SERVICES
ESSA ALLIANCE SERVICES
The ESSA supports Christian schools through a variety of learning models
Online Learning
By leveraging cutting-edge technology, quality curriculum, a blend of synchronous and asynchronous instruction, and best practices in online education, administration, and teacher support, member and partner schools can offer students the option to learn remotely.
Learn MoreBrick-and-Mortar Private Schools
By providing additional academic resources to brick-and-mortar private schools. This includes professional development, academic guidance, or offering advanced online classes that schools may be unable to provide.
Learn MoreHybrid Schooling
By supporting blended learning that combines in-person and online learning opportunities. This includes services such as admissions, faculty support, counseling, etc. depending on the grade levels covered.
Enrichment Centers
By supporting brick-and-mortar locations where teachers provide various services, including in-person courses and tutoring services, to fully support homeschool students via Hybrid Learning on a weekly basis.
Learn MoreHomeschooling
By supporting homeschool co-ops created by like-minded parents around shared educational values. Through co-ops, we offer students extracurricular activities, specialized or advanced courses, and opportunities for social and emotional development.
PARTNERSHIPS
Enlightium School System Agency (ESSA) establishes two types of partnerships with other schools and organizations: partners and members.
PARTNERS
Partner schools benefit from various services available through their relationship with ESSA. Partner schools purchase services as agreed upon in the alliance contract, such as curriculum and teacher services. Other services include professional development, such as leadership training, Bible CEUs for meeting ACSI recertification requirements and training on topics like faculty evaluation, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement.
A partnership is an excellent option for homeschooling co-op groups or schools that want to utilize our curriculum and faculty to offer various electives and advanced coursework but do not need further guidance and support.
We also provide guidance for churches that wish to open a Christian school for their community and need support from the beginning. This process takes about one year before students can be enrolled. These schools may become members or partners as they work on developing their programs.
Members
Member schools enjoy a more comprehensive set of benefits through ESSA while also agreeing to comply with the “Membership Requirements” established by ESSA. Membership benefits include full accreditation as part of ESSA’s school system, administrative support and oversight, and guidance in continuous school improvement.
INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICE
Enlightium School System Agency's (ESSA) instructional practice is aligned to the four domains within Cognia’s accreditation protocol and includes Culture of Learning, Leadership for Learning, Engagement of Learning, and Growth in Learning.
Culture of Learning
ESSA emphasizes the importance of cultivating and maintaining a positive institutional culture that promotes learning and growth for both educators and students. We support schools in creating environments where learning thrives, enabling students to reach their full potential. ESSA and its members uphold a culture aligned with our faith and values through policies and procedures that promote these principles.
Leadership for Learning
ESSA aligns with best practices in educational leadership and ensures that member and partner schools are grounded in sound principles and ethical practices. We promote effective leadership that drives educational quality and student success by establishing a clear vision, setting high expectations, and creating a strategic direction for the institution. Our leaders inspire and support staff, manage resources efficiently, and engage stakeholders in the continuous improvement process.
Engagement of Learning
ESSA and its members believe in engaging students in the learning process. We leverage the best instructional strategies, curriculum design, and technology to create interactive, engaging, and relevant learning experiences. Recognizing the importance of early learning, ESSA offers opportunities for academic and social engagement at the primary, elementary, middle, and high school levels to cater to students at each stage of their academic journey.
Growth in Learning
ESSA’s approach to fostering growth in learning is built upon data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement. We regularly evaluate instructional programs and organizational conditions to ensure alignment with our mission and objectives, making necessary interventions when required. The Continuous School Improvement Plan (CSIP) is data-driven to ensure objective measurement and alignment with our vision and mission. We maintain and review the CSIP annually.
Digital Learning
ESSA prioritizes the authenticity of student work, ensuring that students engage meaningfully with the curriculum and demonstrate their understanding. We maintain rigorous standards for awarding grades and course credits, aligning with academic excellence. We are committed to providing high-quality digital education that adheres to best practices in the field.
CURRICULUM
A curriculum is the backbone of any school. It refers to the knowledge and skills students are expected to learn - that includes the learning standards, learning objectives, and expected student outcomes. ESSA schools offer multiple curricula options:
ESSA’s member or partner schools may choose their own curriculum as long as it meets the minimum requirements determined by ESSA. The following curriculum options are pre-approved:
Book-based Christian curricula from AOP or BJU Press
Ignitia online curriculum, developed and distributed by Imagine Learning
Enlightium’s curriculum in Canvas, piloting for 6th grade in 2024-2025.