Middle school (grades 6-8) is a time of remarkable growth. As students leave the structure and security of lower school, they are welcomed by new opportunities, greater freedom, and more responsibility. At Highlands Christian Academy, middle school is also a time of leadership. Rather than feeling stuck in the middle, our students are encouraged to embrace the opportunities at hand and continue discovering their identity in Christ. Our program focuses on educating the mind, challenging the body, and strengthening the spirit.

Learning

In middle school, students are exposed to increasingly challenging material to prepare them for the rigors of high school and college. We focus on strong foundations across core academic disciplines and encourage students to start thinking about high school honors courses. While our curriculum is rigorous, we offer a variety of support, including Help Classes (for extra assistance in a certain subject area), After-School Study Hall (for help with homework or getting organized), and our Junior High STAR Program—a unique program for students who wish to prepare for high school honors courses.

National achievement test results consistently indicate superior HCA student ranking among their peers across the country. Along with academic classes, junior high students enjoy a variety of electives such as computers, fine arts, and robotics.

Community

The early teen years are a formative time for relationships. At Highlands, we believe God has created us to live in communities and to function as salt and light in our world. That’s why HCA provides a safe environment for age-appropriate interaction with peers, staff, and the local community. We encourage relationships free of bullying that are characterized by respect, compassion, honesty, forgiveness, and purity.

Community exists at the parent-teacher level as well. Our faculty realizes what a difficult job it is to be a parent today. That is why they maintain a partnership with parents, by embracing the privilege and responsibility of coming alongside families in the biblical training of their children.

Faith

Middle school is a time when many students commit to a relationship with Jesus Christ and come to know Him personally. The teachers and staff serve as mentors during this important season. They are not only experts in their subject areas, they are true role models who can answer tough questions as students grow and mature in their Christian walk.

A variety of ministry opportunities, as well as Bible teaching, helps students grow in their faith and share Christ with others. Missions projects are an important part of our culture and help students develop a lifestyle of service.

We believe High School should be challenging, memorable, and marked by meaningful growth. At Highlands Christian Academy, high school students discover their God-given gifts while preparing for college and life.

College-Prep Curriculum

We use a variety of teaching methods and curricula that are both traditional and progressive. Students are challenged with honors and AP classes, dual enrollment, and online classes in addition to their regular college-prep class load. More than ninety percent of our high school graduates go on to attend college, and a majority of our students receive academic scholarships.

Highlands students have graduated from all major public and private colleges and universities in Florida and numerous institutions of higher learning around the country. Our graduates are enjoying success in professional fields of medicine, law, public service, full-time ministry, and more.

Christ-Centered Community

God intended for us to live and learn in community with others. Our campus offers a welcoming, home-like atmosphere where teens build valuable relationships every day. The culture at Highlands is respectful, compassionate, and Christ-centered.

Our educators are specifically selected for expertise in their teaching area, their capability with teens, and their Christian character. Teachers and coaches do more than educate—they mentor their students, providing biblical wisdom and individual attention. Students are encouraged to build relationships with each other centered on honesty, forgiveness, and purity.

Unique Opportunities

Highlands provides opportunities for students to excel in the areas where God has gifted them. High school students are involved with a number of extracurricular activities including music, theater, sports, and missions.

Seniors have the opportunity to culminate their studies with an international trip each spring. In the classroom and beyond, Highlands students demonstrate an authentic love for learning and a desire to change the world.