J Term
Modeled after the college January term idea, “J-Term” is designed to increase learning opportunities for students. We offer classes and experiences not normally available, giving students an opportunity to learn in areas of passion, discover and develop their gifts, explore new ideas and skills, and consider where God may be leading them in their lives. The “block” nature of J-Term allows for focused, in-depth study and deeper relationships with teachers and a small group of students.
What is the basic program of J-Term?
All students receive credit and grades for J-Term. J-Term is required for each year at LRCA. Non-faculty instructors are also used and bring outside perspective and knowledge.
Do other schools use J-Term?
Yes, schools such as Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, Charlotte Christian School, Brentwood Academy, and Wheaton Academy all have a January or Winterim Term. Students at Cincinnati Hills Christian were asked, “What is the one thing you would never change about CHCA?” Across the board, “January Term” was the answer. Typically, students who have experienced “J-Term” rank it at the top of their high school experience. The concept is increasingly meeting the educational and developmental needs of students.
How does J-Term help regular semester classes?
Schools nd that the quality and results of regular semester courses are enhanced by having J-Term. Reasons for the positive effect on the regular semester courses include:
- Teachers tend to use time better, focusing all year on good use of time more than compensating for the J-Term. Since Little Rock Christian began J-Term, ACT scores have risen, and we have been named a National Blue Ribbon School for exemplary performance.
- Students are fresher and have better attitudes toward school in general, increasing productivity.
- Relationships are deepened with faculty and others that lay a foundation for stronger classroom experiences and lifelong relationships. Students tend to learn better where there are positive relationships.
- Students often develop life purpose or perspective which motivates studies.
J Term Trips
From Venice to Montego Bay to Galveston. Rebuilding communities, ministering to orphans, delving into the arts, practicing Spanish, trekking the Grand Canyon, worshipping in new ways and in new contexts, exploring fascinating geographical and cultural landscapes, hearing stories, personal and societal from people around the world. . .
Travelling provides a truly extraordinary opportunity for growth in the lives of our students. We are very excited to announce our J-Term travel opportunities for 2019!
Please consider the travel opportunities listed below and reach out to the designated trip leaders to let them know you are interested and to ask questions. We would love to see all J-Term trips for 2019 be full of inquisitive, adventurous, servant-hearted students this January!
From now until August trip leaders will be meeting with students, answering questions, arranging for deposits, and working with travel companies to finalize details.
In order for a J-Term trip to be viable, a minimum of 12 students must be committed (meaning required deposit is paid). The maximum number of students is usually 30, but for some trips may be less. The initial deposit and deadlines for full payment vary from trip to trip.
- Adventure in Costa Rica
- Arizona and Southwest Utah: Chasms, Canyons, and Creation
- Bahamas with United Servants Abroad
- Experience the Arts of Southern California
- Jamaica Christian School for the Deaf
- Italy - The Grand Tour
- Houston Hurricane Relief with Joshua Expeditions
- Passion Conference in Atlanta Georgia - Class of 2019
Adventure in Costa Rica
Students will explore Costa Rica’s unique, diverse ecology and experience Costa Rica’s inviting culture. From Tortuguero in the Atlantic, a nesting ground for giant sea turtles, to the treetops of Sarapiquí, the location of Costa Rica’s longest zipline, to beautiful Lake Arenal and finally, to Guanacaste in the Pacific, students will revel in the myriad of Costa Rica’s unparalleled natural and cultural beauty.Activities include: Exploring Tortuguero Village and canals, ziplining above the forest canopy, whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking to La Fortuna waterfall, swimming in natural hot springs and snorkeling in Guanacaste.This trip provides a great opportunity for Spanish students to practice the language and engage in culture. Additional activities such as ziplining ($55), white water rafting ($60) will cost extra and will be paid on the trip. The trip will be chaperoned by members of the Spanish department and other high school faculty and staff. For more information, see the trip description.
Tour Company:
Educational First Tours
Faculty contact:
Araceli Johnston (LRCA Spanish Faculty)
Open to:
Students in grades 10-12
Length of trip:
9 days
Dates of travel:
January 2-10, 2018
Approximate Cost:
$2,935 – 3,045 (depending on the number of students who sign up)
Included:
Round-trip airline tickets, hotel accommodations and three meals daily, all-inclusive insurance, professional and private tour guide, comprehensive sightseeing of natural attractions and entrances to all the places listed above.
