IN Mars Area Spring 2017 | Page 37

SPONSORED CONTENT BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT SPONSORED CONTENT Elevating the Next Generation to Go Beyond T he next generation will do and become things that are not even dreamt of yet. New experiences that take students beyond typical academic boundaries hold the key to unlocking what makes our children unique and what it takes to stimulate creative thinking. As a school, Penn Christian Academy (PCA) partners with parents to help children discover their individual God-given calling, not just in academics, but in co-curricular and extra-curricular areas as well. PCA’s Global Learning Lab is a great example as it allows students to travel (virtually) to another country. Each year, Global Learning Lab uncovers the culture, history and traditions of four different countries ranging from India to South Korea to Brazil. In- class projects prepare foods, play games and even video chat with other students in that country to discover what it means to grow up in regions outside of North America. In addition, PCA students study the Spanish language every year beginning in Kindergarten. The Fine Arts Department also inspires creativity by encouraging students to sing in choir, learn a string instrument in orchestra or choose a wind or percussion instrument in band. Smaller group lessons result in a more individualized approach to understanding the particulars of the instrument. These lessons are then applied as students join their peers in weekly group band and orchestra sessions. This phased learning approach has proven successful and resulted in advancing many of PCA’s talented youth to an impressive level of achievement. In addition to co-curricular and fine arts activities, PCA offers students a variety of athletic programming to enhance not only their minds but their physical abilities as well. Intramural soccer and cross country provide students with the skills needed to compete in interscholastic programs after graduating from PCA. PCA provides basketball programs for both boys and girls in the fifth and sixth grades. Through all of the extra athletic programs, in addition to weekly physical education classes, students learn how to care for their bodies and develop team-building skills utilized on and off the court. Inspiring young people to pursue their individual talents and dreams within an other-centered, Christian paradigm is how PCA is helping to elevate the next generation. “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139: 13-14 (NIV) To schedule a tour, please contact Mr. Craig Carnahan at ccarnahan@ pennchristianacademy.org. We look forward to your visit! www.pennchristianacademy.org 199 Airport Rd, Butler, PA 16002 724.586.5200 MARS AREA ❘ SPRING 2018 35