(ROCKWALL, TX — August 6, 2018) A unique University Model school offering kids a high quality, college-preparatory education recently made its home right here in Rockwall County.
Formerly located in Rowlett, Providence Academy will bring its exceptional teaching model combining home schooling and traditional Christian education to area children in its new location at the Chisholm Baptist Church in McLendon-Chisholm.
“We loved the location and believe it will fit our needs perfectly,” said Providence Academy Board of Directors Chairman Dr. Jake Abbott. “McLendon-Chisholm is a thriving, growing community and we fell in love with its open countryside feel.”
Established in 2009, Providence Academy utilizes a classical education model steeped in the Western tradition to give students the tools they need to succeed. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Providence Academy’s approach to learning so exceptional.
Grammar, Logic and Rhetoric
Through classical education’s three-step process known as the trivium, kids begin in the Grammar stage (Kindergarten through 4th grade), then progress to the Logic Stage (5th through 8th grade) followed by the Rhetoric Stage (9th through 12th grade).
In the Grammar Stage, Providence Academy educators maximize the natural memorization abilities of younger children to teach them the basics in a variety of academic disciplines. Kids will enjoy reciting, collecting facts and demonstrating what they know as they build a strong foundation for further study.
The Logic Stage capitalizes on students’ tendencies to question and work their own way through arguments as they enter into adolescence. Through the study of formal logic and debate, students learn to reason and think logically through their arguments in order to develop into independent, thinking adults.
The Rhetoric Stage is all about getting students to engage in lively academic discussion, think philosophically, and express themselves effectively. During the Rhetoric Stage’s senior thesis project, students spend a year writing a paper on a subject of their choice and then present their thesis in the form of a speech to the entire upper school body and a panel of experts at the end of the year. The experience leaves students ready to take on any challenges in their future as they prepare for life post high school.
A Sound Teacher-Parent Partnership
One thing that makes Providence Academy stand out from other private or classical education institutions is the emphasis on getting parents involved in their children’s learning. Elementary students attend school in a central class room twice a week and at their own home (satellite classroom) with their parents three days a week. Beginning in the 6th and 7th grade, students attend class at Providence Academy three days a week and at home twice a week. In the satellite classroom, students complete teacher-designed assignments under direct supervision from their parents.
In their junior and senior year students follow a schedule very similar to that of a college university, attending classes whenever they are offered throughout the week and completing out-of-class assignments on their own time under the guidance of their parents.
The combined partnership between devoted parents at home and highly-trained teachers at school allows students to thrive in a Christ-centered learning environment.
Providence Academy Board Member Jason Linscott, a McLendon-Chisholm resident who works locally as the CFO at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Rockwall, said the academy’s commitment to involving parents has proven to be very beneficial to students.
“We consistently hear from teachers that one of the greatest components of a student’s success is the parent involvement in that child’s education,” Linscott said. “The University Model has that built into the program. It allows greater visibility into the daily progress of their child’s education because they are intimately involved every step of the way. It allows for early intervention, correction and ultimately allows a student to be set up for long term success.”
Students and their families also enjoy fun special events throughout the year. During “history days” at Providence Academy, middle school-aged students team up with their elementary peers to dress up in costumes and learn about different time periods and important historical events. Other special celebrations include “Grandparents Day,” “Muffins with Mom,” and “Donuts with Dad.”
Educating with Excellence
Providence Academy strives to create a learning environment centered on Christian principles that fully engages kids on their journey to a lifelong pursuit of knowledge, wisdom and understanding. To learn more about the school and its dedication to equipping the next generation for Christ-centered leadership, visit http://www.providencelions.org/.
By Austin Wells, Blue Ribbon News.
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