At New Life Christian Academy, we believe that each child is unique, their calling in life is unique, and their approach to learning is unique. We employ a “one-room-schoolhouse” approach to teaching that groups all elementary age children together and all Junior High and High School age students together. This multi-age approach is more equivalent to real life situations and permits socialization that is more reflective of real life.
Much of what we teach is taught to the group as a whole, while worksheets and assignments are assigned based on current skill level. Math and English/Language Arts (ELA) are the two subjects where, especially in Elementary School, the children are taught out of skill level books that traditionally align with grade levels. However, we strive to assign each student to the skill level that best reflects their current state rather than focusing on “grade level” at all. This approach allows children to advance with their peers as whole, while still meeting individual learning needs. Children who are advanced or who need additional support will still feel successful and part of the class as a whole.
In order to meet children where they are currently, rather than treating whole blocks of students as one unit based on age, we conduct pre-admission testing to determine where a student falls in their current math and ELA skills. This testing is not intensive or overwhelming, but complete enough to allow us to determine your student’s current skill level and obtain curriculum/workbooks that will best help them advance. Pre-testing also permits us to compare skill levels from the beginning of the year to mid and end points.
As part of the testing process, we will also conduct a short “getting to know you” interview with both the parents and the student. This interview allows us to get to know you and vice-versa. This is also a good time to bring up any questions you may have but haven’t had the opportunity to ask.
To schedule your student’s intake interview and testing, please click here for Elementary Students Grade 1 – 6 and here for Junior High and High School Students Grade 7 – 12.
