Highland Adventist School is in its third year of participation in a national study of academics in the Seventh-day Adventist School system. "Cognitive Genesis" is a four-year research project that documents elementary and secondary students' academic achievement in Adventist schools throughout the United States, Canada and Bermuda. A previous study, "Valuegenesis," documented the growth in faith and character values of students in the Adventist system.
The current study of academic growth is researching the following questions: What is the academic achievement of students in Adventist schools? How do students in these schools compare to national norms? What student, home, and school factors are associated with achievement?
The data collected thus far demonstrate that students in Adventist schools are achieving at or above the national average for every grade level. This achievement is recorded for students in every grade tested, at all ability levels and in schools of every size. A significant finding of the study is that the longer a student attends an Adventist school, the higher the achievement level.
Other data suggest that healthy diet, adequate sleep, minimal time spent in sports, lots of interaction with parents, minimal television watching and reading books and magazines contribute to high achievement.
Highland Adventist School in Elkins reflects that high achievement level locally. Using the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, HAS students averaged 21 points above national averages on core subjects for all grade levels this school year.
"It is a privilege for us to offer this outstanding level of Christian education to the families of our area," Principal Cheryl Jacko said. "I believe our small, close-knit student body, the outstanding teaching of our staff, our excellent curriculum, and the Christian community that we build throughout the school year work together to encourage success for our students. It also helps that we have been able to stay on track for achieving at least 180 days of school this year."
For more information, call 304-636-4274 or visit www.highlandadventistschool.org.
