T.E.C.H.

T.E.C.H. at Metro

Navigating the digital world can be one of the greatest challenges for modern families. At Metro, we partner with parents to introduce technology in a way that is age-appropriate, safe, and purposeful. We don’t just put devices in hands; we cultivate the hearts behind them. Our goal is to equip students with the technical skills they need for the future, grounded in the Christian character they need for life.

The T.E.C.H. acronym stands for Tools, Enriching, Christian, and Holistic. It highlights the importance of using technology to support educational endeavors while embracing a Christian worldview and promoting holistic growth among our community.

Tools

At Metro Christian Academy, we view technology as a tool that adds to and enriches the lives of students, teachers, and families. Technology is not the only educational tool we utilize, but it is an important tool to wisely equip students for a bright future.

Enriching

We believe technology enriches and enhances the learning experience and boosts student outcomes.

Christian

All technology use is integrated with our Christ-centered values, principles, and teachings. Christian is at the center of our name and the ultimate lens through which we see education, technology use included.

Holistic

As with all tools we use, Metro utilizes technology in a holistic way, underlining a comprehensive approach to education that addresses the intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of each and every student in their educational and personal journey in life.

Early Childhood

In the early years, we believe high-touch is more valuable than high-tech. Our focus is on developing fine motor skills, social interaction, and wonder through tactile play. Technology is used sparingly and intentionally to document learning or facilitate specific creative moments, never to replace active exploration. Students in Kindergarten and 1st grade have limited, guided access to classroom iPads for center activities such as math supplementation and guided reading boost activities.

Elementary

As students enter elementary school, we introduce technology as a supportive tool for literacy and logic. This is where we continue to lay the groundwork for Digital Citizenship—teaching students that the rules of kindness and integrity apply online just as they do on the playground. Each classroom has a Chromebook cart, so every student has guided access to tools during specific, in-class instructional activities. Elementary students begin learning key skills about digital safety, keyboarding, safe research methods, and more! At this level, devices are classroom-based for facilitated learning rather than take-home.

Middle School

Middle school is the bridge to autonomy. As students gain access to more personal devices, we ramp up our focus on digital discernment and time management. We guide students through the complexities of online communication, research ethics, and the responsibility of having a “digital footprint.” Each student in middle school is assigned a personal Chromebook, which they have the opportunity to use in class for designated tasks and to take home to work on assignments. This step up provides needed safety structures for guided use, as well as an age-appropriate increase in personal responsibility.

High School

In preparation for college and career, high school students are given the autonomy to utilize technology for complex problem-solving and creation. We emphasize “creation over consumption,” challenging students to use their skills to serve others and glorify God. The high school level works from a “bring your own device” policy. Students choose the device type they work from (meeting minimum requirements) while still working on guided digital projects and assignments. High school students have expanded access to digital tools for more advanced research, content creation, and skill development.