Highlights of a Providence Education!
Grammar School Events
A distinction of full-time classical Christian education is the gift of time. Teachers and students have time to dive deeply into their subjects through hands-on learning, special events, and unique experiences. These opportunities serve as signposts to fix and fasten what students have been learning in history, science, literature, Bible, and beyond. These are just some of the examples of Grammar School experiences enjoyed by Pre-K through 6th graders:
- Donuts with Dad, Muffins with Mom, Grandparents Day, Father-Daughter Dance
- Field Days, Spelling Bee, Class Parties, Book Parties & Reading Vacations
- Pre-K Store, Nativity Play, Pancakes & Pajamas, Vet Clinic & Reptile Day
- Kindergarten Little Red Hen Play, Patriotic Presentations & Entymology Exhibit
- First Grade Hat Parade, French Feast & Egyptian Feast
- Second Grade Trojan War Play & Birth of Christ Play
- Third Grade Wonka Day, Viking Play, Medieval Feast & State Float Parade
- Fourth Grade Gingerbread House Engineering & Shakespeare Play
- Fifth Grade Thanksgiving Feast, Colonial Day, Boston Tea Party Play & Science Labs
- Sixth Grade Western Expansion Day, WWI Trench Digging & WWII Wax Museum
Upper School Events
Hands-on learning and special events don’t stop after 6th grade. At Providence, all grades actively participate in their education and enjoy events that build relationships, provide leadership opportunities, and develop the faith and character of our Paladins. Upper School events include:
- Donuts with Dad, Muffins with Mom, Grandparents Day, Father-Daughter Dance
- Rhetoric School (9th-12th) & Logic School (7th-8th) Retreats
- House Games & Socials
- Class Breakfasts & Parties
- Dances
- Junior-Senior Ball
- Movie Nights
- Homecoming
- Theme Nights at PCS Athletics
- Powder Puff & Powder Buff Games
- Special Performances
Field Trips
Off-campus trips are another way in which Providence students of all ages gain first-hand experience in the topics they are studying. Field trips are a favorite volunteer opportunity for parents who drive and chaperone. Typical PCS field trips include:
- Alley Theater
- Angel’s Pet Hospital
- Culinary Institute LeNôtre
- Dunham Bible Museum at Houston Christian University
- George Ranch Historical Park
- Houston Grand Opera
- Houston Museum of Natural Science
- Houston Zoo
- iFly Physics Course
- Mercer Arboretum
- Museum of the American GI
- NASA
- Newman’s Castle
- One Room Schoolhouse
- Rice University
- St. Martin’s Episcopal Church
- Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site
- Wunderlich Farm
Senior Thesis
The Senior Thesis serves as the capstone of a classical Christian education, requiring young scholars to apply skills acquired throughout their time at Providence. With the guidance of their Rhetoric II teacher and faculty thesis advisors, Seniors select topics of significant personal interest, research their topic, and develop a strong thesis statement. They research all sides of their argument so that they cannot only prove their thesis but also offer rebuttals to counter-arguments. This research becomes the foundation of a clear and persuasive thesis paper. Once the thesis paper is complete, seniors re-craft their argument into a speech that they memorize. Finally, seniors present their theses to the greater school community and defended their arguments before a panel of expert interlocutors. By the time they’ve finished their Senior Thesis, Providence graduates are well prepared to confidently tackle college assignments and beyond!
Senior Trip
The study of Western civilization is central to a complete classical Christian education and to our students’ understanding of the world in which they live. To properly understand the grand achievements of Western culture, however, it’s best to examine them firsthand. For this reason, the final step of our students’ Providence experience is to travel together to Italy (or England, if travel to Italy is restricted)! Guided by Providence faculty and travel experts, our newest graduates embark on a grand adventure together and experience locations that they’ve previously studied in History, Literature, Art, and more during their time at PCS. Some Seniors continue their French studies with an add-on trip to France or meet up with family or friends to continue exploring Europe. A portion of the Senior Trip cost is covered through fundraising. Common sites visited on the Senior Trip include:
- Venice (Gondola Tour, Rialto, Doges’ Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica)
- Florence (Accademia, Uffizi, Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Tuscan countryside)
- Assissi (Basilica of St. Francis)
- Rome (Catacombs, Roman Forum, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza di Spagna, Galleria Borghese)
- Vatican City (St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel)
Sophomore Trip to Washington, D.C.
As a follow-up to their study of U.S. History and in preparation to study Government, Providence 10th graders enjoy a special opportunity to travel together to Washington, D.C.! Sophomores travel with Providence faculty to our nation’s capital and experience history and the inner workings of our government first-hand. Parents have the option to travel with their child, and a portion of the trip cost is covered through fundraising.
