Academics
Curriculum
We use a mixture of written and online Christian curriculum in a flexible and self-paced format with a goal meet each student where they are...and challenge them.
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Extras!
Think you might be missing out at a smaller school? Think again. Read on to find out just how many extra-engaging activities we have...
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College Credit
How would graduating from High School with college credit sound? If you are intrigued, then read on. It's not as crazy as it sounds...
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Curriculum:
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Extra Offerings:
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One of the unique aspects of Unity Christian is the reliance on self-paced learning. Students get the benefit of a traditional classroom experience for some subjects such as specials like Art and Music, but for the core subjects such as Math, Language Arts, History and Science students work at their own pace. In grades up to 8th grade, most of the self-paced work is done through Christian curriculums such as ACE.
During class, the teacher will answer questions or may help a student with a science lab or give a spelling test while the other students work on their own. The curriculum is clearly laid out for each grade so students and parents understand exactly what pace they are on. A student may be in Grade 2, Book 4 in other subjects, but in Book 10 in a Language Arts. If they finish the Grade 2 series, they move on to Grade 3 work regardless of what ‘grade’ they are in. They stay in the classroom with students who are their age developmentally, but are able to progress educationally at their own pace. When students of High School age enroll at Unity Christian, a staff member will work with the student and parent to craft a curriculum specific to the student. Generally courses come from either Christian curriculum providers such as ACE or through the Virtual Learning Academy (VLACS). VLACS is a state charter school and offers a broad array of courses from Math and Foreign Languages to Forensic Science and Web Design. Technology Plan:
Technology is an amazing tool, and like many tools it should be fully embraced...for the appropriate tasks and with the appropriate precautions. Our belief (which we feel is fully supported by research) is young children don't need significant amounts of screen time in school, but do need to be outside playing! They also need to learn to write (which is great for brain development) and still have subjects like science and history. Computers may be used occasionally and we encourage parents to use appropriate apps and programs at home with their children, we just don't make it a focus to get those students on their own machines regularly.
We introduce technology as they get older and build progressively. Tools are introduced as they are needed and students will be phased into online learning or learning things like CAD and Lego Robotics. By high school, students should be regularly completing assignments with technology, proficient in the common operating systems, use cloud and web based tools and understand safe and appropriate use of the internet for work and personal use. |
Each day of the week there is usually an additional offering for students. The topics include Art, Music, Library, Guidance and Chapel. Unity Christian is dedicated to allowing students to explore, express themselves and have fun. We have multiple recesses each day and even High School age students take part. The same goes for Art. We also try to involve the community through talks, demonstrations and trips to allow the students to learn from those around them. Music is taught as a class and generally focuses on the basics and group performances. Chapel is at 7:30am on Fridays as is open to the community and includes involvement from many area churches and pastors.
Even better than the regular specials are the other activities that Unity Christian can provide. Every year we have a ski program at Bretton Woods for six weeks at a very affordable price. We also regularly make trips to events such as the Muster in the Mountains and Gibson's Apple Orchard. Parent support for events such as these are critical, but they also make them great school family builders. Unity Christian works with local school districts wherever possible to provide extra activities. Our students regularly participate in Athletics and we work with students and parents to make accommodations as needed to support that. Students have also joined other courses or programs such as Career & Technical programs in the past and we are happy to work on that on a student by student basis. Contact us if you have specific questions. College Credit:
Our use of VLACS for High School courses provides us with the unique opportunity to provide college credit through agreements with the Community College System (CCSNH). Potentially, students can graduate from High School with a course or two, a year worth of credits or even a full Associates Degree! These courses are completed online at the school, but are taught by faculty from CCSNH.
We also have connections with White Mountains Community College and can facilitate Early College courses. Through Early College, students enroll in courses already on the college's schedule (if there is space) with college students, but pay well less than half the college tuition. Currently, the state is also offering a free course for any high schooler as well. Any fees for college credit are not covered in our tuition and can range from $100 to $400 per course (just as a reference UNH charges $2,000 per 3 credit course...) Teachers and Advisors:
As a private school, we are not required to have teachers certified to teach in public school. We do require excellence and experience, and sometimes those two things match up and sometimes they don't. We have had a number of certified or formerly certified teachers teaching and advising in various capacities and our classroom teachers are amazing at what they do. The school is currently operated under the guidance of the Board Chair, who is a professor of STEM and he has a great network of educators involved supporting our efforts. If you have specific questions about the qualifications of a teacher or about the school, please contact us.
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