ADVENTIST SCHOOLS. The early development of the Seventh-day Adventist educational system dates back to 1874. The first schools in Texas were established in the 1890s. In 1995 the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists operated 45 elementary schools; 110 teachers were employed for an annual enrollment of approximately 1,800 students. In addition, the denomination maintained four secondary schools in Texas—Jefferson Adventist Academy, Jefferson; Valley Grande Academy, Weslaco; Chisholm Trail Academy, Keene; and Burton Adventist Academy, Arlington. The schools accommodated both boarding and community students. The enrollment of the four academies was 465 students, with 50 teachers. The conference also runs Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, which has approximately 1,200 students. These schools, which are all coeducational, are operated on the philosophy that education should be threefold: equal development of mental, physical, and spiritual faculties is stressed. To accomplish this purpose, the schools adhere closely to educational standards established by the state, adding courses in Bible and allotting time for worship or inspirational studies. Health principles are taught, and opportunity is given for students to work. Academy students assist with office work, janitorial services, laundry, cafeteria, grounds, broom making, cabinet making, and other work.
