Julie Dion

How Impact Christian Academy Does School Differently

September 15, 2023 by Julie Dion

At Impact Christian Academy, education goes beyond the traditional approach of simply imparting knowledge. It is an institution that believes in a holistic approach to learning, and as such, the school is structured to offer its students a unique and well-rounded education. As a school that provides small class sizes so that students receive individual academic attention, and a focus on STEM, Impact is an exceptional Christian private school in Jacksonville, FL. Impact Christian Academy is committed to four core areas of academics, arts, altruism, and athletics that prepare students for the future and develop a character that is pleasing to the Lord.
Academics
The school is known for its rigorous academic environment, which is aimed at challenging students to strive for excellence. At Impact Christian Academy, teachers are passionate about their subjects and are dedicated to ensuring that every student is equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their studies. The school’s academic curriculum is designed to be challenging yet engaging, and it is tailored to meet the learning needs of each student.
Arts
Impact Christian Academy believes that creativity and the arts play a significant role in shaping a student’s overall development. As such, the school offers a wide range of artistic opportunities for its students, including visual, performance, musical, and culinary arts. The school’s arts program is designed to help students explore their creativity, develop their God-given talents, and learn valuable skills such as teamwork, collaboration, and communication.
Altruism
At Impact Christian Academy, serving the community is an essential part of the school’s philosophy. The school instills the value of altruism in its students by providing various opportunities for community service and outreach. The school’s community service model encourages students to serve others, develop empathy, and learn how opening their hearts can make a difference.
Athletics
At Impact Christian Academy student activities, such as athletics, play a vital role in a student’s educational and spiritual development. The school offers highly competitive sports programs, which are designed to help students develop essential skills such as teamwork, sportsmanship, discipline, perseverance, and how to win or lose gracefully. While Impact Christian Academy takes great pride in winning, it does not condone “winning at any cost,” and discourages any and all pressures which might tend to neglect good sportsmanship and good mental health.

Impact Christian Academy offers a unique and well-rounded education that goes beyond the traditional approach to learning. The school’s commitment to academics, arts, altruism, and athletics ensures that every student is equipped with the necessary skills and values to become a well-rounded individual. If you are already searching private Christian school near me, then Impact Christian Academy may be the perfect fit for you! Learn more about admissions here: https://icajax.com/apply/

Top 5 Benefits of School Athletics for Students

August 11, 2023 by Julie Dion

Top 5 Benefits of School Athletics for Students

Participating in school athletics offers students more than just physical exercise; it provides a platform for personal growth, skill development, and fostering a sense of community. ICA offers lots of opportunities for playing sports along with cheerleading and dance. We believe that a dynamic program of student activities plays a crucial role in fostering both educational and spiritual growth among students. Keep reading to learn some of the benefits of school athletics for students.

Physical Fitness and Lifelong Habits

One of the most apparent benefits of school activities is encouraging physical fitness. Regular participation in sports and physical activities helps students maintain healthy body weight, build muscular strength, and enhance cardiovascular health. Beyond immediate benefits, playing sports also supports long-term exercise habits. When students experience the positive effects of regular exercise, they are more likely to continue engaging in physical activities even after their school years.

Community Involvement

Athletics provide an opportunity for students to become part of a larger community. By joining a sports team, students develop a sense of belonging and camaraderie. The shared experiences, challenges, and victories create strong bonds between teammates. These interactions extend beyond the field or court, creating a supportive network of peers who share similar interests. This sense of community fosters a positive social environment and helps students develop essential social skills that are valuable throughout their lives.

Teamwork and Altruism

Impact Christian Academy emphasizes the importance of teamwork and cooperation. We teach our students that altruism is the heart and hand of Christ. Working together towards a common goal teaches students how to communicate effectively and collaborate to achieve success. These skills go beyond sports and become integral in various aspects of life and essential to being a successful person.

Enhance Academic Performance

Some may think that playing sports would be a distraction from academics but that’s not the case. Engaging in sports requires effective time management, discipline, and focus – skills that naturally extend to the academic realm. Student athletes learn to balance their commitments and prioritize tasks. This not only helps them stay on top of their studies but can contribute to their success in the future.

Boosted Self-Esteem

Sports teaches students the value of perseverance, resilience, and a growth mindset. Athletes can experience victories and setbacks which can contribute to their own personal and mental growth. They learn to embrace challenges, learn from failure and keep striving for improvement. It gives students the power to establish goals, and witnessing the payoff of their effort not only lifts their self-esteem but also fuels the confidence to continue learning and progressing.

ICA’s commitment to providing students with ample opportunities for being involved in different sports aligns with our approach to enhancing the development of positive student habits and attitudes that will prepare them for their future. If you’re interested in learning more about participating in our school athletics, be sure to visit our updated athletic clearance page for detailed information.

