Levels 3 through 8 at Branches Academy at The Vine
Welcome to Branches Academy at The Vine, a private Christian school in Laurel, Montana, dedicated to nurturing young hearts and minds in the light of Christ. Formerly New Life School of Light, our Levels 3 through 8 programs serve students ages 8 to 14 (approximately 3rd to 8th grade), fostering their holistic development—spiritually, socially, intellectually, emotionally, and physically. As a ministry of The Vine, we partner with parents to fulfill the biblical call to “train up a child” (Proverbs 22:6), discipling students to know God deeply, live out His truth, and thrive through faith-integrated, individualized learning that equips them for Kingdom impact.
Our Programs
Our Levels 3 through 8 programs provide a rigorous, faith-based education for students ages 8 to 14. With small class sizes (1:14 ratio) and personalized attention, students experience both teacher-led group instruction and individualized skill work where each student advances at their own pace. We use two tracks working together: shared learning sessions for Socratic discussion, discipleship, and formation — and personalized skill sessions where students advance through demonstrated mastery, not just by grade level.
- Levels 3–4 (Ages 8–10, Approximately 3rd–4th Grade)
- Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.
- Tuition: $400/month.
- Focus: Building foundational skills in core subjects like math, language arts, science, history, and Bible, with interactive multimedia and hands-on projects to encourage curiosity and emotional growth.
- Levels 5–8 (Ages 10–14, Approximately 5th–8th Grade)
- Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.
- Tuition: $400/month.
- Focus: Advancing in core curriculum, electives, and career-technical education (CTE) options, emphasizing critical thinking, spiritual maturity, and preparation for high school through dynamic, Christ-centered lessons.
Enrollment Information
- Eligibility: Students must meet age-appropriate progression for levels 3–8; Montana law requires attendance for ages 6–16.
- Tuition: $400/month, with discounts for full-year or multi-student families (contact our Director).
Our Approach
Rooted in our core values of love, literacy, and the Word of God, we view education as discipleship — nurturing the whole child spiritually, academically, and relationally. As students grow through these critical years, they encounter rigorous content alongside the truth that knowledge is a gift from God, and learning is an act of stewardship. Our approach honors each student's unique wiring while holding a high standard of mastery.
Students advance through each skill level only when they demonstrate genuine understanding — not just because the calendar moved on. This mastery-based progression builds real confidence, closes gaps before they grow, and gives every student a solid foundation to build on.
We also incorporate the 7 Thinking Modules (Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, Linguistic, Logical/Mathematical, Kinesthetic, Musical, Visual/Spatial) to honor each child’s unique thinking style, ensuring engaging and effective learning. This aligns with our belief that children are wired for love and optimism, promoting positive mindsets for lifelong success.
Partnering with Parents
Parental involvement is essential to student success, as supported by research and biblical principles. We foster strong home-to-school partnerships through:
Our discipline approach, grounded in Galatians 5:22–23, emphasizes the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) to guide students toward self-awareness and Christ-like behavior. Reflective time-outs teach responsibility, always emphasizing forgiveness and restoration.
- Parent Involvement: Volunteer in classrooms, assist with events like Family Fun Nights, or contribute to projects such as field trips and fundraising.
- Communication: Monthly newsletters, our church app, and Parent-Teacher Connections (September, February, May) keep families informed and engaged with their student's progress.
- Practical Support: Parents provide a backpack, water bottle, cold sack lunch, and a change of clothes for emergencies. Students wear modest, activity-appropriate clothing and Branches Academy shirts.
Our discipline approach, grounded in Galatians 5:22–23, emphasizes the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) to guide students toward self-awareness and Christ-like behavior. Reflective time-outs teach responsibility, always emphasizing forgiveness and restoration.