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The truth behind Lodi's Seventh-day Adventist Academy and school

By Denis Silber
Special to the News-Sentinel
Wednesday, August 13, 2008 6:27 AM PDT

Comments (55 comment(s))

Although Seventh-day Adventist education has served the citizens of San Joaquin County for 100 years, local community members may not know the scope of learning that happens on the 30 acres of land at the corner of Kettleman Lane and Central Avenue.

So, I thought it was time to dispel rumors, inform and amaze readers with the truth.

1. Who we are: Lodi Academy and Seventh-day Adventist Elementary School are Christian schools with a Bible-based curriculum. The faculty and staff are dedicated to meeting the needs of our youth. We welcome students of various faiths who are interested in learning, growing and contributing to the school and local community.

2. Test results: Standardized test results indicate that graduating eighth graders and seniors performed significantly better in every subject area than their peers.

3. Accreditation: The elementary school receives accreditation through the Adventist Accrediting Association and Lodi Academy through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The academy also boasts a University of California-approved curriculum that offers the required courses needed for acceptance to a University of California school.

4. Teachers: The schools have a combined teaching staff of 25. Twenty-four have B.A. or B.S. degrees. Eleven have also earned their M.A. degrees. Though it is not required, 13 have additionally earned California state certification. And on top of all that, the Adventist Church requires its teachers to be denominationally certified.

5. Academic and bonding trips: Freshmen spend a week at Leoni Meadows, a camp near Placerville, as a part of their physical science program. Sophomores enjoy a week on the north coast at the Albion Biological Field Station. Every other year, juniors and seniors have the option of flying to Washington, D.C. for an exciting two-week history tour. In order to promote student bonding, the entire school goes on a short camp-out at the start of the year. Additionally, the seniors camp in Yosemite and hike Half Dome. Weeklong outdoor schools are held for sixt grade at Albion, seventh grade in Monterey, and eighth-graders become paleontologists on a dig in Nevada. Typically, the elementary students at every grade level enjoy multiple field trips each year.

6. Music programs: Both schools have skilled music directors with high expectations for their students. The academy offers choir, concert choir and band. The latter two groups perform in local churches and travel on a tour annually. The elementary school follows a comprehensive K-8 curriculum-based music program. Students in grades 5-8 can join band, choir or the hand bell choir. The musical groups perform in churches and at public venues. For the past six years, the choir has been invited to perform at the state capital inside the rotunda at Christmas time.

7. Leadership: Academy students can become class or student association officers, join the National Honor Society and work on the yearbook or newspaper staff. Elected leaders attend a five western state leadership camp to share, gain ideas, network and make new friends.

8. Spiritual growth: Students attend daily chapel services and enjoy two special weeklong spiritual series during the year with a guest speaker. Friday evening vespers programs are often available. The teens have the option of attending a grade-level weekend Bible conference. All students participate in quarterly community service projects throughout Lodi and the county. An annual mission trip is available. Eighth grade students also participate in quarterly service projects. The elementary school sponsors an annual "I Can" food drive. Last year, the students collected 3,500 cans! Many of the teachers involve their students in service projects. There are two youth pastors who spend time on campus guiding and relating with the students at both schools.

9. Sports: The sports program at Lodi Academy includes PE, varsity and junior varsity sports. The school is a member of the CIF Harvest League. The seventhand eighth-graders can play basketball, softball and flag football in a regional Christian league.

10. Home school options: If facing the prospect of helping your high school student with classes like chemistry, physics or advanced math scares you, Lodi Academy may be able to help. We offer a part-time option, which would allow your student to take up to two classes.

So, now that you know the truth, help us spread the good news about Lodi Academy and the Seventh-day Adventist Elementary School. Class starts Aug. 18. Families interested in information may call the Academy at 368-2781 and the elementary school at 368-5341. You'll be glad you did!

Denis Silber is a member of the academy's board of directors and the parent of academy graduates.

Reader Feedback

Lodian wrote on Aug 25, 2008 9:10 PM:

" sam wrote " Nope, Lodian. If you tithe to the church you will get a discount. "

Oh, I didn't know that. "

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TandC wrote on Aug 25, 2008 7:39 PM:

" Lodian, most churches give discounts to members because of their tithes. "

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sam wrote on Aug 25, 2008 7:09 PM:

" Nope, Lodian. If you tithe to the church you will get a discount. "

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Rickster wrote on Aug 25, 2008 9:20 AM:

