7th or 8th Grader With Diverse Interests? No Problem!

12 Opportunities We Offer Our Junior High Students

One question that junior high students and their families may have when considering a private school: will they be bored? 

 

At DCA, that is highly doubtful! Our junior high school students have many opportunities to thrive, not only academically but socially and, of course, spiritually.

 

Let’s look at some extracurricular activities for junior high students that make our school an exciting place for students in the middle grades. 

 

Unlocked Opportunities Starting in 7th Grade

At Dublin Christian Academy, outside of our preschool and kindergarten students, the student body is divided into two groups—the lower school and the upper school—simple enough. 

The lower school includes grades one through six. Upper school begins in 7th grade and goes through twelfth grade in high school. Our 7th graders experience a kind of “right of passage” when the doors open to many new opportunities they couldn’t have in the lower school years.

 

The activities offered at a private middle school in new hampshire

 

Multiple Teachers/Specialized Subjects: For the first time in their DCA career, 7th graders no longer have one primary teacher instructing them in all subjects. Individual subjects are taught by teachers who specialize in certain fields. Students learn from experts in each discipline. This not only prepares them for high school but also for college.  

 

Junior High Choir: Although the junior high choir is required for all 7th and 8th-grade students, it offers a wonderful opportunity to grow and collaborate as classmates and provides a fun, artistic way to worship as members of a choral group.

 

Junior High Play: All 7th and 8th graders also participate in the junior high play—a fun way for students to express themselves through the art of speech and drama. Speaking of “speech,” junior high students have a unique opportunity to work with high schoolers, as seniors in DCA’s Speech II/Drama class direct the plays that junior high students perform in.  

 

Student Government: In 7th grade, students are introduced to student council. As a class, they elect their own class officers and organize fundraisers during the year to fund a group trip at the end of the school year. 

 

Work at Common Grounds (Our Coffee Shop): What better time to learn about hard work and financial responsibility than at the start of upper school? Beginning in 7th grade, students occasionally have the opportunity to work the counter in our popular student coffee shop, learning the ins and outs of task management and responsibility. 

 

The Big/Little Program: In this student mentoring program, upper school students (the bigs) are assigned to lower school students (the littles) to take them under their wing and give them a role model and a big sibling, so to speak, to look up to. This gives junior high students a feeling of purpose and teaches them the importance of leadership and how to be contributing members of their communities.

 

Supporting Students in Their Spiritual Growth

DCA clearly states its mission statement on our website. It “…exists to make disciples of Christ who love God, love others, and live their lives to advance the gospel.” This objective is achieved not only through the academic program but also through programs that nurture spiritual growth—many of which start in junior high. 

Students participating in activities that promote their spiritual growth at a Christian school

 

Winter Bible Conference: Our Winter Bible Conference is one of our students’ favorite programs of the year, and it even occurs during a regular school day! Starting in junior high, the upper school participates in the conference each year at the beginning of February. DCA brings in speakers for spiritual instruction in the morning and evenings, and students divide into groups playing competitive games. The theme from this past conference was the DCA Olympics. The friendly competitions each year give our students a break from their academics and foster team-building skills, cooperation, and camaraderie, all in the context of sound Bible teaching and spiritual edification.  

 

GRO Groups: Our GRO (Guidance, Responsibility, and Openness) Groups are a valuable resource to keep our upper school students grounded in their multi-class, multi-instructor curriculum. Gro Groups typically are comprised of four to five students who meet once a week with a faculty or staff member assigned specifically to that group. Along with providing academic support, these instructors offer spiritual guidance and general feedback throughout the year to assist the group through all aspects of school life and beyond.

Ministry Team: MinistryTeam (again beginning in 7th grade) lets students sample their first taste of Christian service. This year, they will be helping out at Camp Northfield, a Christian camp ministry, as they prepare for the Christmas season. They will also be involved with the ministry of a nearby church, where they will offer their musical talents and personal testimonies. Our community is an integral part of the school, and it is our pleasure to give back and let our students be a part of serving in ministry.

 

Hard Work and No Play? Not at DCA!

Our students work very hard, and we want to give them the chance to play just as hard. Sports are definitely part of the DCA extracurricular activities lineup. Clean competition, great teamwork, and intense fun are all found on the field.Middle schoolers playing volleyball at a private Christian school

 

 

Junior Varsity Sports: Junior high students (and students in 5th and 6th grade, too) can try out for one of our four junior varsity teams—guys’ soccer or girls’ volleyball in the fall and guys’ or girls’ basketball in the winter. In all of our sports programs, we aim to build Christ-like character while working together to practice good sportsmanship.  

 

Varsity Sports: Upper school students can also try out for the more advanced varsity soccer, volleyball, and basketball teams. As competitors in the New England Association of Christian Schools, our JV and varsity teams have won both state and regional championships, boosting the success of our athletic program and giving us many reasons to celebrate. Go Stags! 

 

Ski Club for All Ages: Our ski and ride club is available for students in 3rd through 12th grades each year, but for families of prospective junior high students considering coming to DCA, we wanted to point out what a great opportunity this is for students in the middle grades to experience some independence, learn or develop their skills, and strengthen relationships.  From early January to early February, skiers and snowboarders of all experience levels can hit the slopes at Pat’s Peak to cut some powder with their classmates. To learn more, visit our Ski and Ride Club page on our website.  

Keeping Our Junior High Students FULLY Engaged

At DCA, of course, classwork is very important. Outside of academics, however, we have a little something for everyone to enjoy. This makes it pretty hard to be bored here. 

 

Junior high school is a great time to discover who students are as individuals and uncover the gifts God pre-ordained for them before they were born.

“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.” Psalms 139:14 (NKJV)

Contact us to learn even more about what makes junior high school at DCA so exciting and perhaps plan a visit to our campus. We look forward to showing you what we have to offer.

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