We aim to help you educate your child's whole person.
Spiritual Discipleship
Spiritual Discipleship
Spiritual Discipleship
As Christians we are called to learn how to follow Jesus and know Him personally. At Ignite Creative School, we value the often tumultuous time of adolescence as a time of learning how to to this on their own (not just in the context of a family or by simply "believing what mom and dad believe"). We love walking with families during this time of excitement, questioning, and learning. It is our goal to support parents and kids as we all follow Jesus together as His church. We do this by having weekly Bible study, daily prayer, and class time Q and A.
Good Brain Health
Spiritual Discipleship
Spiritual Discipleship
Brain health is essential for a healthy life. At Ignite Creative School we prioritize brain health and choose activities and learning options which promote healthy brain activity as much as possible.Things such as physical activity, artistic expression and creation, verbal engagement, problem solving, and Project Based Learning are all ways in which we promote healthy brains. Our goal is to create healthy brain habits for life and teach students how God's Word clearly outlines boundaries that keep us safe in mind, body, and spirit.
Healthy Communication
Spiritual Discipleship
Healthy Communication
Assertive, kind, confident communication is a key to having healthy boundaries in life. Ignite Creative School aims to empower kids and teens to understand how to communicate in love during all times of life including conflict or misunderstanding. Our goal is to teach both good public speaking skills and honorable communication as reflected in God's word. We teach this spectrum of communication skills through Bible study, personal presentations, oral reports, classroom engagement and group discussion.
Physical Activity
Nature Exploration
Healthy Communication
We were not created to be in a desk all day - plain and simple. Our bodies are meant to move. There is a proven connection between focus, good brain health, and learning when you move physically on a regular basis. In fact, it has been shown that "physical activity can help you think, learn, problem-solve, and enjoy an emotional balance. It can improve memory and reduce anxiety or depression." (CDC) For this reason we focus on physical activity during our weekly nature exploration days as well as frequent trips to the park and physical activities in school (push up contest anyone?).
Nature Exploration
Nature Exploration
Nature Exploration
God intended us to be connected to and steward His creation. In fact, evidence-based studies “point in one direction: Nature is not only nice to have, but it’s a have-to-have for physical health and cognitive function.” (Yale Environment 360). At Ignite Creative School we have grown to put a high priority on being outside. Our Tuesday "Nature Exploration" time is part exploration, part observation, and part nature-journaling. It's an "all encompassing" way to learn about God's creation and our role in it as well as reap the benefits of being immersed in God's creative world.
Let the Story Begin...
A New Way of Learning
2023-2024 was the pioneer year for Ignite Creative School, Missoula's first Christian Hybrid Homeschool. With eight pioneering families willing to go on a new adventure, we created a school that puts the idea of "whole-person education" at the center. Throughout the year, we molded our school to fit the needs of our community while holding strong to our passion to see hands-on learning, critical thinking, community, and life-skills take center stage. And with that... we succeeded in creating a truly one-of-a-kind educational experience: a school that aspires to be as unique as the students and families we serve.
The Nuts and Bolts
Hybrid School: Core Curriculum Time
Our current format of learning is inspired both by the work of Marie Montessori, Charlotte Mason, and from Acton Academy (also The Wonder School in Wichita, Kansas) - all proven, learner-driven formats for deep understanding, explosive curiosity, and exponential learning. In many educational circles it is known as a "Project Based Learning" model. This means students will be creating projects (some small, some large) throughout the year with topics that cover people, events, or places learned about in core subjects. These projects are a chance for students to show their skills and talents as well as hone their communication. (Project presentation days have become a favorite time for students and instructors alike!)
In our weekly Core Curriculum time, your student will tackle the daily foundational subjects of History, Bible/Apologetics, Language Arts, and Science. In these classes, your student will participate in a variety of weekly discussions, oral lessons, hands-on activities and at-home reading and work requirements. Our goal is to incorporate a base of self-propelled learning alongside teacher-guided classroom activities. In this way, we seek to engage your student in a variety of different learning styles.
We hope that the uniqueness of your child can shine as we teach them that they are divinely crafted to live at this time in history for a purpose God has made just for them. This includes learning how to think (for yourself), do, and be - not just listen, memorize, and regurgitate information. Children are challenged to answer big questions and guided in the safe, Christ-centered boundaries of each classroom environment. We love our school, our families, and the community that is growing in Missoula. We hope your student can be a part of this growing adventure!
Hybrid School: Monthly Learning Intensives (Journey)
Journey is the name of our four-week group learning intensives which we do every afternoon at Ignite Creative School. Each Journey is taught by a specialist in that field and focuses on non-core subjects such as various art genres, technology, specialized sciences, and various life skills. Journey Classes have included drama, cooking and baking, fine arts (drawing and painting) music, film making, and entrepreneurship.
Journey is a standard part of ICS's full day schedule. We recognize that it is important to the brain development of your student to learn and explore new skills and delve deeply into understanding art, nature, creative technology, and life skills. Our Journey's inspire critical thinking, problem solving, strong communication and leadership skills, and team building. They also stimulate high levels of creativity and curiosity. These things have become a cornerstone of our identity as a community - one which we hope you and your student will be a part.