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Something Different In Education

January 8th, 2010

Well, the summer of 09 remains young, but August will be here before we know it, and if you’re considering a change in your child’s education its best not to procrastinate.

In 2004 King’s Academy Christian School opened its doors to approximately 30 students. In a town where numerous private schools have operated for decades, it seemed like contributing to an already flooded market, except that King’s offers a very unique learning experience. K.A.C.S. is a “University Model School,” meaning that, like a college, students sign up for the classes they require in order to graduate, and attend those classes three days out of the week. On the other days they work at home on assigned reading and research projects. Part of the purpose of the approach is to prepare the students for the independence of college life and studies. It also allows the parents to take a more proactive approach to their child’s education.

But King’s Academy is more than just a school with a funny schedule. It offers a full, rich student life. In fact, the three day schedule actually increases the opportunities for learning by allowing more field trips & out of town travel, both as school groups or individual families.

There are also electives including photography, yearbook, home economics and others. Athletics, always central to the student’s experience, includes football, volleyball, basketball and junior high soccer. In 2007- 2008 King’s won the state championship in six-man football.

In philosophy King’s is an unapologetically Christian School. In fact, involved families are required to attend the church of their choice. That being said, the school has students of all denominational backgrounds. Faith is central in each classroom, but particular theology is not.

The staff of King’s Academy is as unique as the school itself. It’s made up of retired Tyler Texas public and parochial school teachers, career private school educators and home school parents anxious to try something new. The result is a wonderful staff with a variety of educational experiences, whose first concern is the spiritual and academic well being of the student.

After five years, the spring semester ended at King’s with around 107 students and all signs point to continued growth and success. While the university approach may not be for every family, it could be for your family.

Challenging Academics In A Christian Environment

January 8th, 2010

Well the children are happy to be off for the summer, and the last thing on their minds is returning to school. But for the parents it’s a time to evaluate the educational opportunities coming this fall. One such opportunity is offered by East Texas Christian Academy.

E.T.C.A. has been in existence since 1979. The Tyler Christian school was designed to offer challenging academics combined with a safe Christian environment. A central component of student life at E.T.C.A. is the development of Christian character. The concept of good citizenship extends to all aspects of student life; treatment of fellow students, showing respect to adults, and being disciplined in one’s studies. The scriptures are studied in the classroom on a daily basis. There are also chapel services throughout the week.

In the classroom, the teacher student ratio is kept low so as to allow for greater individual attention. From kindergarten through eight grades, the school applies the “Core Knowledge curriculum.”The ninth through twelfth grade classes are academically challenging and focus on preparing the student for college. The usual core classes and electives are offered by the school.

Also taught, are “The Six Pillars of Christian Character.” They are defined as: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. The teachers are the schools most important assets. They lead the students and build their character by presenting them with a Christian example to follow.

For the students the school offers a variety of experiences. There are numerous travel opportunities, both across Texas, and across the country. The school also has an active, competitive athletic program. Tennis, soccer, basketball, swimming, baseball and track round out the department. Lastly there are a number of student clubs which meet on campus. They include: Student government, Drama club, a prayer group and a number of others.

With its emphasis on Christian character and on strong academics, E.T.C.A. has definitely been a blessing to many graduates in Tyler Texas, perhaps it can be a blessing your family too.