Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed of a nation where, one day, his children
“will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
Reflecting on his life and vision, I’m reminded of the importance of God’s work at Hope Academy. We believe that who our students become is just as important as what they achieve; and that God is our source and model of true character.
Our goal is to point children to Christ—who “came not to be served, but to serve” and to “lay down his life for his friends.”
That’s why the Gospel is so central to everything we do. Each day at Hope Academy, hundreds of urban youth learn about God and His Word; are treated with dignity as His image bearers; and experience His compassion and grace.
“As the excellence of steel is strength and the excellence of art is beauty, so the excellence of mankind is moral character. An honest man is the noblest work of God…” – A.W. Tozer
Through instruction, discipline, and heart-to-heart conversations, teachers encourage children to grow in faith and the H.O.P.E. values of honor, optimism, perseverance, and excellence. Students are challenged to seek goodness, truth, and beauty as they learn about God and His Creation, study Latin, read the Great Books of Western Literature, memorize our school’s creed, and think critically during Socratic discussions and debates.
Students also pray and worship together at weekly Chapel; and have the opportunity to lead and serve as mentors, team captains, on mission trips, and at other events throughout the year.
Despite the division and hostility in our world today, Hope Academy students—from different ethnicities, income levels, zip codes, and experiences—are growing together in faith and Christ-like character.
“With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
We invite you to watch students recite Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech:
See more of Hope Academy’s mission and impact in our Hope in a Half Hour video, and learn how you can partner with us in this work for Minneapolis children and families.