Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:16

Celebrating a high school graduation at various times during the year is becoming a common occurence at the Ranch. In 2020 two students in both late June and mid August received their high school diplomas. Their ages ranged from 16 to 19 years old. In May of 2021 an 18 year old graduated just prior to his 19th birthday. In December last year three 17 year olds completed required courses in time to graduate a semester earlier than anticipated! 

What is uncommon at a traditional school is becoming more and more common at Saint Andrew’s School. The school is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International. Prior to graduation, children complete the courses as required by the State of Tennessee to receive a high school diploma. 

Many of the children at the Ranch come from traumatic situations. Instability in their homelife can result in their being in various academic grade levels. Each child has an Individual Curriculum Plan that includes curriculum tailored to their learning style. This gives children opportunties to excel at an accelerated pace in areas where gifted, and catch up in areas where they are lagging. Once children experience the stability of the Ranch and benefit from weekly counseling, we can see great strides in academics. 

While we certainly understand the value of scholastic success, nothing is more important than for these children to know how much God loves them. The order of the Ranch vision statement is not an accident. We aim to see each child Inspired to follow Christ, Healed from their past, and Equipped to reach their full potential. Please pray for these graduates to abide in Him as they venture away from the Ranch and for wisdom in accepting new children to the Ranch as openings are available. 

If you know a family that is struggling, please share this information with them. In could mean the opportunity of a lifetime for a child in crisis.