As a parent, choosing the best education for your children is so important and can be completely overwhelming! Faith West Academy is a private school option right here in Katy that is well respected in the community and that we have personally enjoyed learning more about. FWA is an accredited, inter-denominational private Christian school and has been a part of the Katy community since 1982. They offer a Christian education for children from ages 2 to the 12th grade. Faith West has grown as a school and as a community, but it is clear they have never lost their focus on the importance of Christian education and their outreach in the Katy community.
What we personally love about Faith West Academy is their commitment to individualized learning. We published a blog a few months ago all about their SAIL program (Student Adapted Individualized Learning) that can be read here. But essentially, SAIL has the ultimate purpose of providing an educational opportunity that will allow a child to grow in the areas of his or her gifting. What a beautiful concept, right?! We’re always so inspired by schools who go against the ‘norm’ and develop programs that foster a child’s confidence. Now, that we have learned about their individualized learning, we also wanted to learn more about their curriculum and how it’s unique to other schools in Katy.
What makes Faith West Academy’s Curriculum so special?
Faith West believes strongly in meeting the unique needs of each child. They individualize instruction for their students, based on their needs, and keeps a close partnership with parents to understand when and if those needs change. They understand that they are preparing children for jobs that don’t even yet exist – a first grader this year will graduate college in 2035! It’s hard to image! But, so important for our children’s educators to look at that perspective.
Faith West Academy’s curriculum is aligned vertically for both elementary and secondary – meaning curriculum supports what will be taught in the upcoming grade level. For example, skills build from first to second grade; there is continuity in instructional methods, content-specific vocabulary, and skills. Something won’t be taught one way in first grade, but differently in second. And, they believe that cross-curricular instruction is important so students can see the “real-world” application of concepts, not just how one subjects exists by itself.
They offer a full time and part time preschool program for ages 2-5, including a bridge program. Their Preschool program focuses on literacy development, number sense, and learning through play. FWA’s preschool has a defined academic curriculum, and they follow a similar schedule to elementary – attending library, chapel, PE, and music each week.
Their Elementary program offers a strong foundation for future grades, and provides a challenging academic program in a nurturing environment. Elementary curriculum focuses on hands-on, learning through experience, and small group instruction. They have a dedicated elementary learning lab with a math and reading specialist to help students during the school day who may need extra help.
Their Secondary program focuses on college preparation, and they offer a wide variety of Pre-AP and AP classes, including five advanced science courses. They also provide a teacher-directed learning lab for students to take online courses (such as German or AP Computer Science) when they aren’t able to offer the courses at their campus. FWA has a goal of differentiating instruction and teaching students through the Christian worldview. All students are required to have daily Bible classes and weekly chapel. Juniors and Seniors take classes in apologetics and advanced Bible studies, hopefully preparing them to handle the tough questions and situations that post-high school life will throw at them.
See the links below to learn more about Faith West Academy, check out their website, follow them on social media, or call them for a tour!
Website: http://www.faithwest.org/
Facebook: @FaithWestAcademy
Instagram: @fwaeaglenation
Phone: (281) 391-5683