Winterim

• Students choose courses that relate to their passions.
• Teachers teach to their passions and are able to explore important topics normally not covered in semester classes.
• Smaller class sizes allow for closer student/teacher relationships that are ideal for faith formation.
• We partner with the community in providing unique educational opportunities not found in a normal seven-period day.
• There is potential for a different learning experience that might reach a different type of learner.
• Travel provides unique opportunities for service and global education.
• Internships give direction as students look to make future decisions.

Many private schools across the country do some type of January term. We spent time reviewing a variety of programs and specifically met with people from Wheaton Academy, a high school that has successfully implemented a Winterim for over 20 years. From that review, we put together a program that we believe will best serve our students.

Students are offered multiple Winterim opportunities based on their grade levels:

• 9th graders: on-campus courses
• 10th graders: on-campus courses and travel
• 11th and 12th graders: on-campus courses, travel, and internships

• There is a cost to travel, but financial assistance may be available.
• There is no cost to intern, but a student must find their own transportation.
• Most courses are free. There may be a few courses with extra cost if supplies are extremely expensive or if a student receives a certification.

No, families may not create independent studies or family vacations. We believe that the best opportunities for students will take place through our established offerings.

Yes, four Winterim credits are required for graduation,

All students receive a grade of “credit” or “no credit.”

Winterim replaces one week from each semester and change our school calendar. School starts earlier (the second or third week of August) and allows for first semester to be completed before Christmas vacation. Although one week from each semester is removed, this calendar is ideal for learning and avoids an awkward January end to first semester.

Community partnerships are very important for Winterim. If you are interested in teaching a Winterim course or hosting an intern, email Brian Karsten, Winterim Coordinator, at bkarsten@grcs.org. 

For two weeks, students take two, three-hour courses that immerse them in an amplified learning experience. It allows for hands-on and community-based learning that may take place both inside and outside the classroom. It allows teachers to dive deeper into a topic or explore a topic not covered during a semester course.
 

Smaller class size is a vital part of Winterim, allowing for students and teachers to work more closely and form deeper Christian relationships. Adjunct instructors will be hired to offer different courses and keep class size down.

Guest instructors must submit a proposal to the Winterim Coordinator and Principal for approval. Upon approval, guest instructors will sign a statement of faith and have background checks before entering the classroom.

Course offerings vary year to year. Each year, in early fall, all offered courses will be published in a Winterim Curriculum guide which is distributed to all students.

Students sign up for classes online in late September/early October. Sign-ups take place by seniority.

Internships provides students with the opportunity to sample possible career choices. This experience has the potential to affect a student’s college decision and/or choice of a field of study.

The student may choose where to intern in the community. The internship must be approved by the student, host, parent/guardian, and school before taking place.

Making a connection with an internship host is the responsibility of the student. If the student doesn’t sense that they have a viable connection in the community, Winterim staff will help the student find a potential host.

A school representative (Winterim internship supervisor) visits the student during Winterim at their internship site. The intern host evaluates the intern on their ability to fulfill the agreed-upon expectations.

Grand Rapids Christian Winterim trips are an extension of Christian education. Students are given a unique opportunity to learn and serve in the global community alongside a GRCHS staff. Winterim travel helps open students’ eyes to God’s amazing world.

No! Grand Rapids Christian Schools is committed to providing travel opportunities for all families who want this learning experience. GRCS provides financial assistance to families who submit a financial aid applicaiton form and qualify for tuition assistance. Trip offerings vary greatly by price, destination, and purpose. 

Freshmen will have only spent four months on the high school campus and need this time to mature and to form community on campus.
 

Each winter sport coach has established a Winterim travel policy. Coaches have the right to change this policy each year and it may vary by grade level. Please contact Jason Heerema, GRCHS Athletic Director, at jheerema@grcs.org with questions about a specific sport.

Grand Rapids Christian High School will attempt to offer a wide variety of trips to many different parts of the world over a student’s three years of travel eligibility. Trips for the following year will be announced soon after the completion of each Winterim session.