Hastings Christian School shares success in new 3-day week model

HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) - Students at Hastings Christian School now only go to school three days a week.

Classical and Christian is how Meredith Haygood, a teacher and the dean of students, describes the school. She said that they decided to only have class three days a week so that students can spend more time with their families.

"We like the idea of families being able to be together through the majority of the week," Haygood said. "Parents being involved in education, older kids having opportunities to do internships and serve the community."

Haygood said that because class sizes are small, and there are only 30 students in the school, it is a great community.

The school came about because there were residents who wanted a learning environment that focused on God.

"Most of the parents who are here believe that all truth is God's truth," Haygood said. "So, as we're learning and exploring the world and learning about the world and growing, we want that to based in the truth of God."

Haygood said that in the classroom, the students are separated differently than most schools. They are divided by skill progress instead of grade level.

"Any teacher will tell you that kids do not all develop their learning in the same way," Haygood said.

She said students at the school like this model over what they have experienced in typical school settings.

"I feel like it's like this more rigorous, that's the word I'm looking for," Berin Nitzeo, a student at Hastings Christian School, said. "It's more, like a rigorous school. I feel like it pushes you more, that's the word I'm looking for. It pushes you and it's like the standard's high."

Hailey Keinsey, a student at Hastings Christian School, said she feels like the school has pushed her out of her comfort zone.

"I even have like higher grades than I did in any schools I've had. So, I'm very happy about that and just so excited for what's to come too," Keinsey said.

Haygood said she has seen the students learning more and refining their skills with their new model.

"The three days allows us to really be on it when we're here and so preparing really robust class times when we're just full to the max," Haygood said.