" This is not rocket science. No one will force you to put your child in any private school. If you don't like the rules, then don't participate. Reason why people pay so much to put their child in a private school is to avoid the problems that public schools have today which are not addressed by the school board. Lodi Academy has a higher rate of accomplished students than any public high school around. I did not attend that school, but my wife did, and over 90% of those who graduated there are Lawyers, Doctors, Nurses and Business Owners. As for (patton1) stating that enrollment must be down... he's right. But not because of the standards, it's the economy. As for Adventist members getting a discount, thank you (JD), as your statement hit the nail on the head. If your tithe paying members of the church, yes you do get a discount on your tuition. All church schools I know about do. "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 23, 2008 10:04 PM:

" Bottom line, I pay more tuition if I am not an Adventist. "

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JD wrote on Aug 20, 2008 1:11 PM:

" Hi Sam. No problem; I just wanted to clarify. ;-)

I don't really have a dog in this fight as I'm not an Adventist, do not have school-aged children and do not live in Lodi. But I see no problem with a church-operated school charging lower tuition to tithe-paying members (my own church's Brigham Young University does the same thing). "

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sam wrote on Aug 20, 2008 12:50 PM:

" and JD, from the site you gave me, non-Adventists do not pay more. Adventist members get a discount.

Thanks again for enlightening me. "

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sam wrote on Aug 20, 2008 12:40 PM:

" ...and my non Adventist family member is not paying extra because a family member who is Adventist is paying the tuition. Confusing??? To me it was.

Thanks JD for pointing that out. "

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sam wrote on Aug 20, 2008 12:37 PM:

" JD, I was just coming on to correct myself. I am not a member, but because my husband was... although not active (and my kids were not), we paid no extra.

We are having lunch and my husband corrected me. "

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JD wrote on Aug 20, 2008 11:50 AM:

" Sam, with all due respect, the school's own handbook (which includes a tuition schedule) seems to disagree:

http://www.anpi2c.adventistschoolconnect.org/site/1/docs/08-09%20HANDBOOK.pdf "

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sam wrote on Aug 20, 2008 11:35 AM:

" Lodian, and a non-Adventist does NOT pay more tuition than an Adventist. "

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sam wrote on Aug 20, 2008 11:34 AM:

" Lodian, just tuition, NO extra fees, NO forcing you to become Adventist.

I have a relative in the school now... a non adventist relative. He LOVES school and it is so refreshing to see. "

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Aimee wrote on Aug 19, 2008 11:02 PM:

" "....in order to send one's children there..". "

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Aimee wrote on Aug 19, 2008 10:59 PM:

" peppier2: what negative "innuendo" are you referring to? I stated very plainly that I will not be sending my children there for personal and educational reasons-I think that is very direct. I also simply related that you must be a baptized 7th-Day Adventist belonging to a Lodi church to avoid paying a non-denominational fee-not that you HAD to belong to the 7th-Day church in order to one's children there. I think I was very clear on both of those points. If you know me as you say you do, you know I say exactly what I think without mincing words. If you know me you should also have access to my phone number, please feel free to give me a call at home and I'll be glad to discuss my comments with you further. "

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peppier2 wrote on Aug 19, 2008 6:54 PM:

" No, You don't have to be a member of the church to send your children to the above school. Aimee, I'm surprised at some of your negative inuendoes. I happen to know you. "

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dyan wrote on Aug 19, 2008 11:17 AM:

" Lodian: They are accdepted but they are still eligible to receive special services through the public system. Most people don't realize how expensive special ed is. The average public school kid in CA costs the state around $6,000. For the average special ed kid, it's over $12,000 and in some cases, hundreds of thousands of dollars! The results? Questionable at best. "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 19, 2008 9:52 AM:

" *schools "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 19, 2008 9:52 AM:

" dyan wrote on Aug 19, 2008 9:08 AM:

" Lodian: Special Education costs to much!"

So, are kids with special needs just not accepted at these private school? "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 19, 2008 9:51 AM:

" Looks like Aimee has some additional information. So, there's no tithe amount, but there is an extra fee? I guess that's sort of the same thing...extra dues because you are not a member, right? "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 19, 2008 9:43 AM:

" sam wrote on Aug 19, 2008 7:48 AM:

" Lodian, I know first hand that you do not have to tithe while your child attends the school. "

That's refreshing. Thanks. "

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dyan wrote on Aug 19, 2008 9:12 AM:

" Public school science textbooks these days are another form of religion. Neo-darwinism rules - You know -it's that theory that a giant wind blew through an old automobile junkyard and they all came out of the tornado as Ferraris! "

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dyan wrote on Aug 19, 2008 9:08 AM:

" Lodian: Special Education costs to much! Besides, private students can use the services of public programs so let the taxpayer pick it up! "

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Aimee wrote on Aug 19, 2008 8:42 AM:

