At Northshore Christian Academy, we understand the significance of the middle school years and developing the whole child academically, spiritually, socially, physically, and emotionally. Northshore Christian Academy is committed to providing the best possible education for middle school students, regardless of what may be going on in the outside world. Our school prepares students to attend all area high school programs, whether they choose Christian, private, or public high schools.
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.
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 assists 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 it 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 a 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!
