Academics

What is classical Christian education?

Classical Christian education is an approach to training children that features the integration of all subject matters from a biblical perspective. This includes the study of traditional liberal arts, the use of primary texts, an emphasis on the great cultural works of western civilization and language study, which includes Latin and Greek. In its methods, classical Christian education seeks to tailor instruction to the natural inclinations of children at different stages of their development to maximize learning and the pursuit of truth, beauty, and goodness. 

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Can students in upper grades who haven’t studied Latin transition to Providence?

Many students have successfully transferred to Providence in the middle and upper grades. We have collaborated with each family to determine the best option for their student regarding Latin, including simply having the student audit the class. We would be happy to discuss options with you. 

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What is Providence's approach to homework?

Homework is a part of a well-rounded Providence education. Homework equips students in the necessary tools for learning, provides them with practice outside of the classroom, encourages them to work independently, and reinforces the concepts presented in class. The amount of time required to complete a homework assignment varies with the student's abilities. Evaluations will be made throughout the year to ensure that the level of homework is reasonable for students.

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Do you administer standardized tests at Providence?

Yes, we administer the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) annually in grades 2-8 so we may measure our students' progress and compare their performance to schools across the nation. These assessments have been used in similar form nationally in both public and private schools since 1935. We also administer the Classical Learning Test (CLT) to grades 7 and up. This is a normal test for classically trained students and is growing in its acceptance at colleges across the country. 

Our students consistently receive scores above their respective grade levels. Our philosophy is that standardized testing should be an assessment of the efficacy of our classroom instruction and curriculum, therefore students are not "prepped" for the test.

 

General

What is your history and background?

Providence Christian Academy was founded in 2009 by parents who are members of churches in federations belonging to the North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council. The school started with 5 students and 1 teacher in 2009. Currently, Providence has 62 students and 16 teachers. In 2013, Providence became a member of the Association of Classical and Christian Schools. In 2018, Providence purchased a building in Dyer, Indiana.

 

What grade levels does Providence offer?

Providence offers a full academic program for pre-k through tenth grade. Lord willing we will add 11th grade for the 2024/2025 school year and add 12th grade the following year. 

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What is the student-teacher ratio?

Class sizes range from five to fifteen students at the current time. This low ratio is very beneficial to the students in that it allows significant personal attention from our teachers.

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Does Providence offer any sports or extracurricular activities?

We currently have a cross country team that competes in the fall and a track team that competes in the spring for 5th-8th graders. We also are continually looking for more activities to offer our students throughout the year. 

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Is Providence an accredited school?

We are currently pursuing accreditation through the Association of Classical and Christian Schools. It is a multi-year process which we hope to complete within a couple years. We are committed to an excellent, well rounded education for our students, as evidenced by how well they have performed on annual standardized testing. 

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Are there opportunities to visit or sit in on classes?

Absolutely! We would be happy to give you a tour of our facility and have you sit in on a class. To arrange a visit, please contact our principal, Melodie McKenzie, by calling 219.588.9090.

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How do I apply?

Please download and review our application form.

 

Finance

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Does Providence offer financial aid or reduced tuition?

Providence does not currently offer financial aid. However, families with two or more children attending Providence do receive a tuition reduction. We also encourage families to speak with their church deacons if finances are a barrier to enrollment. Our current tuition rates can be found on our website.

 

Does Providence accept vouchers?

Providence is not part of the Indiana voucher program. Because we are not accredited (though we are in the process to become accredited) we are not eligible to participate. Along with that, after a thorough study of the voucher program and its implications, we are uncomfortable becoming dependent and beholden to state funding should the state guidelines for participation change to standards contrary to our faith. 

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Rhetoric School

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Why do you refer to grades 9-12 as Rhetoric School?

Classical education acknowledges 3 stages in learning: Grammar, Logic, Rhetoric. Grades 9 (or 10) through 12 make up this last stage. Simply put, it is the stage where the students are now ready to outwardly express and apply by written and spoken word, with wisdom, the facts and information they have learned/memorized (Grammar Stage) and have come to understand after much critical thinking (Logic Stage).

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How is this different from other Christian High Schools in the area?

It is very similar in the subjects studied, however the methodology in which it is taught is different from other 9-12 grade schools. A Rhetoric school is meant to take everything you have learned from K-8 and now instruct the students how they may use and share the knowledge in an applicable way. A quick idea of the classical method regarding grades 9-12 is that we take the knowledge (grammar grades K-6) now understood (logic grades 7-8/9) and being transmitted outwards as wisdom (rhetoric grades 9/10-12).

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My child has not learned Latin. Will it interfere with their high school education?

No. We offer Greek as a classical language course. We do this so that our children may learn to read the original language scripture to gain a better understanding of the truths of the Bible, as well as the Greek classics. If your child already knows Latin this may help but will not be required.

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Do you offer STEM or STEAM classes?

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) is a way to integrate disciplines into specific class. At Providence, this integration of disciplines is already being accomplished through the classical model. “The idea of STEM is a classical one. STEM refers to the integration of science and mathematics with an eye to practical uses in technology or engineering. The idea is to use mathematical models to understand real data from science, applied to solving modern problems—something we should easily be able to picture ancient Greek natural philosophers and engineers doing, not to mention the practical Romans with their aqueducts, plumbing, advanced road systems and architectural marvels. STEAM goes the full way and includes the arts, just like the classical quadrivium included music.” So while we do not have specific STEM classes, the principles and goals of STEM are being realized through the classical model. (quote from Jason Barney, Clapham School). You can also visit classicalchristian.org/stem-vs-classicalscience for a more in depth comparison.

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