Erie Christian Academy

How does the Academy partner with parents?

• We keep open lines of communication between
  school and home;

  • The Lion’s Pride Monthly newsletter

  • Calls, notes, and e-mails between teacher and parents

  • Weekly communication folders

  • Parent-Teacher conferences

•  Parents volunteer their time in the Academy

• Parent / Family connection nights

What are Parent / Family Connection Nights?
Parent/Family Connection Nights take place one evening each month from September through May. Not only is this a time for you to connect with our teachers and staff, but it is also a time to hear updated information about ECA and to discover teaching techniques to use with your child at home. Some of the nights are “Family fun” nights where the whole family is invited! We expect all parents to attend.

I want to be a parent partner at ECA. What does this involve?
There are lots of opportunities available for you to participate and everyone is expected to volunteer in the academy in some capacity. Some areas in which to volunteer:

• Be an occasional Teacher’s Aide

• Share your talent/skill with a class

• Volunteer for Lunch and Recess Duty

• Help with special classroom projects or bulletin boards

• Lead or Serve on Program Committees

• Become a Field Trip Chaperone

• Run the sound equipment for Chapel and programs

• Be a homeroom parent for special occasions

• Be a Mystery Reader/Guest

What is Chapel Day?
Chapel Day consists of a time of corporate worship, prayer and sharing the Word of God. It will be held once a week to promote spiritual formation in our students.

Does Erie Christian Academy have school colors and a mascot?
Yes! Our school colors are royal blue, red and gold, and our mascot is the lion. Our school scripture is Proverbs 28:1, “The righteous are as bold as a lion.”

What is a Biblical Worldview?
A Biblical worldview consists of an explanation and an interpretation of the world, and then an application of that knowledge to life. Today’s culture proposes, “Find a worldview that fits me.” One should rather want a worldview that corresponds with God’s truth! Everyone has a story, an explanation of the world – how it came about, why we are here, and what happens when we die. Everyone interprets the world and circumstances through the lens of that worldview. Your worldview is your view both of the world and for the world! At Erie Christian Academy, every subject studied will be interpreted from a Biblical Worldview – that God Himself is our source of Truth!

What is a differentiated classroom model?
A differentiated classroom model affords children the opportunity to learn at their own ability level, progressing at their own rate according to their interest and skill level. Teacher directed instruction, peer tutoring, teamwork, and independent work are all the hallmarks of the differentiated classroom. In this environment, the children are taught “how to learn” for success as they continue their education.

What do you mean by “teaching techniques that support different learning styles and intelligences?”
Each child is a unique person created by God; likewise, each child learns differently. The differences in learning styles involve whether your child learns visually (by sight), auditorially (by hearing), tactile (by touching) or kinesthetically (by moving). Intelligences are a set of innate talents that a person is born with that can be developed or hindered by environmental or cultural influences. There are eight identified intelligences; however, a person may have one or two intelligences that are shown to be dominant in their learning. We incorporate teaching techniques that create an atmosphere of learning that embraces the differences in students’ learning styles and intelligences. 

Why do we have a multi-grade system?
A multi-grade system consists of classrooms made up of more than one grade level. This system encourages a family atmosphere of mutual student help. Older students will be able to share what they have learned with younger students. Younger students will then learn how to follow the leadership of older students. The next year the roles will be reversed, allowing the cycle of leadership and discipleship to continue. 

Will Erie Christian Academy meet Pennsylvania standards?
Yes! Although we do not teach to PA standards our chosen curriculum utilized by our professional teachers will meet, if not exceed, required PA standards. 

Is Erie Christian Academy accredited? 
We are presently in the STAR program through ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) which is guiding us in the initial steps to becoming fully accredited. The Academy has set a goal to become an accredited school within five years of adding eighth grade.

What does it mean to teach with “real-life experiences?”
Some schools teach from textbooks that require a lot of drill and workbook pages. We value the learning experience, knowing that a child learns from real-life experiences. In lieu of this, the books that we choose, the activities that we do, the stories that we tell, the examples that we set, all will be taught with an excitement and curiosity of the learning process.

• Oxford style Shoes or clean neat Sneakers
  No open toed shoes, sandals or clogs

• Solid Black, Blue or Khaki pants
  No jeans or sweatpants

• Walking shorts
  No shorter than 2” above the knee

• Shirts/Sweaters
  Any solid color; no words except our school logo.
  No hats, bandannas, or other such head coverings worn in school.
  No blue jean material. 

Is there a school handbook?
ECA’s school handbook will be available in the school office in the month of August for that coming school year.