Welcome to 2024-2025 at the Academy for GOD

Welcome to the Academy for GOD for the 2024-2025 school year! With our 12th year ahead, we are pleased to announce some new developments that promise to make this school year even more special. This year marks a significant milestone for us, as we have recently attained accreditation with Cognia and gained approval to become an ESA school in the state of Tennessee. This means that we can now offer educational savings accounts, providing students the opportunity to attend private school with greater financial flexibility.

We continue to provide a diverse range of educational programs to meet the needs of our students and families. Whether you are interested in our campus or homeschool programs, we offer something for everyone. Our hybrid options allow for a blend of on-campus and home learning, while our umbrella services provide support for families choosing to homeschool independently. Additionally, our remote learning program ensures that students can receive a high-quality education regardless of their location or context. 

We understand that our students are coming back from a variety of summer experiences. From family vacations to mission trips and service opportunities, each student brings unique experiences and perspectives into the new school year. To help ease the transition from summer break to the academic year, we dedicate the first two weeks back to acclimating students into the school environment. These initial weeks are crucial for setting a positive tone for the rest of the semester and the entire school year.

Parents, here are some ways to help your student prepare for a successful start to the new school year:

1. Establish a Routine: Start reintroducing a school-day routine a few days before school begins. This helps students adjust their sleep schedules and get back into the habit of structured days.

2. Set Goals: Encourage your student to set academic and personal goals for the year. Whether it's improving grades, making new friends, or participating in extracurricular activities, having clear goals can motivate and guide them (and you!).

3. Reflect on Summer Experiences: Take some time to discuss what your student learned or experienced over the summer. This reflection can help them integrate those experiences into their school life.

4. Get Involved: Encourage your student to explore the various extracurricular activities and clubs offered at the Academy for GOD. Participation in these activities can enhance their school experience and foster a sense of community.

5. Stay Connected: Open lines of communication with teachers, administrators, and fellow parents. Staying connected will help you stay informed and engaged in your student's education.

As we begin this new school year, we are excited to see the growth and achievements that will come. The Academy for GOD is committed to providing a nurturing and Christ-centered environment where students can thrive academically, spiritually, and socially. Let's make this year the best one yet!

Welcome back, and here's to a fantastic school year!

‘Gro More Good’ Grant Achieved!

This spring, the Academy received the ‘Gro More Good’ Kids Gardening Grant from Scotts Miracle Grow. In cooperation with Hopewell Gardens the funding is being used to finish an outdoor educational space. Once finished this 400 square foot sheltered pavilion will provide a comfortable atmosphere for student instruction for up to 50 students. The space is perfect for agricultural instruction since it is positioned within Hopewell Gardens and just a short walk from the Academy school building. This allows students a seamless and quick transition between instructional time and hands on learning experiences in the garden. The outdoor classroom is a purposeful and educational space even in its planning and construction.

The outdoor classroom ‘wall’ is constructed is a trellis wall where plants will be grown up the side to create additional shade and a natural cooling affect. The trellis wall can act as an educational moment for students to learn about sustainable and eco-friendly building structures. We are so grateful for Hopewell Farms for their help in submitting this grant for our school and for their aid in the constructions of the space. As a farm to school program we love enhancing our programming and education in the realm of agriculture, and our students will benefit greatly from this new space! Each elementary student at the Academy has a class dedicated to working and learning in the garden at least once a week, facilitated by Farmer Jameson. Over the years, students have harvested everything from hibiscus and strawberries to lettuce and kale!

Our demonstration garden allows students to taste test foods as they are grown and occasionally eat those foods in their school cafeteria. Thank you to Scotts Miracle Grow for contributing to our efforts to enhance Academy students’ experience in the garden.

Globally Conscious Meal Times

At the Academy our mission is to holistically educate children, which occurs throughout their entire day whether in the classroom, at recess or at lunch. It is important to ensure that all aspects of a schools program reflect the mission and vision of the school. Part of the Academy’s Mission is to educate children to be “Globally Conscious.” 

Globally Conscious as defined by our Mission Statement: “highlights an awareness of culture, race, customs, language, and perspective. Students will know that they are a part of a diversely beautiful world designed by God, where perspective taking becomes an inherent mode of interaction.”

During lunch, this value is demonstrated by introducing students to culturally diverse meals. Learning to eat a meal from another culture can start at a very early age and will allow students to have a diverse pallet into adulthood. Including culturally diverse meals isn’t just about giving students options, it is rooted in teaching them about world outside of themselves. Students can truly learn to appreciate other ways of life by learning to eat foods that taste and smell different from what they may normally eat. 

Our students in particular are given the opportunity to travel to El Salvador on mission and even other culturally diverse populations in Tennessee. It is utmost importance that they learn to adapt to other cultures and appreciate foods that are prepared for them by other communities. 

Over the years we have implemented culturally diverse meals in a variety of ways. We introduced bone in chicken one year, which for many young students was new. Students learned that people around the world eat their meals regularly with meat still on the bone. Students one year had a special class featuring fruits around the world and had the chance to eat anything from Lychee to Papaya. On another occasion students had a class where they were learning about Japanese culture and we served a special meal of Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls). Other years we have introduced Thai Curry, along with Indian and Greek entrees. 

We hope that all of our students can learn this important value of global consciousness in our cafeteria and step into adulthood with an ability to appreciate people from other cultures.

Fostering a Love for Reading and Supporting Education: The Annual Elementary School Read-a-Thon

The Read-a-Thon is not just a competition; it's a celebration of literature and the joy of reading. With the goal of fostering a lifelong love for books, students are encouraged to explore diverse genres and learn through this meaningful competition. The event provides an opportunity for students to develop critical thinking skills, expand their vocabulary, and enhance their comprehension abilities.

As students participate in the Read-a-Thon, they are encouraged to set personal reading goals. Whether it's completing a certain number of books, exploring new genres, or conquering more challenging texts, the competition becomes a catalyst for literary growth. Through the process, students learn the value of goal-setting and perseverance, skills that extend beyond the realm of reading and into various aspects of their academic and personal lives.

The Read-a-Thon goes beyond the individual act of reading; it becomes a communal effort to support our school. Families, friends, and community members are invited to sponsor students in the read-a-thon. During the Read-a-Thon weeks, classroom corners become cozy reading nooks, teachers organize reading challenges, book discussions, and literary-themed activities to spark excitement and curiosity.

As the Read-a-Thon concludes, winners of the most minutes read and most funds raised as individuals and classes will be recognized at our school assembly in February. Will you join us in supporting our young readers? The videos below have been made by our students to share with other classes to promote enthusiasm surrounding the read-a-thon. We hope you’ll join in the fun and competition. Thank you for supporting our school!

Pure Pastures Farm Owners Testify to Partnership Success

The Academy for GOD’s meal program has been blessed by the positive impact of the partnership with Pure Pastures Farm. Collaborations like these not only benefit businesses but also create a sense of community and mutual support. We recently received a video from the farm’s owners with a little history behind why they love supporting schools like ours. Hearing about their growing practices adds an extra layer of transparency and authenticity to our partnership, giving us valuable insights into the source of the products. As a farm to school meal program, we look forward to the future as a partner with Pure Pastures Farm!