Impact Christian Academy is a Top STEM School in Jacksonville

June 15, 2023 by Julie Dion

Impact Christian Academy is a Top STEM School in Jacksonville

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) have become integral to progress and education. Recognizing the importance of equipping students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in these fields, Impact Christian Academy emphasizes STEM education throughout the academic curriculum. From the lower school to the middle and high school this academy is committed to nurturing a love for STEM subjects and fostering a culture of curiosity and innovation among its students. Read on to learn about why Impact Christian Academy is a top STEM school in Jacksonville, FL.

STEMscopes Curriculum

For students in the lower school (K- 5) at ICA, the STEMscopes Curriculum is a fundamental component of their educational journey. Developed by a team of experienced educators and researchers, STEMscopes Science integrates evidence-based teaching strategies with the invaluable insights of real-life teachers. This meticulously designed curriculum not only challenges students but also ignites their curiosity, driving them to explore and inquire about the world around them. By engaging with hands-on activities, conducting experiments, and participating in interactive lessons, young learners develop critical thinking skills and a solid foundation in STEM subjects.

STEM Lab

At the middle school and high school levels, Impact Christian Academy commits to STEM education even further with the establishment of the STEM Lab. The Stem Lab is a center of innovation where students can engage in Forensics Investigations, Chemistry Experiments, PLTW (Project Lead The Way) Interactive Computer Coding, just to name a few. The STEM Lab provides a rich learning environment that encourages scholars to develop critical thinking and collaboration.

Preparing Scholars for the Future

As a result of ICA’s unwavering focus on STEM education, our scholars emerge from their educational journey with a strong foundation in critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving, which are increasingly important in the technology-driven world. Whether students choose to pursue a career in STEM fields or apply these skills in other domains, Impact’s students are well-prepared to navigate challenges and welcome opportunities of the future.

ICA Does STEM Differently

Impact Christian Academy’s dedication to STEM education is truly one of the ways ICA does school different. One of ICA’s goals is to provide our students with a comprehensive college-preparatory academic program that prepares them to succeed in college and in life. We provide students a broad based biblically informed education that prepares them for effective leadership and service in the 21st century. By incorporating the STEMscopes Curriculum in the lower school and establishing a state-of-the-art STEM lab in the middle and high school, we foster a culture of curiosity, innovation, and interdisciplinary learning. Scholars not only gain a solid understanding of STEM concepts but also develop the skills necessary to thrive in college, university, and the 21st-century workforce. Impact Christian Academy’s commitment to STEM education ensures that its students are well-equipped to make a positive impact on the world and embrace the exciting challenges of the future.

If you are looking for private STEM-focused schools near you that provide a Christian education, you can learn more about Impact Christian Academy’s mission here: https://icajax.com/about-us/.

And if ICA sounds like the place where your student belongs, learn more about enrollment and apply today: https://icajax.com/apply/.

Strategies for Tackling End-of-Year Homework Struggles

May 12, 2023 by Julie Dion

With the end of the year on the horizon, it can be challenging to keep students motivated to do homework and study for end-of-year testing or final exams. Navigating the study battlefield is much easier if you give your child the tools to manage the workload. We have a few strategies for you that will make tackling homework easier as motivation wanes with the school year’s end.

Keep the lines of communication open. Most teachers have established an online presence where they provide open communication and grade portals to post your student’s current performance. Use this to monitor the completion of assignments, weekly progress and test dates. Check in frequently and make sure your child knows this is a team effort. You don’t want to police your child, but you do want to remind them that you’re involved with their academic success. Having organizational materials like a binder or planner to write weekly assignments in will keep everyone on pace. Organizational skills may not come naturally to your child, but it is something that can be learned and is an important skill to acquire.

Setting is critical to study success. Make sure your child has a dedicated workspace that is quiet and distraction-free. The study zone should have all the necessary school supplies to get the job done. It could be fun to set up the homework area with your child! Decorating it and making it comfortable will make it more enticing for them to retreat to. Leaving the room will give them a chance to work independently and prevent them from resorting to attention-seeking behaviors. Maintaining a set homework or study time and being consistent will alleviate procrastination. In general, it could be best to tackle the homework before dinner, leaving the evening to rest and recharge.

Have educational resources in place for you to go to if your child needs assistance with their work. Instruction in academics is continually changing and the way you learned a concept in school may be completely different than what your child has been taught. If you notice that your child is struggling with a concept it’s important to intervene immediately. There are several free resources available online that provide detailed videos and step by step instruction. For all academic subjects, Khan Academy https://www.khanacademy.org/ is an excellent resource that covers all grade levels and standards.

