Providence School Viewbook 2017

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It’s a question you’re probably asking yourself right now, and one that anyone on our campus could easily answer. We live in a global culture and the challenges facing our schools have never been more overwhelming. At Providence, we are committed to providing a first-class, Christcentered education. Based firmly on the authority of God’s word, we strive to use every resource available to provide the finest education possible for our students. Our focus is on preparing each and every student to succeed and lead.

Whether a students’ talents include solving equations or scoring a touchdown, a knack for computer graphics or a gift for leadership, an artist’s eye or a scientist’s curiosity, Providence helps them discover and nurture those areas of greatest potential. How do we do that? By surrounding each individual with loving, caring faculty, broad opportunities in athletics and the arts and a supportive “Providence family” atmosphere.

It’s a special place, Providence School. We’d be honored to have you join us.

PROVIDENCESTRONG

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Providence School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin or gender in its administration of its educational policies, admissions practices, class assignments, financial assistance awards, or other school administered programs. Providence School of Jacksonville, Inc. is a ministry of New Life Christian Fellowship, Inc. Providence School is accredited by the following educational agencies: AdvancEd, Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS), and Florida Kindergarten Council (FKC).

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Providence students don’t have to look far to see Christ’s love in action. Providence is a Christcentered community. We believe that spiritual education is essential to the full development of each student. Providence School was founded in 1997 by Bishop Paul Zink, the founding pastor of New Life Christian Fellowship. He believed God wanted New Life to build a school that would educate and prepare Christian leaders who would boldly transform their culture for God. First and foremost, Providence is a Christian school.

There are over 850 families and 140 churches

are woven through the entire educational process at

represented at Providence. Students in Bible

Providence. We want our students to leave the halls

courses learn to connect with God through Bible

of Providence fully prepared to meet the challenges of

reading and prayer. We assist them as they develop

today’s world.

their God-given potential and talents. Each student learns to compare and contrast secular worldviews

“Providence has changed my relationship with God.

to those of other religions and are encouraged to

We pray before every class. In public school you lose

question and dig deep. Not only do students learn

focus of what’s important. At Providence, God is the

about God in daily Bible classes, but Biblical truths

focus. - Jaylen Miller, Duke University, Class of 2016

S O M A N Y WAY S T O W O R S H I P | S T U D E N T- L E D C H A P E L S E R V I C E S | D A I LY BIBLE CLASSES |

COMMUNITY OUTREACH |

SUMMER MISSION TRIPS |

S T U D E N T- L E D B I B L E S T U D I E S | D A I LY P R AY E R | S P I R I T U A L E M P H A S I S W E E K |

C L A S S R E T R E AT S | S T U D E N T- L E D C L U B S

PROVIDENCESTRONG

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At Providence, high test scores are just one of the ways we define academic excellence. As a college-preparatory school, high value is placed on providing each student with a strong foundation for college. Each individual is prepared for college life after Providence by a sequence of solid core courses. Adding to this solid core, more than 40 Advanced Placement and Honors classes are offered with students routinely earning AP scholar awards and earning college credit. We have consistently beaten the national averages on SAT and ACT scores and historically have had multiple national merit finalists and semi-finalists. We have an active National Honor Society program with 50% of our juniors and seniors participating. Providence strives to help each student reach his or her personal best. While all students are expected to work hard, Providence offers the tools and support that allows students to achieve their full potential, with many students exceeding even their own expectations. Our graduates have opportunities to attend highly competitive colleges and universities 8

across the nation.

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dose of core academics including mathematics, science, language arts, spelling, handwriting, reading, history and Bible. All subjects are taught from a Christian perspective. Student test scores

At Providence, our sole focus is children.

regularly exceed state and national averages. Our

We are not only interested in the health and

enrichment classes include technology, music,

mind of the student, but in the development of

art, an exciting hands-on science lab and physical

the heart. The Bible is opened in the classroom

education. Our classroom environment allows

and His word is woven into the curriculum. Each

plenty of space for creativity, exploration and

day our students are challenged with a healthy

adaptability. Technology is integrated throughout

the day for a more meaningful, interactive

community service projects throughout the

learning experience. Our nurturing teachers are

year. Our students learn at a young age the

gifted and exceptional in every way. They strive

value of helping those in need. Lives are being

to have your child’s best interests at heart.

changed right here at Providence. Our aim is

At Providence, the school day doesn’t end after the last bell rings. Many of our students

to help students thrive as productive Christian citizens, with God at the forefront.

are involved in our after school clubs like technology, dance, cooking class, legos and many more. Our extended day program offers numerous grade-level activities and

“I love coming to a school where I can

an opportunity to get a head start on their

learn about God. Everyone here is kind

homework. In addition to a balanced academic

and treats us like family.” - Whitney L.,

program, Providence fosters the spiritual development of each student through weekly chapel services and daily Bible lessons.

