Exploring Solutions for Global Issues
As high school students learn about major global issues for their generation, they seek to find solutions to the issue on a smaller scale using tools from their STEM courses.
Written by Mrs. Rachel Hartnell, Lead Teacher
Students recorded the particulate matter collected from the air before and after their experiments to identify the effectiveness of their design. Particulate matter is too small to see by the naked eye making it the perfect size for us to breathe in!
This semester, our high school students were challenged to consider current global issues and design solutions for how to address these problems according to the word of God. In the Lab Science class, high school students have learned the process of research, experimental design, and data analysis. Utilizing these universally applicable skills, they were given various case studies on major environmental issues that are affecting their generation. After learning about negative outcomes to people both in the third world and here in the United States, they researched sustainable solutions and designed experiments in groups to prove a solution’s viability. Each lab group produced their own unique solution and competed with the other groups to see who had the most effective outcome.
The most recent environmental issue they addressed was air quality by looking at how air pollution has contributed to the spread of disease globally. Based on their research, students designed experiments to decrease indoor air particulate matter in order to slow the spread of bacteria and viruses. One group experimented with decreasing possible particulate carriers or emissions. Another group looked into how to make consideration for ventilation using dry ice. Others designed experiments that tested natural methods for air purification and the effects of plant life on reducing air particulates. Each experiment reduced the level of air particulates, and the group testing plant life reduced particulate matter by 100%.
After each unit, when students analyse and share their success, we celebrate as a class. We take some time to dream of all the ways we as a people of God can come up with biblically rooted, ethical responses to the issues that exist today. Students are inspired and ready to tackle the next issue presented to them!
The Legacy Talent Show
in honor of their grandparents, our students took the stage to showcase their creativity and talents. The night was a blessing to all who viewed live and online!
This past Saturday evening, 23 students from Kindergarten to 12th grade took the stage to dedicate the most sincere, heartfelt productions to some of The Academy’s dearest supporters: our students’ grandparents. From original songs and dances to martial arts and comedy acts, our students left the audience laughing, crying, and rejoicing over what they saw.
What did they see on the stage? One of our judges and a two-time Dove Music Award winner, Meredith Andrews, said it best: “This is more than a talent show. This is the heart of God on display!”
At the end of the night, each performer received a superlative award for their act. Sharing this moment of celebration was a highlight of the show!
The show’s theme was “Legacy”, which became a moving and emotion-filled thread throughout the night. Students expressed how their acts were inspired by their parents or grandparents. Others shared how their grandparents passed down a special talent to them that they in turn wanted to share with others. Two of our senior students even wrote a song for the Academy students coming up behind them, reminding them to practice what they learn in God’s Word because there is a world in need waiting for them. Each performer walked off the stage at the end of the night with a superlative in hand; an award given to them by the judges that distinguished their act above all the rest.
The Legacy Talent Show would not have been possible without the selfless service of our PTO and parent volunteers as well as our tech crew, made up of Academy high school students! In light of our month-long Legacy Campaign, our students have been learning what it means to receive and to leave a legacy. As the campaign highlights the Academy’s scholarship program, our students recognize they are receiving the gift of a Christ-centered education, and in turn are becoming equipped to bear the fruit of good works in the world. This was the inheritance on display during our Legacy Talent Show!
There’s still time to give towards the Academy’s Legacy Campaign! If you’d like to give the gift of a holistic, biblical education to students in the United States and around the world, we invite you to join us and thank you for your generosity!
How Academy Online Isn't Your Typical Online School
Academy Online takes the virtual classroom to a new level with assignments and projects that allow to students to be active, exercise creativity, and enjoy the process of learning. Check out some of our favorite submissions from this spring!
That’s a wrap on our 2019-2020 school year, and with the fourth quarter held fully online, our students adjusted to a new way of learning in just a few weeks! We are proud to showcase some fun, quality projects our students completed over their final quarter. Enjoy!
One of our weekly themes was “Endurance”. Students were presented with a variety of assignments that required focus and perseverance to complete. We received a number of submissions that were creative and inspiring. Check out this “trick shot challenge” from one of our elementary students, where they were to set up a challenging shot and practice endurance until they succeeded at the shot.
The shift to online learning meant exponential opportunities to practice technology! Elementary students learned the ins and outs of iPad apps like iMovie, while learning practical skills like how do laundry! In one Creative Arts course, students created step-by-step presentations to teach others how to properly wash laundry. This was one of our favorites!
Our Jr High students’ backyard gardens are thriving! They’ve been applying what they learned in elementary gardening classes to manage pests with homemade organic sprays, and control weeds with mulching methods like cardboard and wood chips. Way to go students, we are so proud of you!
Also in Jr High, the Nutrition & Meal Prep class, emphasized skills such as proper knife grips, and how to work safely around heat in the kitchen. Their final project was to plan and execute a 3 course meal, documenting both how they used their skills, and the fellowship that was enjoyed on the other side of their efforts!
One of our high school students, Genesis, composed a poem in her Social Studies course reflecting on what they’ve learned in the class. It was a joy to see students creatively express themselves and the content they had processed through online modules.
“Life Hacks” was a favorite class with our younger elementary students. Teachers were intentional in embedding STEM skills (geometric shapes) and Language Arts skills (following and articulating step-by-step processes) into fun, creative projects.
In her 8th grade Project Development course, this Jr High student created a product called “No-Dough” to assist her in making bread and cleaning her supplies. This class trained students to create a product that met some need that they had, and could be marketable.
