Middle School

The middle school years are marked with tremendous change, growth, and opportunity for students. At Jupiter Christian School, the heartbeat of our Middle School (5th - 8th) program is Micah 6:8 when the Lord defines what is good: to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk in humility. Our purpose is to help form both competent and confident students who understand the Lord's calling in their life and are ready to navigate high school and beyond.

Full Profile

The House System

PURPOSE: What is a house community? Why would a school do this? In a phrase, a house community is meant to help provide cultural belonging, character formation, and Christian scholarship. The purpose can be captured in three words: Belong. Become. Behold. We hope our culture is one where students and staff experience true friendship in the context of Christian academia. We hope to develop in our students strong Christ-centered character, behavior, and sharpness of mind. Ultimately, we desire to behold a truly beautiful community; one that resembles as much as possible the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven.

CULTURAL BELONGING: Middle school can be intimidating and hard to feel accepted. We hope to see that the house system nurtures a culture of true belonging and healthy competition between each respective house family. We want our students to truly be and feel together on this journey through middle school and to have fun in pursuing character growth and intellectual scholarship.
CHARACTER FORMATION: Heart and mind restoration will lead to individual and communal renewal. How does restoration happen though? Simply put, through Jesus Christ. God restores life to people through the life of his Son and the house system seeks to proclaim the truth of the gospel, and how that leads to a changed life; one of noble character. We seek to reward students for their growth through house points and specific honorable prizes.
CHRISTIAN SCHOLARSHIP: With a pandemic of microwavism and triviality in the modern culture of haste, we hope through the house community to promote a culture of intellectual sharpness, thoughtful focus, and academic integrity. Christians are not only called to loving God with the heart, but to love God with the mind. We pray that our students will not simply seek to get through their school work, but for their school work to get through them, and help shape who they are. Excellence in this is rewarded in the same way as character formation.

Academics

By building upon the foundational concepts and skills formed in our Lower School, our teachers help to deepen and widen students’ critical thinking and perspectives. With the foundation of a nurturing community, our middle school cultivates both academic readiness and leadership development. Students who EXCEL can investigate by forming questions, researching, critically thinking, and creatively problem-solving for themselves and with others. Academic readiness also includes a focus on building executive functioning and social-emotional skills. Our teachers are not only subject matter experts but also coaches who will challenge and, most importantly, care for the minds of their students. Our classrooms are active, engaging, and promote exploration beyond their four walls.

· Science curriculum aligned to the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards)

· Fountas and Pinnell literacy program (5th) + 21st century ELA curriculum (myPerspectives)

· IXL Math curriculum support

· Service-Learning

· ACSI Creative Writing and Fine Arts Festival

· Specialized ESE programs: QUEST (gifted) and Academic Support

Course Guide

Students are evaluated regularly through various traditional and authentic classroom methods as well as measurement tools such as the NWEA MAP testing to assess comprehension and mastery of skills in Reading, Language, Math and Science. Jupiter Christian utilizes numerous publishers and texts to comprise our standards-aligned and academically rigorous curriculum that is evaluated, taught and presented through a biblical worldview. Differentiated learning through specialized centers, lecture, guided discussions, flexible groupings and project-based activities are integrated into the daily routine.

· Student/Teacher Ratio: 11:1

· Average Class Size: 16

Technology

We are committed to preparing your students for the 21st century workplace. At JCS, technology is integrated regularly into the curriculum classroom. We offer a 2:1 student to device ratio. Students use iPads, MacBook Airs, and PC desktops with numerous apps to augment the educational experience both at school and at home. Every grade incorporates technology for inquiry-based, student-directed, hands-on learning. We also have SMART Technology in every classroom, bringing together all the technology and content in the classroom seamlessly. SMART TV displays help our teachers leverage student devices more meaningfully, while easily managing connected devices, content, and learning experiences – both in and out of the classroom.

Spiritual Life

Often the middle school years can be confusing, turbulent, and isolating, so for a child to understand they were made in the image of Christ, they must be in a supportive environment with teachers and staff who have a heart for and training in discipleship. Our middle school provides the following to ensure each child can reach their full God-given potential:

· Walking in Truth Bible curriculum

· Weekly chapel and Advisory groups

· Daily homeroom and Bible period

· Elective offerings to strengthen and showcase the interests, gifts, and abilities of students including General Music, Band and Choir, Spanish, Art, Drama, Computers, Library and PE.

· Club Offerings: Art, Photography, Baking, Chess, Guitar, STEM and more!

R.E.A.C.H. Week

Our mission at JCS is to teach the mind, reach the heart, and inspire servant leadership within our students. One of the ways we live out and realize our mission is through a yearly, long-standing, and favored tradition here at JCS! This week is focused on allowing our students to Reflect, Enrich, Affirm, Create, and Hear as we intentionally connect spiritual formation and classroom learning with service opportunities throughout our local, national, and global community. In addition, students get to see how they can have an impact on the world and others as they are available to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ.

We believe that learning is an act of worship. Colossians 3:23 states “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” We understand learning is NOT passive, but active with the intent to bring glory and honor to God. Since students learn best by doing and experiencing, R.E.A.C.H. Week is an opportunity for our students to engage intellectually, socially, physically, and spiritually.

This year’s course offerings highlighting spiritual formation, interdisciplinary learning, civic engagement, career development, cultural awareness, leadership, and other professional and intellectual skills.

Important Information

All courses require a standard fee ($20 per course) to cover registration, processing, and project materials for the week. Some courses may also cover food, transportation, event tickets, etc. and be higher in cost.
Each student must register for TWO courses for the week. First-come, first-served. Register early!
- Registration link can be found below, in the Eagle Weekly or on the website.
- Registration opens on Wednesday, 1/18/23, at 4:00p.m. and closes Monday, 1/23/23 at 11:59 p.m.
- The MS Principal reserves the sole right to adjust course rosters and transfer registrations. Any changes will be communicated in writing.
MS R.E.A.C.H. courses are an extension of the academic classroom and will count as at least one summative grade in Bible class for the 4th quarter. A rubric will be provided to and discussed with all students the week prior to R.E.A.C.H.
Daily attendance is expected as this is a regular school day. Absences, tardies, and early dismissals must still be communicated to the Attendance Manager and may directly impact R.E.A.C.H. grade.

Student Life

Jupiter Christian School is a member of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA). Jupiter Christian’s athletic program includes opportunities for both Middle School and JV/Varsity level teams and features basketball, baseball, cheerleading, cross-country, football, golf, lacrosse, track & field, volleyball, beach volleyball, softball, swimming, and wrestling. Additional opportunities for involvement include community service, Bible studies, mission trips, academic and fine arts clubs, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, National Art Honors Society, Tri-M Music Honors Society, and Student Government Association, and more.

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