Program Overview
The University-Model® Approach
This five-day academic program blends classroom instruction with home-based learning. A professional educator oversees both learning environments, with the supervising parent acting as a teacher’s aide during Satellite Days.
· Central Days: Teachers provide direct instruction in small classes for personalized learning.
· Satellite Days: Students complete assignments at home under parental supervision referencing Schoology, an easy-to-access online platform teachers utilize to communicate assignments and grades.
As students develop academic independence, self-motivation, and organizational skills, parental involvement gradually shifts from active guidance in middle school to a supportive, oversight role in high school, fostering independent learning and work habits. To understand the philosophy of the University-Model, parents must read Character Driven College Preparation by John W. Turner, Jr. (2017 edition) before the school year begins.
Central Day Class Schedules
· Middle School (7th–8th grade): Tuesdays & Thursdays, with optional Monday for tutored work periods/electives.
· High School (9th–12th grade):
Active parental involvement is essential to our educational model. Parents are required to:
· Attend meetings and training sessions
· Complete volunteer clearance paperwork
· Commit to at least 20 volunteer hours, fostering meaningful relationships and active involvement in our educational community.
Faculty
The faculty at Anchor Christian Academy are carefully selected, dedicated, and born-again Christians from evangelical backgrounds. Every teacher wholeheartedly endorses the academy’s Statement of Faith and embraces the teacher-mentor role. All faculty members hold at least a bachelor’s degree and/or state teaching certification in their respective
subjects and grade levels. The academy prioritizes ongoing training and professional development, recognizing that teachers play a vital role in student success and character development.
Course Selection & College Credits
Students follow a typical course progression as illustrated on the Class Schedule Chart. Transfer students often have an alternative schedule if they have not taken required courses such as Biology and foreign language.
Some junior/senior level courses are not offered every year. For instance, World History II is rotated with Government and Economics. This provides more flexibility in course options and scheduling and enables our juniors and seniors to enjoy experiential learning trips together.
Students are placed in math courses that match their developmental skills and take into consideration their previous math instruction. Math courses include Math 7, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 1B, Geometry, Algebra 2, Precalculus, Calculus, and Consumer Math.
Honors level courses are available for most high school courses. Anchor’s junior/senior level biblical studies and English courses have the option of earning college credits including up to 12 English credits, 3 Philosophy credits, and 3 Cultures credits – all from accredited universities. Additional fees apply.
College bound juniors and seniors are encouraged to take Jumpstart courses through Lancaster Bible College’s dual enrollment program. Some college courses can substitute for ACA’s courses, however, Anchor seniors must take ACA’s English, Cultural Engagement, Financial Stewardship, Life & Calling, and Health courses. Collecting more than 21-24 college credits in high school is not recommended for numerous reasons.
Beyond the Classroom
Students at Anchor Christian Academy have additional opportunities for spiritual growth, leadership development, and enrichment. Monthly field trips align with classroom instruction to maximize educational and character-building experiences. Additionally, overnight May trips provide extended educational and community-building opportunities.
Our Innovative Learning Program allows high school students to earn academic credit beyond the classroom through internships, private lessons, athletic clubs, and more. Students submit a proposal, log their hours, and check in with a supervising teacher to earn high school credit.
Co-Curriculars
ACA is a PIAA school offering cross-country, middle school soccer, middle school basketball and high school boys basketball. As ACA grows, additional HS sports will be added. Additionally, the academy partners with Lancaster County Christian School (LCCS), Lancaster Mennonite High School (LHS) and Warwick to provide a variety of high school sports. Families coordinate transportation for student-athletes participating in LCCS or LHS sports programs. ACA students are not eligible to participate in their home school districts’ extra-curricular programs if the program is offered at ACA or through any of our co-op agreements.
ACA also partners with the Lancaster Academy of the Performing Arts (LAPA) for orchestra, choir, art/drawing, and musicals. Classes and practices typically meet on Thursday afternoons and evenings.
Student Conduct
The Code of Conduct at Anchor Christian Academy fosters a Christ-like learning environment and promotes positive Christian relationships among students. Core Christian virtues such as respect, love, obedience, and service are encouraged and expected. Discipline concerns are brought to the parents’ attention promptly and principles of Christian communication and confidentiality are maintained in all circumstances.
Tablets, cell phones, and smartwatches that receive messages or notifications are not permitted during school hours. Parents are required to actively monitor and establish clear boundaries for student internet usage. By adhering to ACA’s Tech-Wise Expectations, families contribute to a unified community with consistent technology standards, helping to reduce peer pressure related to owning and misusing personal devices.
Organizational Structure
Registered as a private religious school in Pennsylvania, ACA issues state-recognized diplomas and most students qualify for public school district bus transportation. The academy is governed by an engaged school board which values long-term sustainability and a culture of constant improvement.
Anchor Christian Academy is a member school of University-Model Schools International (UMSI) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Accreditation through UMSI and Cognia was achieved in April 2025.
