“St. Marks Academy is a national online Christian school for grades seven-12. We provide students with an education through the online experience at a very affordable price,” said Jamie Osborne, head master of St. Mark’s Academy.
“We instill Christian and leadership principles in our students,” Osborne said. “We teach the greatest commandment — ‘loving God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.’ Loving God with your mind involves learning to use your God-given gifts to further the kingdom.”
The academy’s students like to work independently, seek non-tradition, are innovative, want to impact the world as Christian teens, desire to lead others and want to change the world they live in, according to Osborne.
The academy uses education, mentors, service projects and interaction to develop the students academically, spiritually and socially.
The curriculum is flexible and tailored toward the students because “virtual learning is any time, any place and at any pace.”
The academy offers a full curriculum, including about 120 courses, such as foreign languages and Advanced Placement courses.
St. Marks Academy also offers specialized leadership courses that train students to be leaders who will change their world.
The staff includes mentors, teachers and guidance councilors. Students have 24/7 on-demand instruction and access to e-instructors who provide one-on-one help.
Students can work at their own pace and interact with teachers outside of class (asynchronous). They can also interact within a virtual class together through the use of a Web cam to see other students, watch the teacher work on board and even work a problem for the class (synchronous).
The other ways for students to collaborate face to face is through conferences, camps and other meetings that bring the students together.
Students still have a high school experience but in a different way, Osborne said.
They still have prom and the graduation experience, for example. The academy will even assist students in getting involved with other extra-curricular activities, such as forming partnerships with other schools and leagues.
“It is a very unique experience because students can take courses and interact with students all around country,” Osborne said. “It makes their world bigger because it allows them to explore places and meet people without leaving their hometown.”
St. Marks Academy’s name and purpose was inspired by John Mark, who was a normal teen in need of encouragement and a chance to develop leadership skills. After he abandoned Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary trip, Paul refused to take Mark on the second trip although Barnabas wanted to give Mark a second chance. This disagreement caused Paul and Barnabas to split up, with Barnabas taking Mark under his wing.
Later, Mark ends up doing some incredible work for God, including writing the Gospel of Mark. Even Paul commented on this in 2 Timothy 4:11, in requesting Mark’s presence and saying that Mark was “helpful” to him in ministry.
“We never give up on our students. They were created to do some special things if we would just take the time to invest in them,” Osborne said. For more information, visit the school’s Web site at www.stmarksacademy.net or call 1-866-296-3140.
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