A  Meaningful Context  for Learning

Faith is a fundamental part of the learning experience at Dock Mennonite Academy. The school provides a safe, accepting, and nurturing environment for students of all faiths to discuss, debate, explore and to seek ownership of their faith. The mutually respectful relationship between faculty and students provides a foundation for the freedom to be curious and allows for an authentic faith experience.

Through opportunities that include regular Chapel, Bible classes, student led Bible studies, extra-curriculars, and the upper-level elective course, Faith Walk, students discover what they truly believe and can confidently articulate their faith. They gain an appreciation for hearing about the faith journeys of others and connect with their peers on a deeper, more substantial level. Students use the education they receive at Dock as a tool to carry out their journey as faithful followers of Christ in everyday life.

From the first day of class, Dock students begin a journey of understanding how to genuinely put others before themselves. They learn to have a broader perspective, and to extend their knowledge from school, home, and church, out into the world. Enrolled in a curriculum with an emphasis placed on service, peace and justice, community, and global citizenship, students quickly discover ways to put their faith in action. 

Through an array of community outreach programs and partnerships with service organizations, students learn to be leaders and mature as individuals by serving others. As seniors reflect on their time at Dock before graduation, some of their most meaningful experiences are from service trips facilitated during Mini-Term or Senior Experience weeks. These real-world interactions leave a lasting impression on students, giving them the opportunity to grow in their faith, and flourish as responsible, dependable individuals who dedicate themselves to being good citizens of the world.

The recently expanded STEM curriculum (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) provides students with the skills and knowledge to help them succeed in our increasingly digital society, economy, and culture. Key components of the STEM curriculum include new Computer Science courses in coding, computer systems and networks, database systems, programming languages, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and software engineering, as well as the development of a STEM lab at the Grades 9-12 Campus to provide increased hands-on learning in robots, circuits, and 3D printing.

The Building Community curriculum provides opportunities each year that build healthy relationships within the school community and expose students to service opportunities in the broader community and the world. The Guidance Department actively coordinates lessons, activities, and input with teachers across the content areas to provide an integrated approach to “building community.”

See the Curriculum Guide (p. 52) for more about the Building Community Curriculum.

Mini-Term lasts for four days in September and is a time of intense, hands-on, experiential learning in small groups that provides an educational experience beyond what is offered in the traditional classroom. The goals of individual Mini-Term courses correlate with Dock’s Mission Statement and Graduate Profile, including our emphasis on equipping and inspiring students to serve with a global perspective. 

Hands-on, experiential learning is the trend in education today, but Dock has been embracing the concept of hands-on learning for years, and one of the best examples is Senior Experience, when seniors spend a week outside the classroom, job shadowing in careers of interest or practicing service to others. Seniors are required to complete at least 30 hours of job shadowing or service. These may be completed with one placement or with multiple. Sometimes the experience confirms students' vocational interests—and sometimes it pushes them in a different direction. In all cases, though, the experiences are valuable.

Check out the following Lamplighter articles to learn more.

Mini-Term 2024

Senior Experience 2024

The arts program at Dock Mennonite Academy is an essential component of the learning experience. Dock student musicians and artists shine on stage and in the studio, as well as in the classroom, with many going on to participate in the arts at the collegiate level. The arts have a unique capability to tap into emotion and connect us to one another, which is important for all students to experience. Whether it is playing the violin, painting a canvas, or singing in Touring Choir, actively participating in the arts is an opportunity made available to all students.

The athletics program is a remarkable part of the learning experience at Dock Mennonite Academy. Dock student athletes excel both on the field and in the classroom, with many going on to participate in sports at the collegiate level. At Dock, being an active participant on a team is an opportunity made available to as many students as possible. The values learned through sports—work ethic, sportsmanship, teamwork, pride, respect, overcoming adversity—are important for any student to learn.