Requirements:
Student must have valid passport
Arizona and Southwest Utah: Chasms, Canyons, and Creation
This amazing adventure will start in Las Vegas with a visit to Red Rock National Conservation Area and then meander to Southwest Utah where we will experience Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. From there, we will trek to the Grand Canyon and loop back by Hoover Dam on our return. Throughout this trip, we will have the opportunity to experience God’s creativity and majesty as we hike and experience some of the most breathtaking scenery in the United States. Not only is the scenery amazing, the historical and scientific significance of the area is incredible as well. As we progress, we will investigate Aztec sandstone formations, Puebloan petroglyphs, explore the multitude of biomes in Zion National Park, and examine the rock formations and sedimentary layers of the Grand Canyon. Cost excludes souvenirs and spending money. Find out more and see the trip description here.
Tour Company:
Grand Classroom
Faculty contact:
Brandon Jeffus (LRCA Science Faculty)
Open to:
Students in grades 9-12
Length:
6 days
Dates of travel:
January 3-8 (tentative)
Approximate Cost:
$2,563
Included:
Transportation, accommodations, insurance, tickets to attractions, meals, guides
Bahamas with United Servants Abroad
On this 8-day mission trip to Eleuthera, Bahamas, coordinated with United Servants Abroad, students will have the opportunity to share the Word of God with almost every elementary school-aged student on the island! Throughout the trip, students will lead presentations at elementary schools, assist with youth events at local churches, complete various jobs at Jordan Stone House, and experience a Bahamian Sunday worship service. This trip packs in a variety of fun excursions, such as seeing the Glass Window Bridge and Leon Levy Preserve, visiting gift shops, eating a local restaurants, stopping for ice cream treats, lounging on beautiful pink sand beaches, and participating in other local activities that are available during our trip dates. The team will have daily devotional time together. This trip is open to all high school students grades 9-12.
Tour Company:
United Servants Abroad
Faculty contact:
Ann Polson (LRCA Math Faculty)
Open to:
Students in grades 9-12
Length:
8 days
Dates of travel:
January 3-10 (tentative)
Approximate Cost:
$1,800
Included:
All meals on the island, lodging, and transportation; excludes airport meals and baggage fees.
Requirements:
Student must have valid passport.
Experience the Arts of Southern California
Join the Fine Arts Department on an 9-day excursion (December 31-January 7) to the Los Angeles area where students will explore a wide range of artistic experiences and career possibilities in both visual and performing arts. This trip will start with bandstand seats for the Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, CA where students will observe the artistry of the floats as well as a variety of performances. Students will have the opportunity to tour museums, galleries, and studios in the Los Angeles area, and then participate in animator and performance workshop with Disneyland Studios. Students will also participate in a two-day workshop at A Noise Within, exploring all aspects of theater from language and stage combat to costume and set design. Students will have time to sketch in an area of the country many great artists have used as inspiration. Students will also attend multiple performances at theaters, including the Pantages. This trip is open to all 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students (with priority given to students with an interest in the arts).
Faculty contact:
Hollie Shepherd (LRCA Fine Arts Faculty)
Melanie Buchanan (LRCA Fine Arts Faculty)
Open to:
Students in grades 9-12. Priority given to students with an interest in the arts.
Length:
7-8 days pending
Dates of travel:
December 31 and January 7/8.
Approximate Cost:
$2,800
Included:
Airfare, all hotel stays and transportation, breakfast and most dinners during the trip, two-day passes to Disneyland, and all tickets and admissions.
Jamaica Christian School for the Deaf
On this trip, students will partner with the Jamaica Christian School for the Deaf. The Jamaica Christian School for the Deaf ministers to hearing impaired and special needs children. This project includes both construction work and sharing the love of Christ with the residents of the school. The team will also lead a Children’s Bible school in the community of Eden, Jamaica as well as spending time with and caring for residents at Blossom Garden Children’s Home, an orphanage for more than 70 children, and Westhaven Home for the severely disabled. The last day in Montego Bay will be spent enjoying the beautiful beach at Doctor’s Cave. This trip is available to all high school students 9th-12th grades. Spending money and money for meals while traveling is not included in this cost.
