Positive changes in store for Christian school
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News from Mission Valley Christian Academy
Mission Valley Christian Academy is excited to announce a partnership with Eagle Christian School for the 2015-16 school year. This collaborative effort combines the accredited curriculum and staff of Eagle with the classroom discussion, peer interaction, oversight, mentorship and individual guidance that MVCA can provide to students. This partnership will cover the high school portion of MVCA. The elementary school is in its final year of candidacy for accreditation with AdvancEd and the Association of Christian Schools International. Because Eagle is already AdvancEd accredited, the high school classes will be granted accreditation status this school year.
MVCA has been working with individual students with digital assisted learning over the last three years but this will move all high school students into this digital arena with the support of MVCA teachers. Music, Bible, Drama, PE and other electives will continue to be taught by MVCA. Eagle has been assisting schools and parents in a Christian-based education since 1996. Valley Christian in Missoula, Stillwater Christian in Kalispell and Helena Christian School have all benefited from partnering with Eagle.
The leadership of MVCA met with families in July to discuss the changes and cover questions and concerns. Parents asked, “What will it look like?” They were shown actual class content online and were able to see how the courses were laid out. MVCA board chairman Dr. Mike Windauer shared that one of the beneficial equations was: Eagle content and curriculum plus MVCA teachers plus MVCA community equals MVCA’s Christ-centered quality education. One parent told how her recent college experience involved several online classes and how this partnership will help prepare students for the future of education.
Purchasing laptops, upgrading the internet connection, class schedules, dual credit college classes for upper class students and other topics were covered as well during the family meeting.
“The classrooms will look much the same as last year with the exception of added technology,” MVCA Director Chris Bumgarner explained. “While some of the learning will be reading, writing and observing online demonstrations, the critical element will be the MVCA staff engaging students in discussions, peer interaction and individual mentoring. Releasing staff from grading assignments and planning curriculum will free them to teach one-on-one, to encourage and to inspire our students.”
The question of “Why the change?” was brought up as well. MVCA (and other schools) face the challenge of attracting qualified staff, especially for science and math. This partnership will move MVCA to the goal of having an accredited high school this year and facilitate quality instruction that is cost effective. Pooling Christian educational resources from around Western Montana was another plus for this collaborative effort. Both Eagle Christian School and Mission Valley Christian Academy have the mission to provide a Christ-centered quality education for students. These two entities see this as a ministry to families who desire their students to develop a Christian worldview. By partnering together, they will combine strengths to benefit Christian students in Montana.
After a 24-percent increase in enrollment last year, registrations for the new school year are on pace for more growth this year. Classes are filling up quickly. (Seventh and eighth grade class has been capped and currently has a waiting list.) If you are considering a Christian education for your family, now is the time to apply. The MVCA leadership and staff are grateful for the generous support of the communities in our valley and look forward to continuing to provide a Christ-centered quality education developing lifelong servant leaders.
