8th Grade

Eighth grade, the final year at ACS for equipping students for service in God's world , is an incredible capstone to an outstanding educational experience. Some of the highlights of the year include the Spiritual Retreat (September), an all-day experience at Camp Roger, the three day service project at Camp Tall Turf and at Kevin Rigg’s horse ranch (October), the Week of Exploration (January) where they explore areas not usually taught in middle school, the Dessert Theater musical (March), hosting Friendship Day for Kent and Ottawa County special needs students (May), the Eighth Grade Three Day Class Trip (May) which includes rafting on the Mohican River and Cedar Point, and Eighth Grade Graduation (June).

Students not only learn about God and His world with these activities, but their understanding of God grows through the curriculum.  Students dig deeply into algebra and geometry, earth science, the Civil War and beyond, languages and literature, music and art, and physical education and health. They have opportunities in athletics, spelling and geography bees, science Olympic competition, National History Day research paper competition, and intramurals.

Students more and more understand and appreciate their classmates’ unique personalities and God-given gifts as well as their own. The Dessert Theater Musical especially strengthens the bonds in the class. New friendships are formed while old friendships take on new meaning. Students look beyond their own interests to the interests of others. They increase their desire to be used by God in their world. Students examine closely the world God has made and His incredible love toward us through Jesus Christ, how God is at work in their lives, and how He has a plan for each of us. They practice servant-leadership. They have had a multitude of opportunities for Christian discernment and are filled with awe toward their Lord.