Memorizing and writing scripture is a component of our Language Arts courses. These are some submissions from elementary students!
This Jr High student did an excellent final project for his Visual Arts course! His video showcases the creation process.
And finally, this documentary by one of our upper elementary students blew her teachers away! The students were asked to use the videography and storytelling skills from the Documentary Making to produce a mini-documentary on a subject of their choice, something that was interesting and feasible to do within a 6-week period.
Students Respond with Service During the Pandemic
Jr High and High students are using their time at home during the pandemic to serve their families and neighbors with skills and lessons they’ve learned at The Academy!
Written by Jr High and High Vice Principal, Mrs. Mathews
This spring, our staff and students went from an on campus school to distance learning in a matter of weeks in response to the global pandemic. Although it was a transition for us as educators, how much more for our students? Much of the normalcy of their day to day, including a social outlet and the opportunity to learn and experience spiritual growth at school was changed all in a matter of days.
As the Vice Principal of Jr High and High, I wondered how our students would respond. How would they navigate this monumental moment in history? How would they spend their days as we transitioned to online school? I was deeply moved to learn of how our students were serving their families and neighbors in need.
Freshman, Anna Roberson, used her skill with sewing to make 50 face masks for local healthcare workers to use during the pandemic.
One of our ninth grade students, Anna Roberson, took it upon herself to make 50 face masks for local healthcare professionals. She saw a need and met it with the skills that she had. It was amazing to see her rise up to the occasion and do what she could to help those on the frontlines combating COVID-19.
One of our eleventh grade students, Genesis Garner, realized that God’s gifts should only continue during this time. Instead of letting distance keep her from exercising these gifts, she set up a bible study and worship time on her own volition for students both in Nashville and Arcola, IL. It was during this time that young people realized that even though a screen separated them, the love of God brings them together.
One of our 7th grade students, Ezrah Aaseby, recently offered to mow the lawn for her elderly neighbor. She went with a joyful heart and served despite knowing she wouldn't be able to visit with her neighbor. What a response of humility!
Sophomore, Jones Warren, built a chicken coop in his backyard for his new chickens he is raising!
Many of our students also have the opportunity to raise baby chickens! They have put their skills to the test and built a chicken coop for their new flock. This time at home has given one of our 10th grade students, Jones Warren, an opportunity to practice several skills he has learned on our campus. What a great use of time during this distanced season!
Furthermore, as part of their online curriculum, all of our Jr High students are now starting their own backyard gardens! We hope this task teaches them responsibility and a desire to be grounded during this pandemic experience.
Our students’ world changed, but they did not. They have continued implementing the lessons and values they are learning at school, whether it be on campus or online. They are serving nurses on the frontlines, the elderly in their neighborhoods, and their own families. They did not look at this moment in history and become stifled. Rather, it has sparked something in them they might not have realized that they had, and they are spreading that light. These faces are the face of the future, and all I see is hope. I pray that they can continue to bless those in the face of adversity because they surely blessed me during this season!
Enrollment Opportunities for 2020-2021
We’re accepting enrollment applications for fall 2020 through May 1st! Read about the program options available at the Academy for G.O.D. and let us help find the right fit for your family!
For private schools such as ours, spring is the season for enrollment! We welcome new families into our school via one of our various programs every year. This spring, we are opening a new program for enrollment, with the launch of Academy Online. Students in the state of TN and around the world are welcome to enroll in a virtual, distance learning program and progress at their own pace from their location of choice.
If you’re interested in enrollment at the Academy for G.O.D. for the 2020-2021 school year, please evaluate which program below is for you. Our administration is also ready to walk you through each opportunity in order to best suit the needs of your students. With on campus, online, and homeschool services available, we’re ready to help you make 2020-2021 the best school year yet!
Campus Program
The Academy’s Campus Program is located on over 25 acres in the Hopewell Neighborhood of Old Hickory. K-12 students attend in person 5 days a week, 6.5 hours per day, for the 180-day school year as required by Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-50-801. They also qualify to participate in all school-related activities and events.
Academy Online (5-days a Week)
The Academy Online is a virtual, distance learning program, characterized by the unique philosophy and approach of our school, available to K-12 students both in the United States and around the world. Online students enrolled full-time have courses available 5 days a week, using a competency based model so students can work at their own pace, within the term. Online students who reside in Middle TN are allowed to participate in clubs, the Phoenix sports program, field trips, assemblies, and other extracurricular activities. Online enrollment is open year-round.
Academy Online (Single Course Enrollment)
Single course enrollment is offered through Academy Online for students who need to obtain course credit(s) or would like a supplemental learning opportunity in a particular subject, enjoying the Academy’s educational philosophy and approach. Single course enrollment is open year-round.
HOMESCHOOL PROGRAMS
Tutorial Program (2-days a Week)
The Academy’s Tutorial Program is a 2-day a week on-campus supplemental learning experience for homeschool students in the state of Tennessee. Students receive a hands-on classroom experience across a wide variety of subjects and qualify to participate in clubs, Phoenix sports, field trips, assemblies, and other extracurricular activities. Enrollment for the tutorial program is open from January-May for the fall.
Umbrella Program
Homeschool families in the state of TN are required to register their children with their local school district or a church-related "umbrella" school defined by Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-50-801. The Academy maintains student records, attendance and any voluntary testing results, and optionally offers consulting services related to curriculum. If you are not a resident of TN and are interested in the Academy’s Umbrella program, please ensure you are compliant with the homeschool laws of your state.