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Kings Academy Christian School in Tyler Texas

April 23rd, 2010

In the past, I have written and posted extensively on Tyler area private schools and other local educational opportunities. King’s Academy represents one of our area’s more unique educational establishments. As a University Model School, King’s college style schedule and admissions process helps to better prepare local young people for the experience of higher education. The School is a non-denominational institution that accepts students from any Christian denomination, and has as its goal to foster and cultivate parental and family relationships.

After six years of operation and somewhere around twenty graduated seniors later, the school is reaching out to the local Tyler community to help raise scholarship funds for students who have the desire to attend the school, but may lack the financial means. As a rule, the school’s tuition runs about one half, to three fourths what is charged by other area private schools, and they remain committed to providing a top notch academic education, in a religious setting, to local families for relatively low tuition costs.

On May 1st King’s Academy will be holding its second annual Bowl-a-thon at Green Acres Bowling Lanes, in Tyler. The students will be collecting individual sponsorships who agree to a “per pin” donation. King’s has also invited area churches, private schools and homeschoolers to come out and participate in the event. The annual fund raiser is a great opportunity to support a local Tyler school, and not for profit ministry. Individuals who would like to participate in the event, in some capacity, whether through donations, sponsorships or bowling for dollars, are encouraged to contact King’s Academy by phone at (903)534-9992. For more information on King’s Academy go to their website at www.kacs.net, or see the following listings also located on this site: Something Different in Education, Something Different at King’s Academy, and Six- Man Football returns to Tyler.

Tyler Junior College the Largest Junior College in Texas

April 21st, 2010

Tyler Junior College is one of the biggest Junior colleges in the country. Everyone in Tyler knows about Tyler Junior College. Tyler Junior College is known for its three promises; 1. A quality education, 2. A Vibrant Student Life, and 3. Community Service. Tyler Junior College started in 1926. The student body was not much more than a few hundred.

In Tyler TJC has become more than just a college, sadly, it has become the hot hang out spot. Many times it seems that TJC has tried to sweep the crime that happens on the campus under the rug. If you just walk through the campus it is pretty obvious that there is a problem with gangs. Silly fights have broken out due to certain groups standing on other groups spot. It is ridiculous to walk through the campus and to hear the childish yelling. It is extremely annoying to hear the obnoxious hissing of men trying to get a girl’s attention. I think that the campus security is trying to deal with this issue but it never seems to really change.

Although there are really annoying things that happen at TJC, there are really great programs that give back to the community. There are many scholars programs at Tyler Junior College that allows students to receive extra credit and they are able to graduate with honors. These programs give the students opportunities to work in the community and to work along with charities in East Texas.

Tyler Junior College gives many people an opportunity to go to college when they come from a place that maybe their grades were not the best in high school, or if that they do not have very much money. TJC places their students according to a placement test, which tests the students reading, math, and English skills.

TJC does have great opportunities for all people, from successful sport programs and cheerleading to a great drama and music program. The two year college has allowed people to change their lives and have opportunities that they may not have found anywhere else.

Tyler Christian Preschool

April 14th, 2010

714 Shelley Drive
Tyler, TX 75701-9440
Phone: (903) 534-9987

Well it is now after midnight, and I’m only now sitting down to do something I’ve intended to do for some time.  It’s been about four months since I last published anything on the directory, but in that time it has been my intention to write about a tremendous local business that is having a lasting positive influence on area families.

As a single dad I know the guilt that many parents feel about dropping off their children at daycare before going to work. As the only bread winner in my house however, child care is for me, a necessary evil. After making the tough decision to place my son in someone else’s care during the day, my dilemma became one of determining the most suitable people with whom to leave him. Of course I wanted a safe secure location, with room out doors to play, and a caring and patient staff, who were well trained and accustomed to dealing all kinds of children, (in our case, a very active and energetic two year old boy). Perhaps most important to me was that he be in place where the teachers cultivate my son’s developing faith. In Tyler Christian Preschool, I found a daycare / preschool that offers all of these things.

After an admittedly shaky start due to facility and personnel issues, TCP has grown into an excellent Tyler institution. Its purpose is to provide a Christian environment where children from the ages of six weeks to five years can grow and develop. The building has undergone a series of updates and repairs and now offers a great space where the kids can play, learn and rest.

TCP’s curriculum is “Christian based.” It incorporates Bible stories, songs and gospel lessons. The teachers are terrific and do their very best to add to the children’s sense of safety, security and familiarity. Perhaps most important is the fact that the teachers genuinely care about their students and have the children’s best interest at heart.

Tyler Christian Preschool offers fulltime care for children ranging in ages from six weeks to six years. Part time after school care is available for students six to thirteen years old. During the summer months, full time care is also available for students six to thirteen years old. This includes activities and field trips.

