Portrait of a Graduate

A portrait of a graduate is a district’s way of aligning school operations and pedagogy to produce the best student outcome. It is a commitment to supporting the whole individual that goes beyond test scores. The Northeastern Adventist Academy’s portrait of a graduate embodies and exemplifies 21st-century skills, character traits and social-emotional competencies that our students need to be successful. The portrait of a graduate is intended to complement academics and test scores as measures of achievements. While it does not replace the focus on academic rigor, it demonstrates the commitment to investing in the development of the whole child.


Our students will be critical thinkers who use stewardship concepts to approach world issues such as climate change, politics, and morality. They will demonstrate global perspectives on leadership, change, and problem-solving. Additionally, they will influence society to reflect and embody the character of Christ through cultural sensitivity and ethical adaptability.

Key Competencies:

  • Global awareness
  • Time & resource management
  • Accountability
  • Moral values
  • Confidence
  • Adaptability to change
  • Self-directed
  • Strong work ethic
  • Service oriented


Our students will use biblical principles to solve problems through the process of identifying, investigating, and analyzing, which will facilitate the development of good decision-making skills.

Key Competencies:

  • Biblically adept
  • Thinking “outside of the box”
  • Growth mindset
  • Cognizant of coping strategies
  • Driven by grit
  • Emotional awareness

Our students will demonstrate effective communication processes. Through creative thinking and innovative activities, students will apply new techniques to communicate ideas and products. They will convey information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of mediums and formats.

Key Competencies:

  • Effective communication skills
  • Creativity
  • Analytical thinkers
  • Innovative
  • Relevance

Our students will demonstrate academic acumen through practical learning, mastery of life skills, and deliberate lifelong learning.

Key Competencies:

  • Cognitive agility
  • Entrepreneurial
  • Life-long learner
  • Knowledgeable
  • Curious
  • Goal oriented
  • Resourceful

Our students will be grounded in God’s word and be strong advocates of their faith in whichever vocational path they choose. They will be prepared to use all their talents for the edification of the church and shape their environment for the glory of God.

Key Competencies:

  • Truth seekers
  • Gospel proclaimers
  • Service oriented
  • Stewards
  • Passionate Christians

Our students will develop a collaborative attitude through CALM – Conversation, Awareness, Love and Mutual Respect.

Key Competencies:

  • Collaborative
  • Team-oriented
  • Skillful listener
  • Open-minded
  • Embracers of diversity
  • Empathetic
  • Emotionally intelligent

Our students will demonstrate a practical understanding of technological advancements and operate as global digital citizens. Students will advocate and exercise ethical behavior as global digital citizens while exhibiting a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity.

Key Competencies:

  • Digital literacy
  • Technological literacy
  • Ethical practices
  • Social intelligence
  • Knowledgeable
  • Balanced innovator