Tour Company:
Mission Discovery
Faculty contacts:
Stefan Jones (LRCA Biblical Worldview Faculty)
Jim Anderson (LRCA Math Faculty)
Open to:
Students in grades 9-12.
Length:
7 days
Dates of travel:
January 2-10 (tentative)
Approximate Cost:
$1,950
Included:
Travel, accommodations in Montego Bay, and meals at the hotel.
Requirements:
Student must have valid passport.
Italy - The Grand Tour
Ms. Howell and Dr. Cohu are delighted to invite you to the land of the Renaissance, the Vatican, Venice, Michelangelo, Dante, and da Vinci! Come with us and immerse yourself in the birthplace of European culture. This once-in-a-lifetime trip will take you through the waterways of Venice in a gondola, to the top of the Duomo in Florence (where you will visit the Uffizi gallery in the Medici’s palace and then stroll down the road to see Michelangelo’s David), under St. Francis’ medieval cathedral in Assisi, across the town of Siena, to the ruins of Pompeii in the shadow of Mt. Vesuvius, then finally to the Eternal City of Rome (to explore the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, and the catacombs). It is going to be an experience you will never forget! This trip is open to all 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students however, 11th and 12th will have priority if seats fill. For a detailed itinerary, please see the handout given students or email Ms. Howell. You and your student can also follow plans for the Italy trip on Instagram at @lrcagoestoitaly.
Tour Company:
Educational First Tours
Faculty contact:
Rebecca Howell (LRCA Biblical Worldview Teacher)
Open to:
Students in grades 10-12
Length:
11 days
Dates of travel:
December 28 and January 9
Approximate Cost:
$4,600
Included:
Round-trip airfare, in-city hotels, all breakfasts and dinners, all-inclusive insurance, professional and private tour-guides, and the entrance fee into all sites and attractions
Requirements:
Student must have valid passport
Houston Hurricane Relief with Joshua Expeditions
Be the hands and feet of Jesus to the Houston community. LRCA students and teachers will partner with local churches and will be serving in areas directly impacted by hurricane Harvey. Projects can range from hard manual labor, clearing away brush, trees, limbs, or trash, painting, feeding local workers, or helping local ministries continue their service of the Houston people who were directly impacted by the storm. Be prepared for rough conditions, potential exposure to hazardous materials, or other concerns associated with storm damage situations. Lunch and dinner will be served at the ministry site each day. Each day will end with devotions. Ministry housing will likely mean sleeping on floors and participants will bring their own lines and toiletries. Additional cost for food on travel and sightseeing days. We anticipate this trip will include 2 days of travel, 3-4 days of service with one additional day of sight seeing in the area.
Tour Company:
Joshua Expeditions
Faculty contact:
Brian Gibson (LRCA History Faculty & Coach)
Open to:
Students in grades 9-12
Length:
6-7 days
Dates of travel:
January 3-10 (tentative)
Approximate Cost:
$800
Included:
Transportation, Ministry style housing, breakfasts, lunches and dinners on work days.
* Additional cost for food and travel and sightseeing days (2 travel, 1 sightseeing).
Passion Conference in Atlanta Georgia - Class of 2019
Passion 2019, a ministry of 268 Generation, is a gathering of 18-25 year olds and their leaders in Atlanta, Georgia. Rooted in the confession of Isaiah 26:8, Passion exists to glorify God by uniting students in worship, prayer, and justice for spiritual awakening in this generation. From its start in 1995, the passion movement has had a singular mission- calling students from campuses across the nation and around the world to live for what matter most. We will leave the morning of Jan. 2 and return the evening of Jan. 5. The cost is approximately $500 (based on the number of registrants; more details later) which includes the conference, hotel and transportation. For more info please visit The Passion website.
Faculty contact:
Patrick Salman (LRCA High School Director of Student Life)
Open to:
Students in Grade 12
Length:
4 days
Dates of travel:
January 2-5, 2018
Approximate Cost:
$500
Included:
Conference fee, hotel and transportation. Students buy their own meals.