The Junior High Difference
The Junior High years 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 try something different with Heart!
Time Management
If an adult worked all day then came home and continued to work all evening, we would call them a workaholic and counsel them to seek balance in their life. However, this is exactly what we ask of our traditionally-schooled Junior High students! While Heart's Junior High academics are rigorous, our Two Day schedule makes it possible for teens to accomplish more during school hours than can be done while stuck in a classroom all week. Afternoons and evenings can then 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 can now be an integral part of your teen’s development rather than the first thing to be cut from a busy schedule.
Biblical Worldview, Leadership and Life Skills
In addition to our foundational academics, the Apprentice Program is a four-semester, 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 are difficult to teach in a pure homeschool environment.
Time Management
If an adult worked all day then came home and continued to work all evening, we would call them a workaholic and counsel them to seek balance in their life. However, this is exactly what we ask of our traditionally-schooled Junior High students! While Heart's Junior High academics are rigorous, our Two Day schedule makes it possible for teens to accomplish more during school hours than can be done while stuck in a classroom all week. Afternoons and evenings can then 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 can now be an integral part of your teen’s development rather than the first thing to be cut from a busy schedule.
Biblical Worldview, Leadership and Life Skills
In addition to our foundational academics, the Apprentice Program is a four-semester, 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 are difficult to teach in a pure homeschool environment.
Logic | Leadership Styles | Public Speaking | Academic Study Strategies
Biblical Finance with Dave Ramsey | Inductive Bible Study | Christian Worldview
Am I being swayed by common logical fallacies used in media and politics? What are my leadership and learning styles? How does my worldview affect every area of my life? Heart’s Junior High students will be able to answer these questions and much more after understanding the fundamentals of these unique classes.
At the culmination of these elective classes, students are challenged to work in teams to identify a need in our community. The teams must use the skills they’ve developed in the program to research a problem, debate what Heart Academy might to do help, decide on possible solutions and professionally present their ideas to their teachers and peers. The students then vote and the winning project becomes an outreach ministry for the school 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 these elective classes, students are challenged to work in teams to identify a need in our community. The teams must use the skills they’ve developed in the program to research a problem, debate what Heart Academy might to do help, decide on possible solutions and professionally present their ideas to their teachers and peers. The students then vote and the winning project becomes an outreach ministry for the school 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!
