At this time of year, we begin thinking forward. We are thinking forward to spring, to warmer sunshine, to the next school year. As we strongly desire to build our enrollment for next school year, I want to share some research that supports the decision to remain at a good K-8 school until high school.
Generally, the K-8 model offers several advantages:
• A stable environment through the challenging years of early adolescence
• Maintaining continuity academically
• Mentoring and leadership opportunities as the oldest students in the school
• A strong sense of community • Consistent expectations within the school culture
• The support of long term friendships
As a Christian K-8 school, HCA provides the above qualities with added value. Our students flourish in an environment where they feel safe, wanted, and loved. They enjoy learning experientially, without losing their sense of wonder and excitement. More importantly, students at HCA are learning to value themselves and others as Image Bearers of God. They are created in His image to do His work. This perspective provides purpose and is a stabilizing force as students enter adolescence. HCA students are confident to take risks and grow, and they are mentored in how to live together as a community.
As a parent, what I valued most about having my own children at HCA through middle school was that they were confident and stable at a time when they were gaining the ability to understand God’s word at a deeper level. Middle school students who feel safe, wanted, and loved with their teachers and their peers ask challenging questions that deepen their faith. This sense of security, coupled with their new ability to think abstractly and reason hypothetically, provides the opportunity for students to mature spiritually. Students wrestle with the Truths of God in new and exciting ways. This greater understanding of God and His Word has a powerful impact on their high school experience and beyond.
Will you help us build enrollment for next year by sharing these benefits with friends and family? As you will see on page 4, we now have a Family Referral Program, which includes a $250 incentive per new student referred by your family!
If you yourself are a family wondering about the future, and making a decision about when to move on from HCA (whether during the middle school years, or upon graduation from HCA), you aren’t alone. Until we have a high school at HCA, this is a question many parents will ask. I am sure you can guess what my recommendation will be!
HCA’s mission and vision remain strong: to inspire students to love learning, to honor God, and to provide creative learning opportunities and strong academics. We look forward to serving your family for years to come!
By His grace, ~Mrs. Cleveland, Principal
