ACADEMICS
JCS exists to provide Christian families with a Christ-centered, biblical education for students K-12. We strive to nurture each student in cooperation with their individual churches and families. We exist to promote academically sound, spiritually directed servant leaders. For more detailed information on our curriculum, graduation requirements and our honors program, click below.
CURRICULUM
JCS offers leading-edge instruction with a Christian worldview for children from kindergarten through twelfth grade. In order to keep textbooks updated, a textbook selection cycle calls for review and update of one or more subject areas each year. Emphasis is placed on the development of basic skills. Curriculum materials in use are the most current :
Bible Instruction
For Bible Instruction, the Purposeful Design series from ACSI is used for grades K-6. Bible memorization is a key component to this curriculum. Bible instruction course descriptions for grades 7-12 are found in the student handbook.
Science Instruction
The Science curriculum for grades 1-5 is published by ACSI Purposeful Design Science. This Christian curriculum acknowledges God as the creator and designer of our world and universe. The facts and theories are based on creationism. The curriculum uses many activities and experiments to discover and interact with the world around us. Grades 6-11 use BJUP Science curriculum for the same reasons listed above.
Christian Values
Constant integration of Christian values and truth permeates the school program. Daily prayer and devotional experiences, with weekly chapel and Bible memory work are vital parts of the overall school program.
Enrichment / Remedial Program
Enrichment/Remedial Program: JCS offers a program of academic enrichment to qualifying students, and a remedial program to assist students with special needs. These programs are provided through the Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11 (TIU) in a classroom staffed by qualified TIU staff.
Elementary Offerings
Elementary Course Offerings: The curriculum for K-5 covers English, reading, phonics, writing, spelling, math, science, social studies, Spanish, music, physical education, art, Bible and computer for grade 5 only.
Secondary Offerings
Secondary Course Offerings: The middle school/high school schedule runs on a five-period morning with a mid morning break between periods two and three. Lunch is held after fifth period and followed by a three-period afternoon. The afternoon accommodate most electives.
CO-CURRICULUM
Middle School Students (grades 6-8) participate in service projects within the school and sometimes within the local community during the school year. Students may be divided into cross-grade groups that travel with and are chaperoned by a JCS Staff member. Local agencies sometimes participate with these projects.
High School Students (grades 9-12) may be involved in an overnight or day service project, which may be combined with their class field trip. Every other year the junior and senior class will participate in a cross-cultural trip to Jamaica for one week during the school year. This project may be used to complete the graduation service project required for credit towards a high school diploma from JCS. On alternates years, projects range from assisting needy families in the local community, to cleaning up around the school.
Enrichment Offerings (grades 6-7): Art, Chorus, Home Economics, Technical Education.
Enrichment Offerings (grades 8-9): Art, Health, Home Economics, Technical Education.
Ministry Elective Offerings (grades 6-8): Drama or Praise Team
Ministry and Elective Offerings (grades 9-12): Choir, Drama, Praise Team, Organic Gardening, Chess, Ministry Team, Student Teacher Aids, Web Design and Yearbook.
Skill Elective Offerings (grades 9-12): Art, Home Economics, Physical Education, SAT Preparation, Technical Education, Personal Organizational Management (grades 6-12)
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY (NHS)
Honor Roll Grades 4 through 12
The honor roll for each grading period is determined according to the following:
High Honors - 94% average in core subjects,
Honors - No grade below 86% in core subjects.
Students must also attain no less than an 77% in all of the non-core subjects in order to be on High Honors or Honors. JCS became a charter member of the National Honor Society (NHS) in 2006.
The NHS is a service organization that serves by giving any student tutoring and help with schoolwork. Students are selected to be inducted into the society by the Faculty Council which consists of five faculty members appointed by the principal. The NHS advisor serves as the sixth, ex-officio member of the Faculty Council. This selection process occurs once every school year with the induction of new members at a special ceremony each spring. Candidates and members must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.3 on a non-weighted 4.0 scale. Candidates are also considered on the basis of service, leadership and character. The NHS also earns scholarships through working with the American Red Cross.
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the LORD and not for man," - Colossians 3:23
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
To earn a high school diploma, students must fulfill the following requirements during their high school years. Students who do not achieve a passing grade in a required course will have the opportunity to complete an independent correspondence course or an online course to receive partial or full credit. Additionally, students may enroll in a summer school program or repeat the course during one of their remaining high school years to obtain the necessary credit.
COURSES & CREDITS
English 4
Math 3
Social Science 4
Science 3
Bible 4
Foreign Language 1
Physical Education 1.6
Electives 3.2
Technology 1.6
Graduation Project /
Community Service* 1
Total Credits 26.4
GRADUATION PROJECT / COMMUNITY SERVICE
The Graduation Project/Community Service requirement can be fulfilled through an overseas mission trip sponsored by JCS or by a project that expresses faith through a faith-based activity in the community. For detailed information and specific requirements regarding the graduation project, please consult the High School Principal.
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not evil, to give you a future and hope." - Jeremiah 29;11
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Is JCS a Mennonite school?JCS is multidenominational featuring over 61 different churches. We were founded on solid Mennonite principles many of which still govern our practices. Although we are comprised of many denominations, we remain as we have ever been a Christian school.
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How can I find out more about JCS?If this website has only served to whet your appetite, feel free to contact the office at office@jcslions.com to set up a personal tour. We would be happy to show you the school in action and give you the opportunity to talk to staff, faculty and students about specific questions you may have.
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Are JCS students properly prepared for college?JCS has consistantly graduated students equal to or above the national norm. College preparedness is extremely important to us. One of the reasons JCS was awarded accreditation is because of our consistant dedication to preparation of our students for whatever they choose to do next.
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Does JCS prepare students for the workforce?Not all graduates seek higher education. Many become valuable members of society by putting their God given talents to use in the workforce. JCS prepares all students for life with a Christian worldview regardless of occupation. God's principles of honesty, integrity, hard work and honor apply to our lives in all circumstances making JCS students an "in-demand" commodity for any empoyer. That said, we are dedicated to preparing students for higher learning as well.
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Is there a strict dress code?JCS encourages modesty and humility in its dress code. Jeans and tee shirts (without holes)are acceptable on most days with the exception of Chapel days (Wednesdays) where dressier attire (such as that for Sunday Worship service) is required.
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Does JCS allow school prayer?JCS encourages open Bible and open prayer in every classroom multiple times throughout the day. JCS is a private Christian school with the freedom to educate with a biblical worldview.
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What are the JCS discipline policies?Detailed disciplinary procedures are spelled out in the student handbook. JCS follows the family values of biblical discipline relying on the principles taught in Matthew 18 on conflict resolution.