Education for the Head
Academics
Houghton Academy prepares its graduates to become people of integrity and Christian character, striving to equip them for success in the colleges and careers of their choice. Graduation requirements include four credits each of English and social studies, three credits each of math and science, five elective credits, one credit of fine arts, and one-half credit of health. Credit in Bible and in physical education is required for each year of attendance. Elective subjects include accounting, biology, chemistry, physics, advanced math, computer applications, desktop publishing, Spanish, art, choir, band, and speech. Advanced students may take courses at Houghton College for both high school and college credit.
The average student takes a minimum of seven academic courses per semester. The average ratio of students to teachers in an academic classroom is 16:1. Dorm students have 90 minutes of supervised study time each weeknight.
Grades are based on a 100-point scale with the following ranges:
A=92-100
B=83-91
C=74-82
D=65-73
F=below 65
Houghton Academy operates on a semester system. Grade reports are issued quarterly, and each quarter is approximately eight weeks long. Final exams are cumulative, counting for 20% of a student’s grade for the year.
The Academy offers a unique opportunity for independent study called Winterim. Winterim is a week-long session of non-traditional courses that meets during February. Course offerings vary annually, but have recently included skiing (downhill and cross-country), pottery, drama, outdoor education, swimming, life skills, basic water safety, wood-working, and horsemanship.
Houghton Academy’s remedial program meets after school two days per week and is a program designed to identify students who are not working seriously on academic pursuits. Negligent students may be required to stay after school two days a week and complete unfinished work. The program is primarily punitive, but it also provides an opportunity for students to get close, structured assistance.
Houghton Academy utilizes a modular schedule.
Houghton Academy is a Christian, college-prep boarding and day school enrolling students in grades 7 - 12.
