Admissions
Enrollment at Greater Houlton Christian Academy is obtained by written application, testing, and personal interview. A child should be four years old on or before October 15th to be eligible for pre-kindergarten.
Parents must be interviewed and the family approved. Students in grades 7-12 are required to be a part of the interview and must express a desire to attend GHCA. They must also fill out a Student Application and sign in agreement to the Student Honor Code. A letter of recommendation is required.
Prospective students are tested for proper grade placement. The Academy is not currently equipped to enroll handle children with serious learning disabilities, who are seriously deficient academically or who manifest consistent behavior problems.
If all steps are successfully completed, the student is admitted to the school, assuming space is available in their grade level.
For more details, go to our Enrollment page.
Classroom Atmosphere
GHCA strives to provide a caring, safe environment for children of all ages. We also work hard to maintain a classroom atmosphere conducive to learning. Small class sizes (nominally capped at 20 students) provide a good teacher-to-student ratio. Teachers are encouraged to use a variety of tools to inspire curiousity and learning, even during times that official teaching is not taking place. To view some of our "showcase" classrooms, take the building tour.
We also have a number of special-purpose rooms which focus on specific subject areas. For example, our Aerospace science lab (ASL) is the only one of its kind in New England. Our newly "rigged for sound" band room is a great place for students to participate in band, choir, orchastra, and drama. Our science lab continues to expand and grow in capability. Our gym allows for physical fitness classes and sports training. Finally, our computer lab is known throughout the world for its innovative use of open source technology.
Technology
GHCA is a leader in the innovative use of technology in education. We are now integrating laptop technology in the classroom from grades 9 to 12. Younger students continue to use the computer lab for a variety of classroom lessons and projects. Our science program is phasing in special handheld data collection and analysis computers for use not only in the classroom, but out in the field as well. We use technology to offer services that we might not normally be able to provide, including our Rosetta Stone foreign language program, our Passport Learning tuitoring software, and the offering of independant study courses using our high speed network.
Parents and students are kept up-to-date regarding grades, attendance, discipline, and assignments using our student information system called SURRAnet. This tool is available to anyone with Internet access and an account
Curriculum
GHCA uses curriculum from outstanding publishers like A Beka and BJU Press. The goal of our curriculum and our faculty is to not only teach necessary information and skills from a Biblical world view, but to foster creative and critical thinking skills that will allow our young people to internalize and apply what they have learned. Knowing why one believes in a Christian world view and how to defend those beliefs using reason and logic is crucial for young people entering the post-modern culture.
Our Pre-K and Kindergarten Programs are designed to prepare students for success in the elementary years. We offer a delightful, loving and secure environment so critical for the child's first year of school. Academic training includes numbers, phonics, reading, writing, science, Bible. Time is also spent in art classes, music, computer training, sharing and playtime. Pre-K is a half-day prgram, while kindergarten is a full day program.
Our Elementary Program spans grades 1 through 6. A traditional curriculum is used consisting of phonics, reading, language, spelling, writing, penmanship, math, history, geography, science, computers, Bible. Classes in music, instrument, band, physical education, library are offered. Time is also spent in choir, aerospace science, art, nursing home ministry and recess. By the time he or she has finished sixth grade, student educated at GHCA is enabled to succeed academically and spiritually in high school, college, and career. Loving and concerned Christian teachers, the best available curricula and high academic and spiritual standards are the cornerstones of our foundation.
Our Junior High School (grades 7 & 8) offers a transitional program between the self-contained elementary classroom and the departmentalized high school. It is more student-centered than subject centered. The junior high school is a place where students feel secure and can be guided daily by their homeroom teacher. The curriculum of the junior high is geared totheir needs and includes Bible, English, math, history, world studies, science, computer skills, and physical education. Elective classes include aerospace science, choir, and band. Extracurricular activities such as retreats, class fellowships, clubs, athletics, and the like are essential for a well-rounded junior high program.
Our High School classes (grades 7 - 12) are departmentalized. The high school curriculum is designed to prepare students for college and other post-secondary education options. Core courses include Bible, English, algebra I and II, geometry, trigonometry, physical science, biology, chemistry, foreign language, history, geography, world view, government, public speaking and more. Electives include advanced math and sciences, aerospace tech, practicums, foreign languages, computer science, band, choir, and specialized online courses. Computer proficiency is achieved by the integration of laptop computers into the majority of subjects.
Extra curricular activities include sports, drama, community service, social events, and a variety of clubs. Greater Houlton Christian Academy is currently expanding in areas of career preparation including career day and job shadowing opportunities. Other events that fit into the students' curriculum include Maine Academic Day, Christian Life Emphasis Week, Science Fair, various field trips, guest speakers, chapel, college days, etc.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Our school benefits greatly from the involvement in and around the school by the students' parents. Parents are always welcomed in the school. In fact, we depend primarily on parents for the cleaning and maintenance of the building as well as the planning of events. We have a parent organization (PTF) that meets regularly and supports a variety of school activities. Your participation is encouraged! To learn how YOU can be involved, check out our "Parent Ops" page!
Just the Beginning
This is the end of our overview, but it's just the beginning of your exploration of all that Greater Houlton Christian Academy has to offer! Check out the other sections of our website, and download our School Handbook for all the specific details!
27 School Street