Students also participate in numerous

Lower School Student

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Middle School students long for

individually and collectively. Most importantly,

independence in a structured environment.

as they prepare for high school, they regularly

Providence provides a safe place for these

engage in higher levels of thinking and complex

young people to accept new challenges,

problem solving.

embrace new perspectives and come into their own without getting lost in the crowd.

Our Middle School curriculum compliments this rapid intellectual and emotional development by providing a thoughtfully measured transition between the discipline of early learning and the rigorous pace of advanced study. During this time, our dedicated Middle School faculty are instilling valuable study habits, encouraging spiritual development and leading our students toward Upper School success. They also begin to explore their extra-curricular adventures through athletics and fine arts. With a variety of designed learning experiences, students are surrounded by opportunities to learn

Why do our sixth, seventh and eighth grade families choose Providence? They love our joyful, engaging learning experience taught by caring teachers. Below is the current list of course offerings and wide variety of electives.

MIDDLE SCHOOL COURSE OFFERINGS

MIDDLE SCHOOL ELECTIVES

GRADE 6

Art Exploratory Band Exploratory Chorus Exploratory Computer Foundations Digital Design Current Events Dance Exploratory Dance Technique Dance Composition Forensics French I Keyboarding Leadership Math Concepts Middle School Band Middle School Chorus Middle School Dance Middle School Yearbook Newspaper Spanish I Speech/Drama Intro to Art Storytelling Kids Court Ted Ed Team Sports Academic Support Lab

English 6 Honors Math 6 Honors or Pre-Algebra 7 Life Science Honors World Cultures Honors Bible 6 PE/Health 6

GRADE 7

English 7 Honors Algebra Readiness Pre-Algebra Algebra Earth/Space Science Honors World Geography Honors Bible 7 PE/Health 7

GRADE 8 English 8 Honors American History Honors Pre-Algebra 8 or Algebra I Honors or Geometry Honors Physical Science Honors Bible 8 PE/Health 8

“The teachers at Providence teach us in a way that we can understand. They are caring and loving.”

- Kathryn W., Middle School Student

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Leadership has many faces. At Providence there

knowledge to spiritual truths, from friendships at

are 1,367 of them - students finding their leadership

school to service projects worldwide. In addition to

stride in the classroom, on the field, at the easel or

the advanced curriculum, a rich selection of electives

on the stage. Everyday they show us surprising new

is offered as well as the opportunity to participate

ways to lead. Led by highly credentialed instructors,

in award-winning athletic and fine arts programs.

the rigorous Upper School curriculum guides

One hundred percent of our students receive college

students to seize every opportunity to succeed

acceptances, whether to a respected state university,

with confidence. Our students are taught learning

prestigious Ivy League school, or service academy.

strategies that foster critical thinking skills and

Providence provides the academic preparation and

learn to search for answers beyond conventional

skills needed to succeed in college and beyond.

wisdom. We place great emphasis on the core offerings of English, Math, Science, History and Bible. The results are inquisitive, motivated, and independent thinkers both inside and outside the classroom. They excel in everything they pursue; from academics to athletics, from scholastic

“Providence is a great school to grow in and what I appreciate the most is that you are encouraged to be yourself. The student body is one BIG family.�

- Kinle P., Alumni, Class of 2015

GRADES 9-12 COURSE OFFERINGS Our college preparatory curriculum includes 29 honors courses, 17 AP courses, 1 dual enrollment course, and 2 languages ENGLISH English I, II, III, IV English I, II, III, IV H AP Language & Composition AP Literature & Composition English Composition DE MATHEMATICS Algebra I, II Algebra I, II H Geometry Geometry H Math Analysis H Pre-Calculus H Statistics H Trigonometry Honors Analysis of Functions H AP Calculus AB AP Calculus BC AP Statistics SCIENCE Biology I Honors AP Biology Environmental Science Chemistry I Honors AP Chemistry Physics I Honors AP Physics I AP Physics II Anatomy and Physiology Honors Marine Science Honors Introduction to Engineering SOCIAL SCIENCE World History H Contemporary Western History H AP European History US History H AP US History Psychology AP Psychology AP US Government & Politics American Government H Contemporary Issues AP Macroeconomics American Government H Contemporary Issues

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With 8 team and 2 individual State

scholarships. Our athletic program is designed

Championships, Providence School’s tradition

to enhance the overall educational experience by

of athletic leadership is going strong. Providence

providing spirited competition on multiple levels and

has proven to have one of the strongest high

encouraging initiative, leadership and teamwork. It

school athletic programs in North Florida, winning

also gives each student the opportunity to learn

District, Regional and State Championships.

to handle the pressure of competition and deal

Providence players are champions on the field, but

positively with both success and failure. We take

they also score plenty of academic points. With

great pride in how our student athletes support our

regular appearances in National Honor Society,

local community, how honorably they win or lose and

it’s no wonder our scholar-athletes earn so many

how respectful they are of their opponents’ efforts no matter what the outcome of a contest.

