J-Term
J-Term is a distinctive educational experience providing students with in-depth, experiential learning in a particular area of interest. Supplementing the annual two semesters of traditional education, J-Term adds to an excellent education at WSCA that is truly comprehensive and designed to assist students’ discernment of God’s overall plan and purpose for their lives.
EDUCATIONAL experiences beyond the classroom
INNOVATIVE learning
SERVING opportunities
The Goal
We encourage WSCA students to learn new skills, discover service opportunities, or explore potential vocations. As they explore, they do so with great confidence that the Lord “has a plan for them” (Jer. 29:11) and is faithful to bring that plan to “completion” (Phil. 1:6).
The IMPACT Project
The IMPACT Project allows juniors and seniors to pursue an Interest, Mission, Partnership, Authority (Leadership), Career, or Trade experience and display the characteristics of a CSAGH graduate in an expanded way. Rather than join a J-Term course here at WSCA, our 11th and 12th graders will find opportunities to meet IMPACT project requirements in individualized ways.
Interest – Experiential learning project in a personal area of interest
Mission – Mission experience through church, school, or other organization
Partnership – Partner with a local service organization
Authority – Hold a leadership position in an outside organization (coach, supervise, etc.)
Career – Participate in an internship experience
Trades – Shadow/internship experience in a trade
Intern Testimonials
Elise completed her senior IMPACT Project at Pristine Smiles Family Dentistry in Mechanicsburg with Dr. Bogavelli. Elise would like to pursue a career in dentistry/orthodontics, so being able to shadow at the dental clinic was extremely helpful for her and she really enjoyed the shadowing experience.
- Elise '25
"I interned at the Cumberland County Courthouse with the Honorable Jessica Brewbaker. From custody issues to mental illness and opioid court, I was able to sit in on a variety of court cases and see firsthand how law and justice are administered in our society. I shadowed not only judges but also public defenders, law clerks, and even stenographers. The highlight of the week was spending a day at the County Prison while observing court sessions for inmates."
- Megan '25
"For my project, I had an internship for a week at the UPMC hospital in three different departments, shadowing nurses. I shadowed in the ER, med surge, and pediatrics. I loved caring for the patients I had. My experience was very helpful and made me realize that God is calling me to nursing or something else in the medical field."
- Luke '26
J-Term Courses
J-Term courses for 6th-10th grade students include a wide variety of practical topics such as Intro to Weight Training, Evolve Youth Trade Academy, Self Defense for Girls, Rock Climbing, Physics in the Movies, Introduction to Medical Research, Theatrical Performance, and more. Most courses are specifically designed to introduce students to potential future careers in an engaging manner.
6th-8th graders participate in two unique courses each day of J-Term, allowing middle schoolers to explore a variety of topics. Friday of Middle School J-Term is designated as "Field Trip Friday." Each Middle School grade will go on a field trip unique to their grade level.
9th-10th grade students will join one or two J-term courses to explore interest areas through in-depth, experiential activities.
Elementary J-Term
Elementary students enjoy special interactive programs during J-Term from local organizations such as the Popcorn Players and Zoo America.