The Junior High Difference
The Junior High years (7th-8th) can be incredibly challenging for teens and parents! Social and academic pressures escalate while teens begin seeking independence they may not be prepared for. Here are some important reasons why these two years are the best possible time to try something different with Heart:
Time Management
If an adult worked all day and then came home to continue working all evening, we would call them a workaholic and counsel them to seek balance in their life. Yet this is often what is expected of traditionally-schooled Junior High students. While Heart's Junior High level academics are rigorous, our hybrid model makes it possible for teens to accomplish more during school hours than what can be done in a full time classroom setting. Afternoons and evenings can often be devoted to family, church, sports, music, and the arts, allowing for well-rounded development.
Discipleship
Christian character development during the teen years is critical. Unfortunately, even in a five day Christian school, your teen is still spending most of their time with other teens and will tend to absorb their beliefs and habits from the group. While teens are known for being surly, argumentative and emotional, these stereotypes can be challenged by creating a more balanced social and spiritual environment which includes more time with parents and siblings. Family devotional time, church attendance, and missions trips or outreach can now be an integral part of your teen’s development rather than the first thing to be cut from a busy schedule.
Core Studies + Leadership and Life Skills
In addition to Bible and our core academic areas of study, the subject of Life Skills is added in the 7th and 8th grade years. Life Skills is a whole-person, Christ-centered enrichment program designed in a collaborative effort with teachers, parents, and students. These real-life development classes intentionally target areas which are vital to living out God’s purposes. Unfortunately, these subjects are frequently overlooked in the traditional classroom and can be difficult to teach in a pure homeschool environment.
At the culmination of their Life Skills studies, as a project in Leadership and Community Service, students are challenged to work in teams or as a group to identify a need in their community. The students must use the skills they’ve developed in the program to research a problem, discuss what Heart might do to help, decide on possible solutions, and professionally present their ideas to their teachers and peers. The student body then votes and the winning project becomes an outreach ministry for the campus led by our 8th graders. You’ll be amazed at the innovation, professionalism, and leadership that a group of young teens can offer after the training provided by Heart!
At the culmination of their Life Skills studies, as a project in Leadership and Community Service, students are challenged to work in teams or as a group to identify a need in their community. The students must use the skills they’ve developed in the program to research a problem, discuss what Heart might do to help, decide on possible solutions, and professionally present their ideas to their teachers and peers. The student body then votes and the winning project becomes an outreach ministry for the campus led by our 8th graders. You’ll be amazed at the innovation, professionalism, and leadership that a group of young teens can offer after the training provided by Heart!