” By the Koine era (323 BCE–600 CE), however, “pharos” had come to mean “lighthouse,” a shift linked to the iconic Lighthouse of Alexandria on Pharos Island.
Pharos Academy also draws its name from two core inspirations. First, we aim to shine as a beacon among educational institutions, collaborating with parents to deliver a classical education marked by excellence, much like a lighthouse guides through the dark. Second, we connect to the Koine Greek era, the language of the New Testament. While “pharos” doesn’t appear in the New Testament or the Septuagint—the Greek translation of the Old Testament—the New Testament introduces Apollos, a native of Alexandria, Egypt. Historical records confirm the Lighthouse of Alexandria stood during Apollos’ lifetime. In Acts 18:24–28, Apollos is described as an eloquent speaker who boldly taught about Jesus in the Ephesus synagogue, though initially he knew only John’s baptism. Priscilla and Aquila refined his understanding, deepening his grasp of God’s way. Later, in Achaia, he strengthened believers and skillfully proved from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. At Pharos Academy, we aspire to nurture every student in the same spirit as Apollos, fostering growth in grace and knowledge and teaching them to “honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks” for a reason for the hope that lies within them (1 Peter 3:15).
Where We Meet
Pharos Academy meets at Enola First Church of God.
9 Sherwood Drive Enola, PA 17025A question this page does not answer? Ask us — or read how applying works, which is the next thing most families want.
More About Pharos
- Statement of Faith and Practice The eleven articles in full — what families are asked to read before applying, and what the application asks them to say where they agree and where they do not.
- Who Teaches Here Everyone who runs the school and everyone who teaches a class, with what they teach.
- Giving and Volunteering How gifts to the school are handled today, and the five areas we need help in.