Middle School

A number of research reports point to the value of a continuous K-8 school model. We believe the Kindergarten – 8th Grade school model is the best for students allowing maximum academic, social, emotional and spiritual development that prepares them for advanced learning in high school and college. K-8 school model allows children to develop in a supportive environment. Research shows when students are well-known by teachers, principals, and students they reach higher achievement levels in all areas.

Research reports greater student achievement when students make only one transition during their academic career, and suggests the most appropriate time for this transition is after 8th grade.

Middle School Hours:

• Start Time M-F 8:30 AM
• End Times:  Mon-Thur 3:25 PM and Fri 1:25 PM

You can find all the information about our dress code and uniforms by clicking HERE

As a small and close-knit learning environment, NCA is a place where each teacher and administrator knows every student well. Through creative and skilled teaching activities, the faculty provides our students with a rich education, capturing their attention and fully engaging them in the learning process. Our program builds independent study skills within a growth mindset, strong Christian character, and solid confidence in knowing they are loved and created by God for significance. Many opportunities throughout middle school afford students to taste a variety of creative outlets in sports, music, drama, leadership, engineering, and art.

Check out our full Athletics program.

All 9^th graders are new to high school. All high schools have many middle schools that feed into 9^th grade. All ninth graders are new. It is reported that NCA kids rise to leadership levels in surrounding high schools when they finish our program. They have an academic, organizational strength and personal confidence that is recognized by local high school leaders.  Most high schools enroll a number of NCA grads therefore our students enter school with a group of friends.

8^th graders are guided and prepared all year towards success in high school. They map out their high school course trajectory before leaving NCA with their eye on college and career. Alumni and high school principals visit the NCA campus to mentor and inspire 8^th graders toward high school preparation.

Once in high school, students are advised to join activity groups instantly create a friend group with like-minded interests. Our alumni report that they make quick friends as they dive into activity groups when entering high school:  sports teams, robotics, DECA, music groups, student leadership, and drama activities.

Over the years NCA Parents have been very involved in the local high schools. They have been key leaders in high school PTF parent advisory groups at Glacier Peak, Cascade, Everett, Kamiak, Kings, and Archbishop Murphy.

Archbishop Murphy High School recognized NCA has had the best-prepared freshman to their school over the span of six years. They maintain the highest GPA as a whole and serve in numerous activities throughout campus.

Graduates from NCA have many choices for high school, including private schools and public schools. Our high school informational process is designed to help students and their families make thoughtful and deliberate choices to find the right fit for their next school experience. Our high school placement team meets with parents and students throughout the process to prepare for the transition. The process is highly intentional and individualized. It includes:

• High School Visitation and Informational Meetings: NCA hosts a high school fair to which representatives from many schools come to meet our 8th grade students and families to present their schools for consideration.
• Parent Meetings: We meet individually with each family to discuss their student with regards to academic, extracurricular and social preferences and expectations.
• Leadership Class: 8th grade students learn valuable skills from the Principal in Bible class to prepare them for the admissions process as well as what to expect once they get to high school.
• Advocacy: School administrators present and discuss each student’s application to receiving schools as well as provide guidance for families throughout the process.
• Final Transition: Our high school placement team works with schools and families to facilitate a smooth transition to the students’ next school home.