Being able to manage a work and home life balance is a skill that your child will carry into adulthood. Taking the opportunity to give your child the strategies they need to be successful will be the greatest gift you can give them! At Impact Christian Academy we recognize how important it is to prepare your child for success. Impact Christian Academy was created for students in Jacksonville with a world-class educational experience while helping them excel in knowing God, finding freedom in their faith while discovering their purpose, and making a difference in their community. Have your child join the ranks of our amazing students today: www.icajax.com.

Prom Tips for Impact Christian Academy Students

April 17, 2023 by Julie Dion

Prom Tips for Impact Christian Academy Students

It is almost prom night for Impact Christian Academy! Prom is an exciting time for our juniors and seniors, but it can quickly become a stressful time. Here are some tips to make prom and the time leading up to it as enjoyable (and stress-free) as possible for Impact Christian families and students!

Time management

Plan to avoid rushing at the last moment. Encourage your students to have all the pieces of their outfits ready ahead of time. If they can try on the clothes early, it will help ensure they feel comfortable and confident in their chosen attire. And if your student is getting anyone a corsage, the best way to get it is to order in advance and pick it up early on prom day. Consider making a checklist with your student to help ensure nothing gets forgotten in the whirlwind of prom preparations.

Friends

The most fun part of prom is making magical memories with friends. Prom night is a time to laugh, dance, take lots of photos, and most importantly, make memories that will last a lifetime. Students, make sure your friends have a plan for getting ready beforehand, enough time to take photos and know how you will get to prom.

What to wear

Deciding on what to wear for prom can seem like a huge undertaking! Especially for Christian students attending prom, it is important to feel good about what you decide to wear, and one major part of that is dressing in a way that honors God. When in doubt, remember that you will always look perfect because, at the end of the day, He made you perfect!

Worry

It can seem like a lot to consider prom attire and styling, coordinate plans with a group, and focus on having a great time. When worry and stress come knocking, keep Isaiah 41:10 in mind and remember there is no need to worry because He is always with us.

Have fun!

As students near the end of the school year, they deserve to enjoy the moment! Remember one of ICA’s core values—We are joyful! This is a fun, joyful occasion to celebrate with peers and the ICA community. The most important part of prom is celebrating and having a great time!

Easter Ideas for Families

March 28, 2023 by Julie Dion

Easter Ideas for Families

Easter is around the corner! As a Christian school, Impact Christian Academy is already focused on Easter, but it is also important to take that conversation home. As we get closer Easter, parents and families may be wondering how to incorporate the lessons that Easter season provides into their students’ lives.

Here are some Easter ideas for families to help get your child more engaged in this important holiday.

Get Creative

Try some crafts! Decorating eggs is a staple Easter craft that can be as elaborate or simple as families want to get. If your family has traditional Easter dishes, try sharing those recipes with the children, or maybe even starting some new food traditions with them. Another crafty option for kids and families to spread the message of Easter is by creating greeting cards to share with family, friends, and neighbors!

Reflect on the Days of the Passion Week

Reflect on the events of Passion Week with your student. ICA will be having themed days as we reflect on the Jesus’ final week. Get scholars engaged with the themed days and use that to start talking about what Jesus Christ went through on each of those, and what lessons we can gather from it.

Get Involved in Activities

Easter activities can give parents a fun opportunity to talk about the themes of Easter. Easter egg hunts offer a chance to talk about symbols of Easter, like how the egg symbolizes new life and rebirth, which represents Jesus’ resurrection.

Impact families can get involved with activities like the Egg Hunt presented by Impact Kids on Saturday, April 1^st starting at 11:30 a.m. at Ed Austin Park. ICA is also putting on our Passion Week Carnival for students to enjoy and for families to get involved with on Thursday April 6^th!

For Lower School Students

It can be a challenge to discuss the end of Jesus’ life and His resurrection with younger ones, considering little ones may be more sensitive to themes of what Jesus endured. It may be helpful to use John 3:16 as a simplified guide. By focusing on God’s love for us, parents can set the foundation of the conversation and add more details as that child is prepared to know more.

Middle School and Upper School Students

Easter season is a time to reflect on how much Jesus Christ gave for us, and it is a perfect time to think about how we can give and serve others. To highlight the ICA principle of Altruism, challenge your student to find new ways of being of service. Students can volunteer their time and talents at soup kitchens, local hospitals, animal shelters, or by gathering donations for a worthy cause of their choosing.

How ever families choose to spend Easter this season, we hope that everyone has a blessed, very happy Easter!

9501 Arlington Expressway
Suite 245B

(904) 652-1441

Mon - Fri: 7 AM - 5 PM