By Ali Lemmons
Since opening their doors to six kindergarten students in the fall of 1999, Silverdale Baptist Academy (SBA) has expanded into a three-story educational building, serving 1,300 students in preschool through 12th grade. With a mission to foster academic excellence with a biblical worldview, SBA seeks to prepare their students for all walks of life.
As SBA students enter the sixth grade, it marks the exciting beginning of their middle school journey, and the academy has thoughtfully designed a curriculum and school structure to help students grow academically, spiritually, and socially at a pivotal stage in life. From gender-based classes to applied learning experiences and more, SBA helps students reach their full potential in middle school.
Faith-Integrated Curriculum
At the heart of SBA, faculty and staff lead students with an unapologetic commitment to Christ, and faith-integrated curriculum encourages students to pursue academic excellence with a Christ-focused perspective.
Middle school students gather for weekly chapel, a time of worship and biblical teaching, as well as homeroom-based discipleship groups where students can continue to reflect, discuss, and grow in their faith. Dedicated Bible courses, teaching with a biblical worldview, and servant leadership projects encourage students to live out their faith both in and out of the classroom.
Guided by the Charlotte Mason philosophy, SBA believes each child is uniquely made in the image of God, gifted with the ability to think deeply, create beautifully, and know their Creator personally. Through immersive studies in literature, the arts, and nature, complemented by a vertically aligned curriculum, SBA equips students to think critically, take responsibility, and grow in wisdom and faith.
Gender-Based Classes
Supported by research and training from the Gurian Institute, SBA students are separated into gender-based classes beginning in sixth grade. With studies showing that boys and girls learn differently, having separate classes allows teachers to tailor their instruction and increase student engagement in the classroom. This also helps address any developmental and emotional differences that students experience during adolescence.
“In the all-girl classes, I was less stressed and learned to manage all of the new responsibilities,” shares Charlotte, a Silverdale student in the Class of 2031.
Upon starting seventh grade, students begin to reintegrate into coeducational classes, offering students the best of both worlds throughout their middle school education.
Applied Learning Experiences
With a desire for students to discover their God-given gifts, SBA also intentionally creates space for hands-on learning and meaningful community, both in and out of the classroom. According to David Buckler, middle school science teacher at SBA, his nature study students have been hard at work over the last several years on a project highlighting the biodiversity of Friar Branch creek, located right on SBA’s campus.
“Students are always amazed by how diverse God’s creation is, and they love being able to put stewardship in action while doing quality scientific research outdoors,” shares Buckler. “I’ve seen them grow in their love of the outdoors and also an improvement in their mental fortitude because of the work we’ve done outdoors.”
Other opportunities like “Beyond the Classroom” days, student retreats, Breakout time, and the beloved J-Term allow students to flourish beyond the classroom. J-Term offers experiential learning for three to four days in January, including everything from mountain biking to trips to the Georgia Aquarium. As for Breakout time, this period provides students with intentional time for outdoor play and refreshment, offering an avenue for reducing stress, building friendships, and supporting emotional regulation.
“In sixth and seventh grade, Breakout time is when we can just hang out for a little bit – something I always look forward to,” shares Charlotte. “I really like middle school and the way everything is set up and organized.”
These applied learning experiences continue to help students grow academically. SBA’s overall standardized test scores placed the school in the top 17% of schools nationwide.
Becoming a Seahawk
Guided by four expected student outcomes, SBA seeks to nurture Engaged Learners, Servant Leaders, Effective Communicators, and Faithful Disciples, supporting and valuing students at every stage of their development. For those interested in attending middle school at SBA, call 423-892-2319 for more information or start the application process on Silverdale’s website.