S O M A N Y W AY S T O P L AY | B A S E B A L L | B A S K E T B A L L | C H E E R L E A D I N G | S W I M M I N G | S TA L L I O N E T T E S | T E N N I S | T R A C K & F I E L D | V O L L E Y B A L L |

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FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME. Another standard we hold high is the state-of-the art athletic facilities where we practice and play.

• Basketball court & volleyball gymnasium • New artificial turf football field with rubberized 8-lane track • Six playing & practice fields • Baseball & softball fields • Industrial training & weight room • On-site physical therapy trainer’s suite

Providence dominates. Having won their third state championship title, the Providence boys’ basketball team was ranked in the top 25 teams in the nation.

Professional athletes. Alumni, Will Cummings, received a scholarship to Temple University. He signed as an NBA pro player for the Houston Rockets and is now playing internationally.

CROSS COUNTRY | FOOTBALL | GOLF | LACROSSE | SOCCER | SOFTBALL WEIGHHTLIFTING | WRESTLING

www.provschoolathletics.org

PROVIDENCESTRONG

The arts program adds breadth to Christian

events including choral concerts, band performances,

education. It not only inspires students to

dance recitals and theatrical productions. Providence

dramatically improve their talents, but it also

students have performed far beyond their campus

provides knowledge and experience. Visual

walls at some of the most prestigious theaters in

and performing arts courses offer students

America including the Biltmore Estate, Disney World,

the opportunity to explore and nurture their

and Carnegie Hall. Artwork from students who have

God-given talents, and to share these gifts in

competed in various contests is displayed throughout

significant ways. The combination of expert

the city and on display at the Capital in Washington,

teaching, student-centered learning, and

DC. The Visual Arts Portfolio program has 100%

superb facilities makes Providence a wonderful

success with students’ portfolios earning significant

place for students to experience the joy of

scholarships. Providence is proud to stand among

self-expression and to grow richly in their

elite schools who value the fine arts by offering AP

creative endeavors. Throughout the school

and Honors Visual Arts Courses. Our Jazz Ensemble

year Providence hosts several performance

received “Best In Class” at Disney’s Festival.

Providence Dance Company has

MUSICAL THEATRE • 13 Superior ratings and 5 Excellent ratings at FL District Thespian Competition including a repeat “Critics’ Choice” award • Participated in the Broadway Student Summit for the 4th consecutive year in New York City

won numerous awards at Showstopper, Platinum & Applause Competitions as well as performing at the ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando. In 2016, our students presented the Broadway sensation, Mary Poppins, and shattered all attendance records with a

UPPER SCHOOL BAND • Stallionettes & Drumline received a superior rating at marching competition and the Stallion Brigade received an excellent rating • Superior rating at Port Orange Jazz Festival for Jazz Ensemble

cast and crew of over 80 members. Prior to that they presented Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Our students have been awarded lucrative scholarships to attend colleges and universities to pursue their creative talents.

CHOIR PROGRAMS • Received the Gold Star/1st Place award in London at the World Strides On Stage Festival.

• Performed with Susan Boyle’s National Tour and the National Tour of Video Games Live!

• Performed at the Biltmore Estate, Disney Candlelight Processional, and was part of the National Youth Choir at Carnegie Hall in NYC • Exploratory Chorus performed a full-length musical, “Nic at Night” • Multiple choir performances at the International Airport for Christmas

DANCE • Superior performance at UDA Dance Competition at ESPN Wide World of Sports • Superior performance at Dance Revolution Convention

VISUAL ARTS • Lucrative scholarships to SCAD, Virginia Commonwealth, University of Mississippi, Samford and more • First high school given the honor to display artwork at Jacksonville International Airport • Only school with the distinction of having artwork displayed at Florida National Guard Base and Camp Blanding Military Museum

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We not only help our students discover their

the Providence House Orphanage in Moldova,

God-given talents and purpose, we teach them to

Russia. The MacKenzie Club and Best Buddies

put them into action. Our students participate in

Club have both been recognized for their impact

Student Government and for those who qualify,

in our local community. Every graduate from

the National Honor Society. All students are

Providence serves a minimum of 100 hours of

encouraged to participate in one or more of

community service. A few of our clubs are Best

the multiple clubs offered at Providence. Many

Buddies, Broadway Buddies, Cancer Awareness

of our clubs participate in service projects and

Club, Environmental Club, Excel, Fellowship of

missions trips. Working through locally-based

Christian Athletes, Future Business Leaders of

non-profit organizations, our students assist

America, International Thespian Society, Junior

orphanages and schools in a variety of projects.

