Each winter at Timothy Christian School, something special happens. One afternoon a week, students in Grades 5–8 close their books, step out of their regular routines, and dive into learning in a whole new way. We call this time Electives, and it quickly becomes a highlight of the school year.
Electives are designed to give students the opportunity to explore new interests, develop practical skills, and learn alongside peers in a hands-on, community-focused setting. Students get to choose which elective they want to be part of, making learning personal, engaging, and meaningful. This year, with nine incredible options to choose from, deciding wasn’t easy!
We were also excited to welcome a few homeschool students into our electives program. Learning together provided a wonderful opportunity to build community, form new friendships, and grow together as learners.
Learning by Doing
One of the most meaningful aspects of electives is how students learn—by doing. Whether they are experimenting, creating, cooking, coding, or competing, students are actively engaged in the learning process.
Jackson, who participated in the Science elective, shared how hands-on learning made a difference for him:
“I enjoy electives because we get to learn by making things. I learned that the gases of a candle can make a windmill. In electives we build community because we work with a group and the group helps us. Electives are important because then it is not all work, but it is also fun.”
Across all electives, students are encouraged to wonder, ask questions, and try new things. From building hovercrafts to decorating cakes, sewing projects to coding games, learning becomes an experience—one that sticks.
Exploring Passions and Discovering Gifts
Electives give students the freedom to explore interests they may not encounter during a typical school day. Cooking, drama, pickleball, curling, coding, wood burning, cake decorating, horseback riding, and more offered students a chance to discover new skills—and sometimes surprising talents.
Bennett, who chose the Cooking elective, loved learning practical skills:
“We made butter chicken, falafel and much more. I enjoyed learning how to make and prep it for our meal. I hope they have cooking again for more people.”
For others, electives sparked creativity and confidence. Vivian, part of the Drama elective, reflected on the power of collaboration:
“I think it helps us build community because we all had to work together and figure out a way to create an awesome play. Electives are a really important part of TCS because we get to choose something we are really interested in.”
Building Knowledge, Faith, and Community
While electives are fun, they are also intentional. Each elective includes weekly learning targets that help students focus on growth—paying attention to new skills, asking thoughtful questions, and noticing areas of challenge and success. After each session, students write reflections, helping them recognize what they’ve learned and how they’ve grown.
Hailey, who participated in the Pickleball elective, beautifully captured how electives connect learning, faith, and relationships:
“It builds knowledge, faith, and community because we get to learn something new, do it for Jesus and use the gifts He has given us, and learn how to play well with others.”
That combination—learning, faith, and community—is at the heart of electives at TCS. Students aren’t just learning new skills; they’re learning how to encourage one another, work as a team, show patience, and use their God-given gifts.
Encouragement, Patience, and Community
Many students highlighted the role of volunteer leaders who generously shared their time and expertise. Their patience, encouragement, and care made electives a safe and welcoming place to try something new.
Isaac, part of the Curling elective, shared:
“I appreciated that my elective leaders seemed patient and they were very helpful.”
Others echoed that sentiment, noting how leaders created an environment where mistakes were okay and growth was celebrated.
Electives also provided a unique space to connect with students outside of regular classrooms. Beckett, who also chose curling, shared:
“It is a good way to have fun and meet new people who are homeschooled.”
A Meaningful Part of Life at TCS
Wednesday afternoons became a precious time this winter—time to learn, laugh, create, and grow together. Electives remind us that education is about more than textbooks and tests. It’s about nurturing curiosity, developing skills, and helping students discover how they can use what they learn to serve God and others.
As one student put it simply: “Electives are so much fun.”
We are deeply thankful for the volunteers, leaders, and students who made this year’s electives such a meaningful experience. Through electives, students at Timothy Christian School continue to grow in knowledge, faith, and community—learning not only new skills, but also how to live, learn, and serve together.