Hope for future generations rests on the strengths of individuals and those strengths are most fully developed with individualized attention and learning. Small class sizes are just one of the ways that Chico’s Hope Academy nurtures their students to greatness. Jodi George, Hope Academy’s Principal, says the school “values the differences in each child and focuses on helping them thrive academically, spiritually and socially.”
Educational continuity and enrichment
Hope Academy started seven years ago with a few families that were seeking a unique approach to education. Today the school is a non-denominational, K-8 Christian school, sharing a space with Calvary Chapel Chico and using the upstairs portion of the renovated theater building. Hope Academy currently has six full time teachers, each with no more than 15 students. Students stay with the same teacher in grades K-2, another in grades 3-5, and then alternate between the two middle school teachers (math/science and language arts/ history) in grades 6-8. This provides a continuity of relationship that helps teachers tailor their program to the needs of their students. Hope also offers daily Bible class, PE, and enrichment classes in music, art, drama, Spanish and ASL.
Jodi says, “Academically, our students are able to accelerate in reading and math, and we have many students working above grade level. For those needing extra time and help, we have early intervention programs for reading, volunteers to help with math, and one-on-one tutoring during class time when needed. Our alumni go on to public and charter high schools and are confident and well equipped for the transition.”
Hope Academy instructor Whitney Kovacs teaches music to K-12 class.
Creating community and teaching service
Graduating from Chico State in 1986, Jodi gained teaching experience that included teaching English in public high school and junior high, working in a school in inner city Seattle for homeless youth, homeschooling her own children, and teaching children with dyslexia, processing disorders and ADD at a Christian school. Jodi says her current role “is by far the most fulfilling. The families and staff have become an extended family, building a sense of community that we don’t find many places anymore.”
Jodi is happy to report that the school “also has a strong emphasis on community. After serving families following the Camp Fire and working together through COVID, we are intentional about creating opportunities for the school to become a hub of social connections. Stronger families lead to better learners. Our students engage in serving our community through Operation Christmas Child, visits to care homes, book drives for Sabbath House and providing items to foster care agencies. We believe that looking to the needs of others develops compassion, humility and gratitude.”
Steve Snow oversees the Operation Christmas Child outreach each year and he says, “Hope Academy students have participated in Operation Christmas Child National Collection week for the past six years. 6,400 boxes were collected and shipped from Chico last November. Students from all grade levels participate in teams to check, label, seal, inventory and pack boxes into larger shipping boxes that go on the transport trucks. The energy and excitement is contagious, as they know the impact these gifts will have on children and families around the world. This level of students participating in the program is unique; they have a high level of responsibility and a personal investment in what they do. Community service is an important aspect of education, and teaches kids empathy, compassion and sacrifice.”
One-on-one math instruction at Hope Academy.
Teachers and parents work together to support and inspire students
Jodi concludes, “It is such a joy to lead this school. I am able to implement best teaching practices, allow my teaching staff professional autonomy to operate in the best interest of each child, and give parents their proper place in the decision making that goes into educating their child.”
Hope Academy is open for enrollment, and you can find more on their website, including their vision statement “to educate and equip the next generation to follow Jesus and uniquely serve in His kingdom.” Jodi and her staff have great hope that their students and families feel supported, inspired and challenged as they embark on their 2023-2024 school year.
Posted in: Education
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