The hours will be slightly shorter than the regular school day, allowing us to cover more material in less time due to our small classes. Additionally, this schedule provides students with enough time to reach their district schools and participate in sports, theater, or music activities. From Monday through Thursday, the school day will begin at 8:45 A.M. and conclude at 2:15 P.M. Fridays will be half days, starting at 8:45 A.M. and ending at 12:00 P.M.

On Friday mornings, we will commence the day with an all-school Pledge of Allegiance and a brief performance, meeting, or devotional led by a different grade each week. This Friday format aims to foster community, develop leadership skills, and provide practice in public speaking. Furthermore, Fridays will be dedicated to compassion projects, community service, and engaging in outdoor learning opportunities. The students  partake in a weekly chapel, which will feature worship music followed by a short lesson. We invite parents and caregivers to attend the Friday morning pledge assemblies, as well as the weekly chapel sessions.

SCA's curriculum combines classical and modern methodologies, incorporating project-based and service-based learning. Our primary objective is to foster critical thinking from a biblical worldview. A multisensory and systematic approach will guide students in developing their literacy and mathematical skills.

The curriculum is carefully designed to cultivate foundational skills, provide ample practice, and foster habits in key areas such as reading, research, critical thinking, writing, communication, and executive functioning. Our holistic education approach focuses on the physical, mental, and spiritual growth of our students. At SCA, we have created a flexible curriculum design and a cohesive learning environment that offers increased rigor for students who are typically under-challenged. Simultaneously, students facing difficulties in specific areas will receive extra support through our small teacher-to-student ratio and the implementation of diverse learning strategies.

Our curriculum encompasses both timeless and contemporary literature, featuring stories that explore powerful themes such as friendship, adventure, imagination, and loyalty. Both group and individual reading activities will support critical thinking, collaborative discussions, and literary analysis projects.

Yes, SCA conducts brief benchmark testing to establish baselines and monitor the academic growth of individual students. Additionally, we implement year-end testing to ensure that all students surpass Colorado state standards.

SCA offers small class sizes, with the majority having a 12:1 teacher-student ratio. Some classes are combination classes, consisting of two grade levels. Our educational model naturally allows for scaffolding and differentiation of materials to address the unique needs of each student, enabling them to achieve remarkable growth. In the middle school, there are two team teachers—one specializing in English and History, and the other in Math and Science.

Yes, SCA is currently a member of ACSI and will initiate the full accreditation process with ACSI by the end of the 2023-24 school year.

At SCA, we prioritize creating a family-like community, which makes parent/caregiver involvement highly significant. We request a parent commitment of 25 hours, which families may choose to fulfill either through a $250 payment or by providing volunteer service hours. There are various ways in which you can choose to volunteer, such as sharing a special talent or interest through a classroom project or lesson, assisting during field trips, volunteering during lunch or recess, becoming a room parent, or joining the substitute teaching list.

Hot lunch options are currently being explored at SCA. As a fundraising initiative for the school, we bring in hot lunch once a month. For instance, we may offer pizza slices for $1 each. Volunteering to assist with the pickup and serving of hot lunch is a fantastic way to contribute your time!

In the warmer months, students have the opportunity to enjoy their lunches outdoors at picnic tables. However, during colder weather months, they dine indoors at tables located in the main great room.

Students have one daily recess session, organized by age group, and additional movement breaks throughout the day. We have both indoor gym space and outdoor areas available for highly supervised and organized play. The outdoor space includes the side field and a secured portion of the parking lot. We encourage games such as four square, tetherball, and basketball.

Furthermore, students have the opportunity to explore and engage in creative play and adventure along the core trail located next to the river. A staff member guides and accompanies them during these activities.

There is not a nurse on campus; however, all teachers and administrators are CPR and first aid certified. Furthermore, additional training is provided on a case-by-case basis to ensure proper support for individual student needs.

Homework requirements vary based on grade level. Every student is expected to maintain a reading log and engage in nightly reading. Older students have a few projects to complete at home, along with periodic studying to prepare for quizzes and tests. The overarching objective of homework is to cultivate a strong work ethic and develop executive functioning skills, teaching students to take responsibility for their materials, manage their time effectively, and foster a proactive approach to learning.

SCA prioritizes direct academic instruction, hands-on experiential learning, and meaningful discussions to create an engaging academic environment. While we recognize the value of technology for research, record keeping, and communication, it does not replace teachers or serve as a testing tool. In upper-level grades, students use computers to produce final drafts of essays or create presentations. Technology is also employed for guided research purposes.

To support students in their research and completion of final drafts at home, SCA provides sets of Chromebooks that upper-grade students can borrow when needed. This ensures accessibility and convenience for their academic requirements outside of school.

SCA will establish a library containing a wide range of exceptional literature and resources to assist students in their literacy journey. This journey will commence with a focus on phonemic awareness and phonics, followed by the development of fluency, reading comprehension, and the transition to reading for learning and pleasure. Additionally, we will collaborate with our local Steamboat Library, organizing monthly visits that will be enjoyed by students across different grade levels.

Absolutely! We continue to foster partnerships with our local public school districts, ensuring that SCA students have the opportunity to engage in various sports teams, including cross country, football, basketball, track, cheerleading, wrestling, volleyball, and more. Additionally, students may participate in theater, selected music programs, and a wide range of extracurricular events such as school dances. SCA students can also take part in academic competitions, including the Continental Math League, Geography Bee, Spelling Bee, and Battle of the Books.

To support participation in these events, SCA's Board of Education facilitates communication by sharing relevant information from the school districts with our students.

Compassion Projects: SCA dedicates each school year to focusing on one local and one international nonprofit organization. This year-long focus involves field trips (for local partners), planning, and the execution of community service initiatives. Students actively participate in planning, preparation, and execution, connecting their academic knowledge to real-world applications while fostering a spirit of service and collaboration.

O2 program: SCA students actively engage with nature and embrace physical activity to appreciate and enjoy God's creation in and around Steamboat Springs. Through exploration and adventure, students learn about physical health and wellness, environmental stewardship, and survival skills.

Cultivating a sense of community and service at SCA: SCA nurtures a culture of regular, intentional acts of service to develop leadership, compassion, and a heart for others. For instance, 5th graders write notes to and have lunch with their 1st grade reading buddies. Third graders write letters to and visit residents at Casey's Pond. Kindergarten and 1st-grade students help organize shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. This consistent rhythm of service and leadership provides a strong foundation for SCA students, empowering them to become servant leaders in the broader community.

Enrichment or specialty subjects, including cooking, nutrition, STEM, music, debate, art, woodworking, and world cultures, are integrated into the comprehensive academic curriculum at SCA. Additionally, all students receive weekly physical education classes and regular Bible lessons. Starting from 5th grade and onwards, Spanish is included in the curriculum.