The Importance of Fine Arts in
Christian Education
Christian education endeavors to pursue truth, goodness, and beauty. Within creation, we find these manifested in art and music. Not only does the pursuit of fine arts develop a student’s God-given abilities, but it develops within our student’s creative faculties which breathe life into a moral imagination . Classical educators, such as C.S. Lewis, asserted that a moral imagination, cultivated through the study of the arts, provides the intellect and strength to rule the passions. In other words, it develops temperance , which St. Paul refers to in the fruits of the spirit as (Greek) “enkrateia”, meaning “power over your own passions and instincts”. I’m proud that in the midst of an educational culture in Northern California which diminish the arts, we stand by the inclusion of fine arts within our programs.

At Vacaville Christian Schools, we are committed to making the fine arts a vital component of our education. Here are important reasons why the fine arts are a critical component of a well rounded, Christian education at VCS:
The Fine Arts Are Biblical
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth...” The Bible begins by recognizing that our God is the ultimate creator over everything. God is the divine maker, and all that is in the world was designed by him. And if God made man in his own image, we too have that creativity built within us. God gave us the ability to use creativity to worship him, and there are many examples of this in the Bible including poetry, songs, instrumental music, woodworking, architecture, and more. In Psalm 33:1-3 it says, “Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous! For praise from the upright is beautiful. Praise the Lord with the harp; Make melody Him with an instrument of ten strings. Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy.” What a gift it is to worship our Lord creator through the fine arts.
The Fine Arts Glorify God
Developing skills in the fine arts are God-glorifying because they allow us to appreciate and express our love for him in a beautiful, unique way. Students at VCS are given the opportunity to expand and develop their artistic skills through elementary music, art classes, jazz, symphony, and radio drama. We are providing our students a unique way to experience God and study the beauty of his creation. In Romans 11:29 it says, “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” God places a gift and calling on our lives, and he uses those gifts to bring glory and honor to him through music, art, and craftsmanship.
The Fine Arts Improve Academic Achievement
The fine arts benefit our students at VCS because they are a fundamental part of a program which cultivates well rounded people. Students learn important skills like fortitude, dedication, and repetition. Facilitating the appreciation for the arts also provides our students the opportunity to learn about different time periods, art styles, and a variety of media.

Participating in the fine arts will nourish your child’s soul, bring them into a closer relationship with God, and ultimately result in a well-rounded nature. Through words, music, paintings, or craftsmanship, God gives us a unique and beautiful way to learn more of him. “And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.” (Exodus 31: 3-5) Let's give our children the opportunity to unveil their God-given artistic gifts so that they may use them to bring honor and glory to him.
VCS Offers a One-of-a-Kind Conservatory Program
Our VCS conservatory program is multi-faceted, compelling, and award winning program. Did you know, for example, that we have on campus one of the only high school, HD radio broadcast stations in the country ( KVCB 100.9 FM Vacaville )? Our high school jazz band has won countless awards, including those at the prestigious Reno Jazz Festival, and will record their next album later this spring at Skywalker Ranch (I’m proud of all we currently offer at VCS, and it’s also part of my vision to see our fine arts program grow over time.

For information on the programs currently offered at the VCS Radio Conservatory, please visit:
Check in to see insights and updates from our VCS Head of School, Ben Davis.
Mr. Ben Davis, MAEd
ben.davis@go-vcs.com
Vacaville Christian Schools |www.GO-VCS.com