Meet the Upper School Principal

From the Principal

We are not a state school, nor are we simply a private school. Southside Christian School is distinctly Christian in its curriculum, its hiring of employees, and it purpose for existence. Academics, college placement, scholarships, facilities, a safe environment, fine arts, athletics, and extra-curricular programs are all important. They add significantly to the quality of our school. But none of these is the sole reason for Southside's existence.

Our purpose is to help students develop a God-centered world and life view. Several beliefs determine the basis for our existence:

  1. God through Jesus Christ, revealed in His word, is the source of all knowledge, wisdom, salvation, and truth.
  2. Man is God's highest and special creation.
  3. A Christian world and life view is essential to a complete education.
  4. The purpose of education is to gain God's truth for a lifetime of learning and service.
  5. The nature of the learner is both special and in need of God's grace.
  6. Parents are responsible for the education of their children, but the home, the church, and the school form a cooperative bond in the educational process.
  7. The teacher plays a special role in the education process.
  8. The learning process is God-centered.
  9. The curriculum is a tool and a process, adapted to meet the learner's needs.

At Southside we want our students to experience victorious Christian living. We want our graduates to desire and follow God's will for their education, their vocation, and their eventual places of service. Thank you for partnering with us in the cause of Christian schooling.

Dr. Kauffman's bio

Don Kauffman serves as our Upper School Principal.  He previously served as Headmaster, Middle School Principal, Director of Student Affairs, and Director of Secondary Education for a total of ten years at Ben Lippen School in Columbia, SC. He served as Dean of Students/Director of Admissions at Canadian Nazarene College for six years and as Head of School at Cornerstone Christian School, Manchester, CT, for four years. In addition, Dr. Kauffman served in pastoral ministries for ten years in Manitoba, Canada, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

Dr. Kauffman holds a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from Eastern Nazarene College, a Master of Divinity in pastoral ministry from Nazarene Theological Seminary, a Master of Education in Christian school administration and a Doctor of Education from Columbia International University.  He also holds a Lifetime All Levels Administrative Certification with the Association of Christian Schools International.