Unique Offerings

Proverbs 18:15 says “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.” Through our FCS STEAM initiative, students seek out solutions to relevant problem-based units where science, technology, engineering, art, and math are combined through hands-on, technology-driven projects.

In preschool, students begin with STEAM mini-projects where they are challenged to think outside the box by using collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. In 5K-5th grade, STEAM is integrated throughout all subject areas as students become world changers by solving problem-based STEAM units through our participation with the Fairchild Challenge and community-related projects.

Every grade level participates in the Fairchild Challenge which consists of seven STEAM challenges and includes partnerships with the University of Miami, Florida International University, NASA Kennedy Space Center, and the National Wildlife Federation. Our school received the Fairchild Challenge Award for being one of the top 16 schools in Miami demonstrating exceptional STEAM integration. From robotics in middle school to the engineering club in high school, STEAM learning is transforming our students from being classroom problem-solvers to world changers.

Reaching Higher

Beyond our advanced class grouping offered in each grade level, our Patriot STARS Elementary Scholars program provides high-achieving students the ability to reach new heights!

Our Elementary Scholars program will provide our high-achieving students the foundation to reach new heights not only academically, but socially, spiritually, and more. Once they graduate from 5th grade as a Patriot STAR, they will be ready for our Middle School Honors Program and beyond! Patriot STARS meet after school once a week to engage in enriching activities and projects. Students will be appropriately grouped with similar multi-grade level peers (1st – 3rd grade and 4th – 5th grade).

Program Components

SERVING OTHERS
Opportunities to serve those in their local community and beyond.

TRAINING LEADERS
From leading chapel to mentoring their younger peers, students will lead beyond their classroom.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Motivating our students to continue to excel and reach their God-given potential.

RE-INVENTING & PROBLEM SOLVING
Inspiring out-of-the box thinkers to change our world one child at a time.

STEAM EXPLORATION
Encouraging curiosity by embracing STEAM through engaging and stimulating activities.

Qualifications

• “A” Honor Roll during each quarter of the current school year, or all A’s with one B for each quarter of the current school year

• At least one grade level ahead in reading and math (as per standardized STAR assessments)

• A stanine score of seven or above in total math and total reading standardized tests or equivalent (i.e. MAP testing)
• Teacher/administrator recommendation
• Positive behavior/conduct

9th - 12th Grade High School Program

Recognizing the rising academic potential of our high school student body, the Patriot Scholars program was created to facilitate the development of these elite students in becoming the most marketable to the top universities in the nation. This program is made up of approximately the top 10% in each grade level, with goals for them to become full Bright Futures Qualifiers, AP Capstone Certified, and achieve a strong HS resume of community service. The Patriot Scholars program was developed to foster our three pillars of faith, character, and success. It includes enrichment opportunities in the summer and throughout the school year, as well as additional academic and service requirements. We believe that through program participation, our Patriot Scholars will be equipped to graduate as versatile, academically-advanced future leaders.

5 Attributes of a Patriot Scholar

PERSISTENCE

Continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action in spite of difficulty
or opposition. A Patriot Scholar will be faced with deadlines, long hours studying, multitasking, additional stress, and the occasional missed social activity. Despite all of these obstacles, it is our duty to stay the course set out before us. As Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

FOCUS

Adapt to the prevailing level of light and become able to see clearly. A Patriot Scholar must keep their focus on their future goals with imagination and wisdom always remembering that God has an ultimate plan for them. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

COURAGE

Not deterred by danger or pain; brave. Throughout their journey, a Patriot Scholar may at times endure academic, social, emotional, spiritual, or physical challenges or fears. Whether it be overcoming the fear of public speaking, stepping out of our comfort zone, or trying something new, a Patriot Scholar should embody courage in the face of these challenges. In Deuteronomy 31:6, God reminds us to “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.”

LOYALTY

Giving or showing firm and constant support or allegiance to a person or institution. A Patriot Scholar should be loyal to their school, never speaking poorly but instead looking for ways to give back and improve the campus culture. Additionally, a Patriot Scholar must be loyal to their fellow Patriots through words and actions that uplift and encourage one another. Proverbs 21:21 reads, “Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.” 

SELFLESSNESS

Concerned more with the needs and wishes of others than with one’s own. A Patriot Scholar should always be vigilant to those in need in their school, home, or community. What good is academic or personal success if you cannot use those successes to serve others. Patriot Scholars should be characterized for their servant’s heart. Isaiah 58:10 says, “And if you give yourself to the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then your light will rise in the darkness and your gloom will become like midday.” 

 

The Symbol of the Lantern

The symbol of a Florida Christian School Patriot Scholar is the lantern. Fundamentally, a lantern provides light. Light, in its context, helps to lead the way forward towards the future and pushes aside the surrounding darkness. American Patriot Paul Revere used the lantern as a bold and courageous signal to alert patriots of the impending British invasion. In the same way, God reminds us to be a lantern in our daily lives shining His light to all around us. Matthew 5:14-16 says, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” As Patriot Scholars, God has given us academic abilities, gifts, and talents that shine in each of us. The lighting of this lantern serves as a challenge and goal to use those gifts and talents as a light in our home, school, and community.

 

Expectations for a Patriot Scholar

• Maintain the minimum GPA required in high school credit courses (4.0 cumulative weighted & unweighted)
• Obtain a minimum score of:
  1. 900 on the PSAT 8/9 in 8th grade
  2. 1000 on the PSAT 8/9 in 9th Grade
  3. 1100 on the PSAT 10 or PSAT/NMSQT in 10th Grade
  4. 1200 on the PSAT/NMSQT in 11th Grade
• Take the required AP or Honors courses during each school year
• Maintain a high standard of conduct
• Earn a minimum of 12 Scholars points a year by attending Patriot Scholar events
• Participate in a summer enrichment opportunity or internship
• Annual program fee is required

Goals for Students in the Patriot Scholars Program

• Florida Bright Futures Academic Scholars Eligibility (4.0 GPA/1300 SAT)
• Strong high school resume (400+ Community Service Hours)
• AP Capstone certified diploma

Scholars Road Map to Success

• STEM-related field trips and clubs
• Professional guest speakers
• Community service opportunities
• Leadership opportunities (Key Club, Class Officers, etc.)
• College visits starting in 10th grade
• Summer enrichment opportunities: internships, dual enrollment, seminars for college apps, etc.
• College application stipend opportunities
• Guidance for scholarships

 

Pathways to Innovation and Leadership

Patriot Pathways combines the rigor and objectives of our college-prep program with the initiative to equip students for a future career in a professional field.  Students may select from one of the following Pathways: 

• Engineering 

• Legal 

• Visual & Performing Arts 

Course Requirements

ENGINEERING 

• 3.0 UGPA overall 

• Teacher recommendations 

• Positive behavioral record 

• Honors Intro to Engineering 

• Honors Principles of Engineering 

• Honors Computer Science/Principles of Coding 

• Honors Engineering Design and Developing  

LEGAL 

• 3.0 UGPA overall 

• Teacher recommendations 

• Positive behavioral record 

• Honors Criminal Justice Operations  

• Honors Homeland Security 

• Honors Constitutional/Criminal Law 

• Speech & Debate (Recommended) 

• AP Capstone Seminar & Research (Recommended) 

VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS* 

• Audition and Interview 

• Art 

• Band 

• Choir 

• Drama 

• Media Production 

• Journalism/Yearbook 

*All courses on this track will be geared toward the specific creative art you choose. 

Learn More

For questions, please contact David King, High School Principal, at dking@floridachristian.org.