Academics
Hope Academy GSO is a Christ-centered community school providing students and families with a transformative education. Our curriculum helps students master foundational skills and discover the joy of learning through hands-on activities and immersion in a wide variety of disciplines. Along with meeting grade-level standards for reading, math, and the sciences, all students learn about their identity in Christ and how they are uniquely equipped by God to fulfill their roles in His story.
Kindergarten
Our kindergarten teachers use expeditionary learning (EL) methods to weave together play, joy, and learning. Through creative play, children develop critical thinking skills, build expressive language, increase their social skills, and learn how to manage their emotions. Classes include outdoor learning and field trips to help students learn about God’s creation and the ways they are connected with their community. Small student to teacher ratios ensures every student receives the individualized support they need to thrive and grow academically.
Elementary
Elementary age students continue exploring and connecting with their community through interactive and play-focused learning methods. Hands-on projects and outdoor activities help build on core concepts and teach character development. First through 5th grade students also receive an extra 50 minutes of math enrichment and 50 minutes of reading and writing each day. Social studies classes beginning in the 3rd grade use interactive play and simulations to bring concepts to life.
Middle School
Along with reading, writing, math, and social studies, students participate in hands-on science courses that teach critical thinking and the scientific method. Starting in the fifth grade, students participate in PE classes that teach the fundamentals of sports, fitness, and how to build habits for healthy, active lives. A diverse range of grade-level books and materials help students discover what they desire to learn and allow their curiosity to open up new and exciting questions and possibilities.
Kindergarten
Our kindergarten teachers use expeditionary learning (EL) methods to weave together play, joy, and learning. Through creative play, children develop critical thinking skills, build expressive language, increase their social skills, and learn how to manage their emotions. Classes include outdoor learning and field trips to help students learn about God’s creation and the ways they are connected with their community. Small student to teacher ratios ensures every student receives the individualized support they need to thrive and grow academically.
Elementary
Elementary age students continue exploring and connecting with their community through interactive and play-focused learning methods. Hands-on projects and outdoor activities help build on core concepts and teach character development. First through 5th grade students also receive an extra 50 minutes of math enrichment and 50 minutes of reading and writing each day. Social studies classes beginning in the 3rd grade use interactive play and simulations to bring concepts to life.
Middle School
Along with reading, writing, math, and social studies, students participate in hands-on science courses that teach critical thinking and the scientific method. Starting in the fifth grade, students participate in PE classes that teach the fundamentals of sports, fitness, and how to build habits for healthy, active lives. A diverse range of grade-level books and materials help students discover what they desire to learn and allow their curiosity to open up new and exciting questions and possibilities.
Our Educational Philosophy
For core programming in kindergarten through 8th grade, Hope Academy utilizes EL Education for language arts and Eureka Math²® for math. These two educational approaches prioritize student engagement, deep understanding, and real-world application of knowledge. For foundational reading skills, we integrate resources from EL Education, Heggerty, and Wilson Reading System®. Opportunities for the arts, field trips, outdoor education, and physical fitness are also integral parts of the curriculum.
Homework is a critical part of the learning process at Hope Academy. Completing assignments helps students become independent learners who take responsibility for academic work in high school and beyond.
Hope Academy creates assignments that enable students to learn and practice skills like organization, time management, and independent study. We ask parents to provide a quiet learning space in the home for studies and ensure students complete their assignments.
Although one test cannot fully measure a child’s talents and capacity, we believe all children are capable of learning and we relish in the celebration of a child’s growth. Testing is one tool we use to fulfill our mission to educate, encourage, and equip students. Our team of educators uses a combination of nationally standardized tests, progress monitoring tools, and curricular monitoring tools to create a holistic picture of each student’s academic needs.
Teaching for Transformation is a professional development series from the Center for the Advancement of Christian Education. It helps teachers and staff create a biblical framework that invites students to learn and grow in a way that transforms their hearts and minds to see God’s story in everything and everyone around them. Teaching for Transformation nurtures and empowers teachers and students to engage with God’s story through engaging learning experiences.