This five-day academic program blends classroom instruction with home-based learning. A professional educator oversees both learning environments, with the supervising parent acting as a teacher’s aide during Satellite Days.
· Central Days: Teachers provide direct instruction in small classes for personalized learning.
· Satellite Days: Students complete assignments at home under parental supervision referencing Schoology, an easy-to-access online platform teachers utilize to communicate assignments and grades.
As students develop academic independence, self-motivation, and organizational skills, parental involvement gradually shifts from active guidance in middle school to a supportive, oversight role in high school, fostering independent learning and work habits. To understand the philosophy of the University-Model, parents must read Character Driven College Preparation by John W. Turner, Jr. (2017 edition) before the school year begins.
Central Day Class Schedules
· Middle School (7th–8th grade): Tuesdays & Thursdays, with optional Monday for tutored work periods/electives.
· High School (9th–12th grade):
- Math, Science, & Foreign Language – 3 days per week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday)
- Biblical Studies, English, & Social Studies – 2 days per week (Tuesday, Thursday)
Active parental involvement is essential to our educational model. Parents are required to:
· Attend meetings and training sessions
· Complete volunteer clearance paperwork
· Commit to at least 20 volunteer hours, fostering meaningful relationships and active involvement in our educational community.
Faculty
The faculty at Anchor Christian Academy are carefully selected, dedicated, and born-again Christians from evangelical backgrounds. Every teacher wholeheartedly endorses the academy’s Statement of Faith and embraces the teacher-mentor role. All faculty members hold at least a bachelor’s degree and/or state teaching certification in their respective
subjects and grade levels. The academy prioritizes ongoing training and professional development, recognizing that teachers play a vital role in student success and character development.
Course Selection & College Credits
Students follow a typical course progression as illustrated on the Class Schedule Chart. Transfer students often have an alternative schedule if they have not taken required courses such as Biology and foreign language.
Some junior/senior level courses are not offered every year. For instance, World History II is rotated with Government and Economics. This provides more flexibility in course options and scheduling and enables our juniors and seniors to enjoy experiential learning trips together.
Students are placed in math courses that match their developmental skills and take into consideration their previous math instruction. Math courses include Math 7, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 1B, Geometry, Algebra 2, Precalculus, Calculus, and Consumer Math.
Honors level courses are available for most high school courses. Anchor’s junior/senior level biblical studies and English courses have the option of earning college credits including up to 12 English credits, 3 Philosophy credits, and 3 Cultures credits – all from accredited universities. Additional fees apply.
College bound juniors and seniors are encouraged to take Jumpstart courses through Lancaster Bible College’s dual enrollment program. Some college courses can substitute for ACA’s courses, however, Anchor seniors must take ACA’s English, Cultural Engagement, Financial Stewardship, Life & Calling, and Health courses. Collecting more than 21-24 college credits in high school is not recommended for numerous reasons.
Beyond the Classroom
Students at Anchor Christian Academy have additional opportunities for spiritual growth, leadership development, and enrichment. Monthly field trips align with classroom instruction to maximize educational and character-building experiences. Additionally, overnight May trips provide extended educational and community-building opportunities.
Our Innovative Learning Program allows high school students to earn academic credit beyond the classroom through internships, private lessons, athletic clubs, and more. Students submit a proposal, log their hours, and check in with a supervising teacher to earn high school credit.
Co-Curriculars
ACA is a PIAA school offering cross-country, middle school soccer, middle school basketball and high school boys basketball. As ACA grows, additional HS sports will be added. Additionally, the academy partners with Lancaster County Christian School (LCCS), Lancaster Mennonite High School (LHS) and Warwick to provide a variety of high school sports. Families coordinate transportation for student-athletes participating in LCCS or LHS sports programs. ACA students are not eligible to participate in their home school districts’ extra-curricular programs if the program is offered at ACA or through any of our co-op agreements.
ACA also partners with the Lancaster Academy of the Performing Arts (LAPA) for orchestra, choir, art/drawing, and musicals. Classes and practices typically meet on Thursday afternoons and evenings.
Student Conduct
The Code of Conduct at Anchor Christian Academy fosters a Christ-like learning environment and promotes positive Christian relationships among students. Core Christian virtues such as respect, love, obedience, and service are encouraged and expected. Discipline concerns are brought to the parents’ attention promptly and principles of Christian communication and confidentiality are maintained in all circumstances.
Tablets, cell phones, and smartwatches that receive messages or notifications are not permitted during school hours. Parents are required to actively monitor and establish clear boundaries for student internet usage. By adhering to ACA’s Tech-Wise Expectations, families contribute to a unified community with consistent technology standards, helping to reduce peer pressure related to owning and misusing personal devices.
Organizational Structure
Registered as a private religious school in Pennsylvania, ACA issues state-recognized diplomas and most students qualify for public school district bus transportation. The academy is governed by an engaged school board which values long-term sustainability and a culture of constant improvement.
Anchor Christian Academy is a member school of University-Model Schools International (UMSI) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Accreditation through UMSI and Cognia was achieved in April 2025.