How is Stride Christian Academy affiliated with Acton Academy?
Stride Christian Academy is part of the network of over 300 Acton Academies around the world. We follow the same exact Learning Design (curriculum) and learning model that our owners helped create at the original Acton Academy campus.
What are your beliefs?
Stride is a non-denominational Christian educational organization. We are a school built on Christian principles and beliefs. We believe that each student is created by God to have a relationship with Him and bring Him glory. As Psalm 139:14 (NIV) states: “For you are fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. I know that full well.” This profound Bible verse encompasses how we view children at our shcool, and all over the world. We believe that we bring God the greatest glory by being who He has created us to be and utilizing our gifts, skills, and passions to make the greatest impact in the world. At Stride, we believe each learner is on a hero’s journey; God has given them unique, talents, personalities, gifts, and traits that He wants to use to change the world!
We believe the living God revealed himself to all mankind through the inerrant words found in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. We believe in the gospel; the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and His plan of salvation.
What grades do you offer?
- The Elementary Studio (ages 6-11)
- The Middle School Studio (ages 11-14)
- The Launchpad Studio(ages 14-18)
What is your tuition?
We operate on an 11-month calendar that allows for our students to have extended breaks throughout the year and maintains their interests and retention by shortening the summer break. Our flexible program allows families to travel together throughout the year, without sacrificing any learning.
Tuition is $8,800 a year ($800 monthly over an eleven-month school year).
$550 per child Non-refundable fee.
Covers:
- Quest materials and supplies
- Reserves your spot
- Application Fee
There is a 10% discount on tuition for families registering three or more children.
Family Academy, our umbrella school, charges $185 for registration and membership fees plus any additional services they offer if you choose to add them ( Transcript review, transcripts, assessments, planners, etc.)
How will I know my child is the right fit?
What makes Stride Christian Academy unique is its emphasis on self-directed learning. In creating a community of self-directed learners, these are some of the things we “look for” before inviting young learners to join our community. These are essential prerequisites that indicate our learning environment may be a good fit for your child.
Elementary Studio:
- Reading fluently.
- Follow basic written and oral instructions.
- Able to engage and participate in a 15-minute discussion with peers.
- Can set, remember, and pursue a goal for 30 minutes or more.
- Works well with peers by respecting their space and goals.
- Can operate a laptop (Elementary Studio)
- If you, as a parent, agree and believe that learners can and should own their education, STRIDES core missions and beliefs, and are a traveler on your own hero’s journey.
Middle and Launchpad (Highschool) Studio:
- Positive attitude about learning in general
- Takes responsibility for learning and problem-solving on their own
- Self-advocates
- Follows complex written and oral directions
- Displays the following social and emotional skills nearly all of the time.
- Makes friends and cooperates with others
- Shows empathy
- Manages strong feelings like frustration and disappointment without becoming aggressive or withdrawn
- Willingness to help others and demonstrates leadership
- Can set, remember, and pursue a goal for 45+ minutes
- Takes care of studio and personal space with organization skills.
- Participates often in Socratic Discussions with strong arguments.
- If you, as a parent, agree and believe that learners can and should own their education, STRIDES core missions and beliefs, and are a traveler on your own hero’s journey.
Parents:
Please see our parent contract.
Where is your school located?
Stride Christian Academy is centrally located at 17007 E Lake Goodwin RD Stanwood, WA 98292.
Is Stride Christian Academy a Montessori school?
We respect and incorporate Maria Montessori’s philosophy but, we are not a Montessori school. We also use the latest interactive technologies, hands on projects and the Socratic Method for discussions.
What do you mean by a hero's journey?
We believe that each of us has a special calling in life, and a series of trials and tests that must be faced with integrity and purpose, in order to live a satisfying and fulfilled life. Our mission is to prepare your child for his or her special journey.
What is an "independent learner"?
Someone who can research questions, follow instructions, solve problems—admit that they don't know something and figure out a solution when they hit a roadblock without asking an adult for help — participate in discussions, and strive for mastery.
What do you mean by a "running partner"?
Running Partners are classmates who meet together regularly to set goals and hold each other accountable for meeting those goals. Running Partners encourage and inspire each other by asking good questions, listening and providing affirmation.
Will children be grouped into grades?
We believe that children learn best when working with children younger and older than themselves rather than split up into groups based solely on age. In addition to individualized curriculum, all ages of students work together in groups.
Does Stride Christian Academy serve special needs children?
We are not trained to serve children with serious learning disabilities but have been able to serve young heroes with dyslexia if they receive special training and believe that many minor learning disabilities are commonly misdiagnosed.
What do you mean by "every child can change the world"?
We believe each of our students will find a passion — something they love and have a gift to do. They will use this gift to serve others and fulfill a need they are passionate about in the world. This may be by becoming a shoe-shiner who tells stories and makes people's day just by doing his job with love and vigor; it may be by becoming a coach who sees the light in a child’s eyes and guides her to pursue a dream; it may be by becoming a father or mother who leads a family on a Hero's Journey; it may be becoming an entrepreneur or business leader guided by compassion and integrity; or it may be by becoming an artist or writer who brings beauty to people's lives.
Why do you focus on teaching the "American Experiment"?
We believe in liberty and justice and the ideals of the American revolution as the cornerstones of civilization. In addition to experiential learning, we will study the American documents and the true meaning behind them, as we examine other cultures and forms of government.