Ladies, McKenzie Club, Morale Club, Newspaper,

Last year we replenished the New Life Food

Photography, and the Bible Club. Our students

Pantry that feeds local families in need and

frequently share how they are grateful for the

participated in the Bright Holidays Toy drive. The

opportunities to serve and how it has changed

entire school collected Christmas presents for

their lives for the better.

“When a school is devoted to academic excellence and loving people, it makes it easy to come back.

I have LOVED being first a student, and now a teacher at Providence.” Jennifer Hudson, Alumni, Class of 2001 & Choral Director

At Providence, we find that our students learn more when they are happy and engaged. As educators, one of our greatest satisfactions comes when parents tell us their children look forward to school everyday. Our teachers pray with our students each day before every class.

We believe that it is important for our students to develop an understanding of concepts through observation, inquiry, research, and discovery. Access to technology and STEM in school gives students greater opportunities to learn, engage, communicate, and develop skills that will prepare them for work, life, and citizenship. We are committed to helping students develop skills in 21st Century technology.

Students in 9th-12th grade to bring their technology with them to school. Students in Kindergarten – 8th grade have access to mobile labs utilizing Lenovo tablets. The Stem Studio provides hands on learning for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Lower school students utilize the Finch and Hummingbird Robotics in the Technology Lab featuring a variety of captivating learning activities.

Through innovative technology in the classroom our students are encouraged in the following ways: • Inspire a passion for lifelong learning • Develop an imaginative mind and design thinking skills • Pursue their passions through hands-on exploration • Use inquiry skills to problem-solve • Question and think outside of the box

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COLLEGE COURSE PREPARATORY HONORS OFFERINGS DIPLOMA DIPLOMA Bible

4 4

Language Arts

4

4

Mathematics 4 4 Science

3 4

Social Studies

3

4

Performing Fine Arts

1

1

Personal Fitness/PE

1

1

Foreign Language

2

2

Electives

2

2

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COMMUNITY SERVICE Providence students in grades 9-12 must complete a minimum of 100 hours of approved community service before graduation.

TOP STATE rSAT SCORES QUARTILE GRADUATES EBRW 703 477 (Evidence Based Reading & Writing)

Math

TOP STATE ACT SCORES QUARTILE GRADUATES English 33 19.0 Math 28 19.4 Reading 33 21.0 Science 30 19.4 Composite 31 19.8

GRADING SCALE A= 100-90 B= 89-80 C= 79-70 D= 69-60 F= 59 and below

GPA CALCULATION/CLASS RANK Providence School is a college preparatory learning environment. Our curriculum is offered at varied 24

levels, from college preparatory to Advanced Placement and is rigorous in content. We are committed to developing lifelong learning skills for our students through differentiated instruction.

Providence uses the following designations to indicate course work level: Honors (H), Advanced Placement Preparation (Pre-AP), and Advanced Placement (AP). Any class not having one of the previous designations is considered a college preparatory course.

A cumulative weighted and

un-weighted GPA are provided on the transcript.

All courses taken in grades 9-12 are used in GPA calculations. Honors (H) courses receive an additional .5 weight. Advanced Placement Preparation (Pre-AP), and Advanced Placement (AP) courses receive an additional 1.0 weight.

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Our distinguished alumni students are doctors, lawyers, veterinarians, actors, professional athletes, scholars, politicians, scientists, and teachers. They have attended Princeton, Georgetown, Temple, Duke, West Point, Mercer and many other universities to name a few. They share a common spirit which exemplifies academic excellence, unique talents and gifts, and a passion to fulfill God’s plan for their lives. They have left their marks on Providence and Providence has become part of them.

College Placement: 100% of the graduates of the Class of 2017 pursue higher education at a university or college. National Merit Scholarship Program: 2011 - 1 Semi-Finalist & 1 Commended Scholar & ; 2012 - 1 Commended Scholar; 2015 - 1 Merit Scholar, 1 Semi-Finalist & 1 Commended Scholar; 2017 - 1 Merit Scholar & 1 Commended Scholar

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In pursuit of academic distinction for all st ud e n t s , P ro v i d e n c e Sch o o l , i n p a r t n e r s h i p wi t h h o m e a n d c h u rc h , i s co m m i t t e d t o d i s c i p l e st ude n t s t o b o l d l y m o d e l Chr i s t - l i k e n e s s , p u r s u e exce l l e n c e a n d b e c o m e ser v a n t l e a d e r s w h o cour a g e o u s l y t r a n s f o r m t he cu l t u re f o r t h e g l o r y o f G o d a n d c o u n t r y.

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