" No, it's true that you do not "have" to tithe but they would like you to do so since the tithe goes to other church programs in addition to supporting the schools. Also, if you are not a baptized (and you MUST be baptized in a 7th-Day church and have church membership, simply saying you are 7th-Day is not enough) 7th-Day Adventist, they charge you a little over $100.00 more per month. If you have membership in another 7th-Day church outside of Lodi, like Stockton Central, you will still pay more but less than the non-denominational fee.

sam: I wouldn't doubt that we probably know each other. "

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sam wrote on Aug 19, 2008 7:49 AM:

" Voter, you are welcome. "

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sam wrote on Aug 19, 2008 7:48 AM:

" Lodian, I know first hand that you do not have to tithe while your child attends the school. "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 18, 2008 10:47 PM:

" thanks "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 18, 2008 10:47 PM:

" sam: Do you know if a family has to tithe (often it will be 10%) on top of paying tuition to attend the school? Just curious. "

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voter wrote on Aug 18, 2008 9:05 PM:

" Sam and others--it's good to hear that Lodi Academy has your high regard. I have no personal connection or reference to the school on which to base an opinion--so thanks for the info. "

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sam wrote on Aug 18, 2008 4:20 PM:

" Lodian, you do not have to be a member of the church to attend the school. "

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sam wrote on Aug 18, 2008 4:19 PM:

" Voter, I have young family members who have graduated from the Lodi Academy and who are now doctors. I believe they have a great program. Just my opinion. "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 18, 2008 9:31 AM:

" Why isn't it addressed here that one should be a member of the church if you want your student to attend this school? "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 18, 2008 9:26 AM:

" Why don't private schools have special education programs? "

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Aimee wrote on Aug 18, 2008 9:08 AM:

" Cogito: thanks for the information. I was thinking of sending my eldest son to Jim Elliot. I will do some more investigating.

voter: I was accepted into a UC school from the Academy. They gave me credit for the classes I took, which included Chemistry and Biology. However, that was quite a while ago, I'm not sure what they are using now or how it places a burden on the kids when it comes time to apply for college. I know I didn't have a problem. Also, many of the kids end up at 7th-Day colleges like PUC or Walla Walla, etc. so it isn't an issue for them. "

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edumacation wrote on Aug 16, 2008 7:56 PM:

" Go Academy GO! You are doing a SUPER jon educating our youth!! Lodi parents need to look around to see the wonderful, moral and enriching private schools in this area. Teaching morality is the antithesis of public education. Someone has to do it. "

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voter wrote on Aug 16, 2008 7:37 PM:

" LOL--you're probably right on the money on that one. "

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Cogito wrote on Aug 16, 2008 5:38 PM:

" Voter, I wouldn't doubt that the textbooks used for the science curriculum at Stockton Christian are unacceptable to many universities. They are just a little on the radical fundamentalist side. They don't want their children getting the idea in their head that there may have been a monkey in the past familial barrel. Because all those kids would have to do is to look around at the congregation during a Sunday service to reinforce Darwinist theory. "

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voter wrote on Aug 16, 2008 12:33 PM:

" Cogito, I have no idea what the rigor of the science coursework is at Lodi Academy--that's why I asked what science text book they were using. If their science courses are accepted at major universities, then it would point to a rigorous, accredited program. I do know that some of the Christian schools use curriculum that is not accredited--there was a recent lawsuit regarding this, and it is causing concern for at least one family I know with a child at Jim Elliot. "

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16925 wrote on Aug 16, 2008 9:35 AM:

" As an alumna of LA, I can honestly say that some of the finest people I know are the staff and fellow classmates of 78'. Two facality members still send birthday cards and notes every year just to stay in touch. Lodi Academy changed my live and I am thankful each and every day that my parents made it possible for me to attend. "

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Cogito wrote on Aug 15, 2008 10:32 PM:

" Voter, the young man who is an M.D. whose college career I'm uncertain of, his father has a Doctorate in chemical engineering, and is a top scientist at Lawrence Livermore Lab. He has 3 sons who excelled in college. One is currently enrolled at U.C.L.A., in a scientific program, or has graduated from there. I doubt that if Lodi Academy was deficient in science education he would have sent his boys there. I think you need to reexamine your resources. "

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Cogito wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:08 PM:

" Aimee, Jim Elliot was a great school. My daughter only spent one of her high school years in public schools, and it was a nightmare. Her senior year at Elliot was a life saver. Dedicated staff and a wonderful peer group, what more can you ask. "

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Cogito wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:04 PM:

