Classes start at 8:30 a.m.This gives you time to sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and fully wake up before rolling into school. We understand that teenagers struggle to get to bed early (circadian rhythms and all that), so we want to help you come to school awake and refreshed to begin the day!

School ends at 3:20. You can beat the traffic home and have time for sports, music, rest, and friends. There will rarely be homework on school days, so you can study hard at school and play hard at home.

Classes are 55 minutes each. This gives the teacher time to explain the new concepts and gives you time to interact with the material and get your questions answered before you leave for the next class. In math, this means time to actually do the problems and get help when you are stuck. In the Bible and worldview, this means time for discussion and debate on the important topics.

There is breathing space between some class periods. This allows time for personal business, such as catching up with friends, asking the teacher a question, grabbing some fresh air, or just letting your brain transition from one class to the next.

Lunch is 50 minutes long. We want lunch to be not only a time for feeding your body, but also for feeding your spirit. This means time to chat with friends, time to blow off steam on the Gaga ball pit or basketball court, or time to have a one-on-one talk with a teacher. We know you are here not only for the learning but also the friendships. We value time for both.

Interactive classes: we want to do things differently. We want you to get your hands dirty playing with the materials you are learning about. In chemistry class, you will create your own hydrogen gas to simulate the Hindenburg explosion. In pre-calculus, you will invest in the stock market as you learn the trigonometry behind the charts and trends. In humanities class, you will interact with history through choosing projects and experiences that interest you—topics that you want to learn more about.

The teachers for the classes will give you detailed work for school-at-home days. You will gain experience managing your time and workload as you decide which assignments to do first and which to save for after lunch. You will not be alone—your parents will partner with your teachers as coaches for you. Also, math and science teachers will offer Zoom open office hours to help answer questions when you get stuck.

Yes, that is why we are called a University-Model® school. We are gently preparing you for the independence of college life—or for the freedom of a career job. You will learn how you learn best, how to manage your time, and how to ask for help when you need it. Consider Hope Scholars Academy your “pre-adulting” 101.

Glad you asked! Check out the Community page to see how we will be having fun both in and out of school!