ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — Tim Shelton, Central Christian School’s administrator sums up the school with one word.

“That would be ‘heart,’” he says. “We have a heart for children, for young people and their families.”

About 315 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade call the school home. The non-denominational Christian school was founded in 1970.

Youngsters at Central Christian have a, “full academic schedule balanced with a dose of God’s word,” Shelton says.

Shelton isn’t just the school’s administrator, he’s also a 1978 graduate of the school.

“Seeing the children of former students is probably one of the most regarding aspects of being here,” said Shelton.

There are three tenets that underlie the school’s philosophy, Shelton says.

“We believe that God’s word is the ultimate source of truth, and that is integrated throughout the school day,” Shelton said.

That’s the first of three tenets that makes Central Christian different from other area schools.

“The next part would be academic excellence,” said Shelton. “It is our responsibility to prepare and train future leaders of our community.”

To do that, Shelton says Central Christian “emphasizes fundamentals”

“But we don’t just pour in facts,” said Shelton. “We teach critical thinking skills.”

For example, Shelton said, students don’t just memorize the multiplication tables, they learn how multiplication works.

The approach to academics seems to be working.

“Out students average about one grade level above the national average,” said Shelton. The test the students take is the SAT or Stanford Achievement Test.

“It’s a combination of things (the results) says Shelton. “We can’t take all the credit. The families here are involved in their children’s education.”

While open to new teaching methods, Shelton says the school does not follow the latest trends in education and “sticks to time-proven methods” like phonics and math fundamentals.

Shelton added that because of the school’s dedication to phonics, the youngest students are in reading groups “before Thanksgiving.”

“I am really proud of these kids, adding that graduating students have gone on to Auburn University, the University of Alabama, Troy State University, Springhill College, and various Christian colleges. For the past two years the graduating class has earned more then $500,000 in scholarship money.”

The final part of Central Christian’s core philosophy is parents.

“We develop a relationship with families,” said Shelton. “It is all based on the foundation that God gave parents the responsibility and privilege of raising children. We believe communication is important,” said Shelton. “If parents have the main responsibility they must know what is going on.”

Central Christian allows parents to check grades and report cards via the Internet.

But while the school employs the latest technology to inform parents, it’s old-fashioned face-to-face communication that Shelton thrives on.

“My favorite parts is getting hugs from he preschoolers, speaking heart to heart with a student having an issue or a challenge and talking to moms and dads about their children,” said Shelton.

While academics are important, Shelton says that the school also excels on the playing field, earning national and conference honors.

The girls’ cheerleading squad took the Panhandle Christian Conference championship this year, and the boys’ soccer and basketball teams also earned post season honors.

Seeing a child’s individual strengths and gifts is one of the best parts of the staff’s job,” Shelton believes.

“We try to see each child as an individual, and encourage their individual talents,” said Shelton.