" Voter, 2 young people I know who have graduated from Lodi Academy in the last 10 or 11 years have become M.D.s. One went to some of the finest schools in Boston, the other, I'm not sure of the college, but I can find out. "

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Aimee wrote on Aug 15, 2008 5:56 PM:

" Whoa Nellie: Not sure who you're disagreeing with concerning the comment about parental involvement, but I just meant that much of a child's school success is related to their parents involvement, no matter what school they go to...I wasn't meaning to be offensive. Everyone has to make that choice for their child and find the right spot for their child's educational and social growth and development, whether it be in private or public school. I just don't think that the 7th-Day schools are right for my children for various personal and educational reasons. "

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voter wrote on Aug 15, 2008 4:39 PM:

" Science coursework from some of the Christian high schools is no longer accepted by many colleges (including the UC's), so it would be foolish to send a child heading towards a career in science, medicine, or engineering to one of these schools. They have a hard time keeping qualified science teachers because of the insistence on teaching religion/creationism which conflicts with accepted scientific knowledge. This would not be true of Catholic high schools, which do have rigorous and college approved science coursework. Anybody know what science textbook they are using at the Adventist high school? "

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whoa nellie! wrote on Aug 15, 2008 4:30 PM:

" I take offense to the comment about parent involvement. I sent my kids to two different private Christian schools the past several years. At one they did not get a very good education. At St. Peters they most certainly did. We have always been involved with our kids education, teachers, homework, etc.

My wife and I both hold college degrees and good jobs. We also are active in our church. With that said my displeasure with many, if not all, private Christian schools is that they are political, stuck up, and not so Christian-like. "

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Aimee wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:47 AM:

" Cogito: I know you must be proud of the both of them. That is awesome that you youngest is thinking about a career in law enforcement. I wish both of them the best of luck. They obviously have a strong and caring family behind them. What did you think of Jim Elliot, if you don't mind sharing? "

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Cogito wrote on Aug 14, 2008 9:14 PM:

" P.S. Aimee, my oldest has a Masters, and the youngest is in college to be a school teacher, or in law enforcement. She's still undecided. "

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Cogito wrote on Aug 14, 2008 9:11 PM:

" Aimee, my daughters are graduates of Stockton Christian, and Jim Elliot, and I agree with you. Parents who love their kids enough to pay to keep their kids out of the cesspool of public education, would certainly be more plugged into their education and subsequent success in life. Private school students biggest leg up is parental involvement. "

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Aimee wrote on Aug 14, 2008 9:01 AM:

" I would be one of those degree-holding professionals you speak of..it's a good point and I agree with you since many of my fellow classmates have obtained bachelor, master and doctorate degrees. However, I do think a lot of it has to with parental influence and an emphasis on the importance of school and obtaining a degree. The parents are very involved in their child's education. I've heard that Jim Elliot is a good school, but don't know much about it. "

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Cogito wrote on Aug 13, 2008 11:46 PM:

" Scrutiny, I've often wondered why that land, with obvious commercial value, just sits there year after year. That has to be some of the most potentially valuable commercial property in town. I'm sure they must get a lot of solicitations to sell it. "

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Cogito wrote on Aug 13, 2008 11:37 PM:

" I would be willing to bet that even if the education at Lodi Academy has slipped, it still turns out students who go, and succeed, at college, at a much higher rate than the public schools. I've known a lot of kids who've graduated from there over the years. A very high number of them become degree holding professionals. A VERY high number. "

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s & W 500 wrote on Aug 13, 2008 6:04 PM:

" Lodi Academy was an excellent high school in the mid-80's. I wish them all the best! "

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Aimee wrote on Aug 13, 2008 2:00 PM:

" patton1: You hit the nail on the head. From what I understand in talking with Adventist friends whose children have reached high school age, they are choosing to send their children elsewhere because the academy's academic program/curriculum has declined over the years or their inability/unwillingness to work with children who may have learning issues. They are not alone; many adventists are choosing to send their children elsewhere for high school. The problems are not confined to the Academy alone, however. Recently, the elementary school had been hard pressed to find an adequate math teacher for the 5,6 7, and 8 grades. Although I was educated in Adventist schools, I will not be sending either of my children there. "

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Scrutiny wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:20 AM:

" Wanna make some quick money? Sell those 4 acres or so of dead grass that used to be 1/4 mile track oval on the corner of Cherokee and Kettleman. Prime real estate sitting there doing nothing. "

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WY wrote on Aug 13, 2008 8:45 AM:

" The school sounds like a great place to learn and grow.

Best of luck filling up the school! "

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patton1 wrote on Aug 13, 2008 8:32 AM:

" Enrollment must be low. "

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Comments on this story are now closed.

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