Annually our middle school graduating students transition to about 15 different high schools both public and private. School principals from these high schools regularly report back to us that our students excel in academics, leadership positions, fine arts programs, STEM, and athletics. This is currently evidenced by our Alumni webpage, highlighting 29 of our 2016 NCA middle school graduates who graduated with impressive accomplishments from 9 different high schools in 2020.
Read on to learn about some of the key features of our middle school program this school year.
Traditional and Virtual Learning Options This School Year
This school year, NCA has provided a forward-thinking educational plan that has allowed families to make their own decisions for their students’ health and comfort during the current pandemic. We have continued to offer these two enrollment options for 2021:
- Our NCA Traditional enrollment option provides on-campus, face-to-face education Monday through Friday, with the ability to switch to a temporary remote learning program in case of interruptions. We are committed to following State and County health guidelines and establishing effective use of spaces to support physical distancing.
- Our NCA Virtual Academy provides 100% remote online learning for families who prefer to have their children continue learning from home. The curriculum is selected to meet NCA learning standards, and lesson pacing can be individualized for each student. NCA specific teachers are assigned to each student and available to advise during school hours.
Because NCA utilizes Google classroom and e-textbooks on campus, students are able to transition to distance learning for brief periods of time seamlessly when necessary. This remote model provides a combination of daily, synchronous live instruction and asynchronous instruction videos with their current teachers. We have successfully been able to support our students with continued structure, opportunities for social engagement and spiritual growth, personalized support, and learning continuity whether on or off campus.
Our in-person learning option has proven to be a successful, dynamic school program. With our new pandemic safety procedures and our updated building ventilation system, we have been able to meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of our students while keeping the classrooms healthy and safe. Students attend in-person classes Monday through Friday and enjoy a small class size.
We have continually and closely monitored and implemented public health guidelines as directed by our Federal, State, and County Government, as well as the State Board of Education, Department of Health, and American Academy of Pediatrics. We communicate with weekly updates to our families and regularly solicit their input as well.
Continued STEM Education Opportunities
In addition to the required math and science courses, NCA middle school students enjoy rotating elective-like activities that often include STEM projects. While it is not safe for students to mix between classroom “pods” to take electives at this time, we continue to offer unique learning opportunities that expose students to new subjects, such as:
- Computer Coding. We introduce students to code with simple drag and drop coding and teach the accompanying logic and problem-solving skills. Students then have the opportunity to test their coding skills by executing their programs using Ozobots.
- Engineering. Students have the opportunity to try real-world STEM projects and learn how to solve engineering problems.
- Project Lead the Way – Medical Detectives. Before the pandemic, we offered a forensics elective for 7th and 8th graders in which students analyzed genetic testing results to diagnose disease and study DNA evidence from a “crime scene”. Through our current rotating activities schedule, our students have opportunities to try some of these projects. Students can learn how the systems of the human body work together to maintain health, as well as how to measure and interpret vital signs.
Our students also prepare for high school STEM learning through rigorous math courses. Students are placed in three different math tracks based on teacher recommendations, placement exams, MAP scores, current achievement and motivation, and mastery of prerequisite concepts. Many of our students graduate from eighth grade having already completed high school-level courses in algebra and geometry.
Academic Support for All Students Who Need It
NCA offers academic support classes to students who may need extra guided help. We understand that some students may have been negatively impacted by circumstances during the past school year, so we will strive to meet the learning support needs of students who need additional assistance this year and in the future.
Middle school students can enroll in our advisory elective to support their regular math course. This supervised, directed course is aimed at mastery of grade-level material and skill acquisition, and the instructor provides opportunities to strengthen students’ basic skills. The teacher consults with the regular math teachers, review concepts recently presented in the regular class, and assist students in demonstrating those concepts.
We also provide a supervised study hall elective for 7th and 8th graders in which students requiring a little extra help can receive extra assistance from the teacher. During study hall, students can work on homework, read, or prepare for tests or projects.
Students are placed in academic support courses based on the previous year and where they may need additional assistance. We want all our students to be successful!
A Strong Spiritual Foundation
At Northshore Christian Academy, we encourage our students to develop a personal faith in Jesus Christ that will sustain them regardless of what may be going on in the outside world.
Middle school students take a year-long Bible course that builds on their Biblical knowledge and applies to real-life situations. The course is designed to help students develop a personal understanding of what Jesus meant when He said, “Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations…” (John 28:19).
Students grow their spiritual foundation through Bible classes, weekly chapels, and curriculum that is taught through a Biblical lens. We endeavor to train students spiritually and personally as well as academically. Our teachers model Christian values in their lives and interactions with students.
Northshore Christian Academy is a Christian ministry of Northshore Christian Church. With a mission to disciple and evangelize, students come from a wide range of backgrounds and denominations. We teach a Bible-based curriculum and rely on God’s truth in all that we do while distancing from denominational specific preferences and differences. We encourage prospective school families to read our Statement of Faith to learn more about what we believe and teach.
Our mission is to partner with families to provide a superior Christian education developing spiritual, academic, and personal excellence in a Christ-centered environment. Feel free to explore our website and learn more about our educational philosophy!