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.