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Honors Academy

at Eastern Christian School

Academics, Service & Experience

Cultivating academic excellence, service to others, and meaningful co-curricular involvement, the Eastern Christian School Honors Academy is designed to engage, motivate, and challenge our strongest and most ambitious students. 

Applications will be made available in the spring of eighth grade, and occasionally ninth grade, for all students who believe they may be a good fit for the Honors Academy. Strong candidates typically earn mostly As in their classes and score in the 90th percentile on a nationally normed assessment like MAP tests.

Academics

Honors Academy students must maintain a minimum 3.75 grade point average per semester, complete at least 10 honors, AP, or dual enrollment courses during high school, and participate in at least one national or regional academic competition. Seniors will complete a culminating capstone project.

Service

Students within the Honors Academy will satisfy a minimum of 12.5 hours of service learning per year, preferably with the same non-profit organization. Sophomore students will serve as mentor leaders on a middle school retreat trip.

Experience

Involvement in two categorically different co-curricular activities each year (e.g. athletics and music) is required. Honors Academy students are expected to participate in all Leadership Lecture Series events, attend an annual retreat, maintain an academy journal, and meet regularly with the Honors Academy Advisor.

Application

To apply for the Honors Academy, students must:

• Be successfully accepted/enrolled at Eastern Christian School
• Complete the Honors Academy application (essay and interview)

Honors Academy Application

SEE APPLICATION FOR DEADLINE INFORMATION

Program Highlights

Leadership Lecture Series

The Leadership Lecture Series, sponsored by the Honors Academy, invites industry leaders and experts in their fields to speak to EC students. This series runs three times over the course of the school year and is open to all EC students and families.

Annual Honors Academy Retreat

Each winter, Honors Academy students will enjoy a time of fun, fresh air, and fellowship outside of school. The retreat will focus on community-building, leadership training, and planning for the year ahead. 

Senior Capstone Project

Honors Academy seniors will dream, design, and execute a culminating capstone project. Projects will be collaborative in nature and positively impact a local or global community.

College Preparation

Members of the Honors Academy will develop a strong college resume and application by way of requirements met within the academy. This, along with guidance from our Academic and College Counseling office sets our students up for success at the next level.

Key Benefits for Students

Meet the Program Leadership

If you have questions about the program or would like to learn more, please reach out!

Christine Matias

Christine Matias

High School Mathematics Teacher, Honors Academy Coordinator

Christine Matias

High School Mathematics Teacher, Honors Academy Coordinator

Start Date: 2024

Education: B.S. - Mathematics and Elementary Education, Monmouth University
B.A. - Elementary Education, Monmouth University
M.S.Ed. - Special Education, Monmouth University

Bio:
Christine has spent her professional career serving as a middle school and high school mathematics teacher. After eleven years in public education, Christine felt called to Eastern Christian School because of her desire to help students not only grow in their math skills, but also who they are in Christ. She strives to teach in a way that helps students become less intimidated by mathematics. Christine holds a BS in Mathematics, BA in Elementary Education, and a M.S.Ed in Special Education from Monmouth University. Christine is married to her amazing husband, Jack. They have two children, Ava and Gia, both students at EC. Christine and her family are members of Church Alive where she serves as a member of the Kids Alive team and leads Transform Running. Outside the classroom, Christine enjoys spending time with her family, running, and plans to run the New York City Marathon soon.
Jesse Struck

Jesse Struck

Director of Academic & College Counseling and Honors Academy Advisor

Jesse Struck

Director of Academic & College Counseling and Honors Academy Advisor

Start Date: 2012

Education: B.A. - Psychology, Duquesne University
M.S. - School Counseling, Gwynedd-Mercy University

Bio:

A proud Philadelphia native and NJ transplant, Jesse has held college counseling positions in a variety of schools including The Stony Brook School, Mahwah High School, and a prior term at Eastern Christian (2012-2018). As the Director of Academic and College Counseling at EC, Jesse is committed to providing comprehensive resources and strong support for students throughout their academic progression and postsecondary transition. Jesse also serves as the Advisor for the Eastern Christian School Honors Academy. These complementary roles align with Jesse’s passion for building relationships with students and helping them discern and follow the Lord’s leading in their lives. He is also passionate about Liverpool Football Club, but in a different way. Jesse is married to Lindsey Struck and they have three young children.