Dayspring Christian Academy

• 1987-2004 The Lord’s House of Prayer, Vine Street, Lancaster, PA
• 1992-1996 The Teamster’s Building, Duke Street, Lancaster, PA
• 1996-2004 Pearl Street, Lancaster, PA
• 2001-2010 Burle Business Park, New Holland Avenue, Lancaster, PA
• 2010–present College Avenue, Mountville, PA

Dayspring Christian Academy was founded in 1987.

Every person is created in the image of God and therefore, has value. Every person is unique; no two people are the same. There are outward characteristics of each person and inward characteristics of each person. Dayspring students are taught to identify outward and inward characteristics and see each person as a unique individual created for a unique purpose. (Genesis 1, John 1:3, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11)

Students are taught the concepts in Proverbs 16:32 and 1 Timothy 3:5. They memorize Hugo Grotius’ quote in 9th grade – “He knows not how to rule a kingdom, that cannot manage a province; nor can he wield a province, that cannot order a city; nor he order a city, that knows not how to regulate a village; nor he a village, that cannot guide a family, nor can that man govern well a family that knows not how to govern himself; neither can any govern himself unless reason be lord, will and appetite her vassal; nor can reason rule unless herself be ruled by God, and (wholly) obedient to him.”

With a basis in Matthew 7:24-29, 2 Timothy 4:7, Philippians 4:13, and Acts 24:16, Dayspring students learn their heritage of Christian character including faith, steadfastness, brotherly love and Christian care, diligence, industry, and liberty of conscience. They study the lives of the Pilgrims through William Bradford’s journal, Of Plimoth Plantation which brings these character traits to life and encourages students to develop their own character.

Students at Dayspring learn the biblical model of government found in Deuteronomy 1:9-18, Isaiah 33:22, and Matthew 22:35-40 which show that the Law and the Gospel are the basis for government. Further, as quoted by abolitionist and Founding Father John Adams, our form of government was made for a moral people holding to moral principles and is key to liberty. Dayspring students recognize that American government is Christian in form, and this is not dependent on its creators being Christian themselves. Students recognize the role of the church in the creation of America’s government, and the involvement of the clergy at the time. Additionally, students study the impact of philosopher Charles de Montesquieu’s identification of the functions of the legislative, executive, and judicial powers in government and their roles in providing checks and balance upon each other.

In 1843, women’s rights activist, Emma Willard wrote, “The government of the United States is acknowledged by the wise and good of other nations, to be the most free, impartial, and righteous government of the world; but all agree, that for such a government to be sustained many years, the principles of truth and righteousness, taught in the Holy Scriptures, must be practiced. The rulers must govern in fear of God, and the people obey the laws.” Dayspring students study the Mayflower Compact, which established self-government at the center of government in the Plymouth colony and from which American government was birthed. They study the life of Samuel Adams, the Father of the American Revolution, whose life centered on the “study and practice of the exalted virtues of the Christian system.” Dayspring students study the Committees of Correspondence, which united the colonies in knowledge, sentiment, and purpose. Through these in-depth studies, students learn that liberty is internal, springing from conviction (conscience). Deuteronomy 10:12-14, Isaiah 9:6, and Luke 9:6 are the foundation of this principle.

Rooted in Genesis 1:1, Isaiah 43:7, Ephesians 2:10, and Revelation 4:11, students study William Blackstone’s insight on the concept of property. They also study the writings of John Locke, whose theory of civil society was studied by generations including the American Colonists. Concepts in this principle include man is God’s property, property is what God has entrusted to the care of the individual, respecting property rights, respecting the rights of others, stewardship of property, and conscience is the most sacred of all property.

The Boston Patriots and the Tea Act are studied alongside the Biblical context of 1 Corinthians 1:10, Psalms 133:1, and Ephesians 4:1-3. Students study the events leading to the American Revolution, discovering that self-government is predicated upon the rights of man, and emphasized in the Declaration of Independence, “We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among those are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness—That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men.” Students learn that leadership alone did not accomplish the union among the colonies; the Tea Act of 1773 ignited the righteous indignation needed to cement unity in the colonies. The colonists held mutual understanding of their rights endowed by their Creator which inspired their desire for liberty. The outcome created a form of government that allows for the fullest expression of liberty given to an individual, united by the truth that all men are created equal and have rights that cannot be taken away.

Dayspring Christian Academy has 24 classrooms total as well as an auditorium and gymnasium, and administrative offices.[16]

Dayspring Christian Academy has the following grade levels: preschool, prekindergarten, kindergarten, elementary school (lower school) grades 1 to 5, middle school grades 6 to 8, and high school grades 9 to 12. Additionally, Dayspring Christian Academy offers Honors high school for college-bound students who are academically gifted or high achieving.

Dayspring Christian Academy offers learning support services. The program is called P139 after Psalm 139. The program is designed to teach students at all levels who require alternate or differentiated methods of instruction. Levels of support offered range from mild to moderate (Daybreak program) up to profound learning and functional needs (Bright Horizons program). Dayspring Christian Academy also offers enhanced programs for students with a GIEP or who consistently maintain a 98% or higher grade average.

Dayspring Christian Academy offers sports to middle and high school students, and clinics for elementary aged students. Middle school sports include boys soccer, girls volleyball, boys basketball, girls basketball, and track & field. High school sports offered include boys soccer, girls volleyball, golf, boys basketball, girls basketball, girls lacrosse, boys volleyball, and track & field. The school’s colors are red, white, and blue, and student athletes are called the Dayspring Warriors. The athletic logo is red, white, and blue with a warrior holding a shield and spear.[17]

Dayspring Christian Academy is located at 120 College Avenue, Mountville, PA 17554. It is within the Mountville borough in Lancaster County, in the state of Pennsylvania, in the United States of America.

Dayspring Christian Academy is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International and Mid-Atlantic Christian Schools Association.

Dayspring Christian Academy participates in The Extraordinary Give.[18] Hosted by Lancaster County Community Foundation, The Extraordinary Give connects 501(c)(3) organizations to community donors.