While starting a new school can be a difficult transition in a child’s life, (and a parent’s for that matter); it doesn’t have to be traumatic. After a short period of transition (about a week or so), my son has come to love his school. Anytime we happen to pass Tyler Christian Preschool, he proudly shouts “that’s MY school!” to anyone in earshot.

I heartily recommend checking out Tyler Christian Preschool. They are located at 714 Shelley Dr. in Tyler, and can be reached via telephone at (903) 534 9987. Also see their website at www.tylercp.com.

Adventures in Learning

April 1st, 2010

Adventures in Learning

4538 S Broadway
Tyler Texas 75703
Phone: 903-509-9205

If you are a home-schooler or wanting to give your child a head start or leg up with their education, then oh my goodness, this store is for you!

Located in the French Quarter, across from Tyler Mall, you will find Adventures in Learning. The store front suggests nothing unusual, I have passed it several occasions and just assumed it sold a few educational games and some nice Melissa and Doug puzzles, but when you enter, you will see that it is a treasure trove of educational products. The store goes back and back and it is stocked with fabulous books, games, puzzles, and teaching materials of every kind. There are puppets, musical instruments, science kits, manipulatives for hands on learning, classroom décor, sports equipment and a host of teacher aids and classroom supplies. They have a seasonal section and even have a Christian education department, which could be helpful for Sunday school or VBS supplies.

Now I know why I mustn’t home school my kids – I would be so tempted by all the stuff in this shop that my weekly shopping budget would be gone in a whisker! Seriously, though, this shop stocks everything you would need to teach – except for the kids themselves. Everything is well laid out and clearly marked and the staff are very helpful. If you are a bit overwhelmed when you walk in, like I was, they will provide you with a catalog containing all the learning materials they stock or can get hold of for you. They also have a website www.adventuresinlearning-tx.com

One other thing – they can supply large items like furniture, overhead projectors, lockers and so on.

I was very impressed with this store and it’s contents.  I have to say that it is quite pricey, but if you had to order these products online you would have to pay additional shipping charges, so perhaps it works out. If you are intending to invest in your child’s education then Adventures in Learning is a great place to visit with your credit card.

Tyler Christian Heritage School

January 17th, 2010

Tyler Christian Heritage School is located off Dixie Drive close to the airport. The school is a non-profit ministry that was started by YWAM (Youth with a Mission) because they saw the need for children to learn biblical principles at the same time help them to be educated in a Christian way. Christian Heritage School is an amazing school that was pioneered in 1980 by Jim and Barbara Kilkenny. Jim and Barbara both had been teaching in public schools before starting Tyler Christian Heritage. They saw the need was great for truth being taught to the children, but more than them loving education, they love God and His word. In my opinion, they are truly heroes because they decided a long time ago to sacrifice their wants and needs so they could serve God and help spread the gospel of truth through a private school.

Their vision is to teach the children how to reason from God’s word and apply it to their everyday life. They offer kindergarten through 12Th grade. I myself went to the school for awhile and to be truthful I did not appreciate what was being taught because I was too immature and stubborn to realize the things that they were teaching me. I never once thought that there was a difference to what was being taught in private school and public school, not until I was older and left the school. When I entered the real world I regretted not taking education seriously and thinking that school was just boring. I now see that Christian Heritage School is a blessing. All the staff that tried to help me in school…didn’t do it for money but for the love of God. They make no money off teaching. They are doing it because they love education and see the importance of teaching based on godly principles. If I had to do it over, I would take every moment seriously and know that they truly care about my well being and the choices I make in life.

The staff knows that if they get you to reason from the truth you will know how to self govern and won’t need someone in life to tell you what to do. You will long to do what is right on your own if you can reason from the truth. The school provides a safe environment where children can learn about God, and all the subjects that He created. It might be a shock for some to realize that God was the originator of all the subjects that we now learn in school. Unfortunately, today in public schools they rob you of the truth that God was the creator of the universe and that without Him nothing exists. Christian Heritage teaches the right morals in life. The school also has many things to do with sports. The offer volleyball, basketball, soccer, tennis and track. They welcome home schooled children to come and play in any of the sport activities. The school is ready to work with your children and family, depending on your circumstances. They will always give people a chance and their heart is to not turn anyone away. Just like public school, Christian Heritage does have rules to go by to ensure the safety and well being of your children.

Some parents have always been worried whether their children would get a proper education. Many of the students that graduated from Christian Heritage School have gone on to pursue additional education in a junior college and eventually earn a bachelor degree. Going to Christian Heritage School won’t hinder your child from being the person they want to become or accomplishing their goals in life. It will only prepare them to be better equipped for life. So rest assured that if you choose to send your children to Christian Heritage that they would get an excellent education and make long lasting friendships.