OUR CURRICULUM
SJFA uses A.C.E. School of Tomorrow’s® Bible-based, individualized, and self-instructional curriculum. The academic system involves diagnostic testing, goal setting, and mastery of subject content.
A.C.E. has taken the conventionally styled textbook and divided it into bite-sized, achievable worktexts called PACEs. Each PACE is similar to a unit in a textbook. Each level consists of 12 PACEs in each subject. PACEs integrate Godly character-building lessons into the academic content, and self-instructional activities are carefully designed to develop thinking skills and create mastery learning.
Unlike a classroom setting where a teacher lectures the students, A.C.E.’s curriculum allows students to read the material for themselves, answer questions, and then test comprehension of the subject. Whether the student is a high achiever or a moderately-paced learner, the A.C.E. curriculum progresses at the exact level of the child’s ability.
Individualization makes it possible for each student to master the subject before moving on. Such mastery is the foundation upon which all future learning is built. Individualization produces academic excellence. Students take responsibility for their own learning. Biblical character training received as part of this learning experience prepares students to welcome and accept challenges and future opportunities that come their way.
Challenging and highly effective, the A.C.E. program is an extraordinary educational approach, Biblical in its core, that prepares students for tomorrow’s world while giving them traditional moral values that will last a lifetime.
A.C.E. Diagnosis and Prescription
Conventional school systems fail when they force a struggling student to repeat an entire grade or advance a student without having grasped course concepts. Some of these students graduate from high school without basic grammar, math, or other academic skills.
A.C.E. School of Tomorrow® has a system that negates the need to repeat a grade or advance to more difficult material without mastering a subject. Through the FREE aceconnect Diagnostic Test online, students are tested based on what they have learned. Paper Diagnostic Test booklets are also available. Learning gaps—subject concepts the student may have missed—are documented after the student finishes testing. When weak areas are evident from the testing, the appropriate gap PACEs are prescribed to strengthen specific weaknesses. After completing the gap PACEs, the student progresses at his performance level. If he demonstrates mastery at all levels of testing, he has the ability to function at his chronological grade level.
The four academic areas tested include:
- Math (Levels 1–9)
- English (Levels 1–8)
- Reading comprehension for science, social studies, Bible Reading, and Literature and Creative Writing (Levels 1–8)
- Spelling (Levels 2–9)
NOTE: Students who are ready to enter Kindergarten or Level 1 should not take this test. Use the ABCs Pretest to determine which reading program is appropriate for these students.
COURSES OF STUDY
SJFA offers four courses of study for high school students to pursue. The College Preparatory Course of Study is recommended for most students. Ability and motivation will determine which of these paths will suit each student. When choosing a course of study, each student should consider the entrance requirements for the college he plans to attend. College admission is ultimately the responsibility of the student. A minimum of six credit hours must be earned through Lighthouse Christian Academy preceding graduation.
HONORS
- Minimum of 28 credits
- Must have a 94 percent average
- Must score at least a 22 on the ACT or 1100 for the Evidence-Based Reading Writing and Math scores combined on the SAT
VOCATIONAL
- Minimum of 22 credits
- Must complete at least through PACE 1096 in every subject
- For transfer students, PACEs needed will be assigned to meet minimum graduation requirements
For more information about the courses of study, please refer to the LCA Student Handbook (PDF). (SAMPLE ONLY)