HCS Exceptional Programs

Envirothon

The Envirothon Program is for students in grades 9-12 who are looking for ways to take on new academic challenges outside of the classroom while having fun exploring the outdoors. Each year 12 students are selected to join HCS Envirothon Program which will form two teams of six students in each. Students would attend workshops that instruct them in the following related topics of Soils, Aquatics, Wildlife, Forestry, and a 5th topic (the subject to this topic rotates each year). Team members would spend time after school developing a better understanding in Maryland’s natural resource areas while looking at complex environmental issues that are affecting them over the course of the school year.

Some of the things students would learn would be how to identify various tree species, determine a tree’s merchantable height, and develop an understanding on silverculture practices. They would be instructed on how to profile soil composition and texture for recreational use or farming. Students would gain a broader understanding on wildlife needs for both terrestrial and aquatic animals. They would explore the many complex- ecosystems and how they are interdependent of each other. Students would evaluate and explore why wetlands and other buffers help protect streams and the Chesapeake Bay.

HCS Envirothon team would then take part in a series of environmental competitions. The first set of competitions begins in the spring with local teams competing for the Harford county Envirothon title. The county winner would advance to the statewide Maryland Envirothon. This competition is a 2½ day event that is usually held in mid-June at an outdoor environmental education center. The winner of the Maryland Envirothon earns the right to represent the state at the Canon Envirothon which is an International level of competition. At state and International level students can earn scholarship money for college.

Foreign Language Student-to-Student Instruction

Under the direction and supervision of the foreign language teacher our 3rd and 4th year German and Spanish students enter the elementary classrooms weekly and teach language to younger students.

VFW Writing Contest

High school students compete for HCS scholarship money through patriotic writing and speech competition.

International Boarding Opportunities for Foreign Students

The 2011/2012 school year marks the opening of an International Student Dormitory at Harford Christian School. Within walking distance from campus, the newly renovated facility will house up to 12 international students as they attend HCS. Dormitory parents supervise a lovely facility where foreign students can advance their education while experiencing American culture. HCS also matriculates a limited number of “home stay” international students, who reside in school family homes during the school year.