Preparing Students for Adulthood, Calling, and Faithful Living
High school is about more than graduation.
Parents want their students to step into adulthood with wisdom, confidence, and a faith that is steady in the real world.
At Haw River Christian Academy, our Rhetoric School (grades 9–12) provides a Christ-centered, classical education that prepares students to communicate clearly, think deeply, and live faithfully as they enter college and beyond.
The Final Stage of the Classical Journey
Rhetoric School is the culmination of a classical Christian education.
In these years, students begin bringing together everything they have learned, not only to understand ideas but to express them with maturity, clarity, and purpose.
This is a season of growth where students are formed to engage the world thoughtfully and step forward with confidence.
Forming Young Adults with Wisdom and Character
The goal of Rhetoric School is not simply academic achievement.
It is the formation of young men and women who are prepared for real life.
Students are encouraged to grow in:
- Responsibility and discipline
- Confidence in communication
- Wisdom in decision-making
- Humility and courage in faith
- A clear sense of calling and purpose
Education here is meant to shape the whole person.
Rigorous Academics That Prepare Students Well
Haw River’s Rhetoric School offers strong academic preparation with a classical foundation.
Students engage in:
- Advanced writing, literature, and rhetoric
- Preparation to write and defend Senior Thesis
- History and thoughtful worldview study
- Mathematics and scientific reasoning
- Logic, discussion, and persuasive communication
Graduates show strong academic results and are well prepared for college and beyond.
Learning to Speak with Clarity and Grace
One of the defining marks of the rhetorical years is communication.
Students learn how to:
- Express ideas confidently and respectfully
- Engage complex topics thoughtfully
- Lead discussions with maturity
- Write and speak with precision
- Pursue truth with humility
They are prepared not only to succeed but to contribute faithfully in whatever path lies ahead.
A Faith That Lasts Beyond Graduation
As students prepare for adulthood, they need more than information. Students study Scripture as one unified story from Genesis to Revelation, revisiting it throughout their years at Haw River.
They need a faith that is rooted, thoughtful, and lived.
At Haw River, biblical truth continues to shape every subject and every season of learning, helping students develop:
- Discernment and wisdom
- Confidence grounded in Christ
- A worldview shaped by Scripture
- Courage to live faithfully in a complex world
Our desire is for graduates to carry their faith with them, not leave it behind.
A Community That Supports Students
Through High School
High school students need challenge, but also care.
Families value what Haw River provides:
Teachers who mentor and invest personally
Small classes and meaningful relationships
A culture of respect, maturity, and encouragement
Academic seriousness without isolation
A community where students are known and supported
A Grand Tour of Greece and Italy for Upper School
Students are not lost in the crowd. They are guided toward adulthood with purpose.
Students enjoy these trips, groups, and gatherings every year
Grand Tour of Greece and Italy (11th)
Rising seniors spend two weeks walking the streets of ancient Greece and Italy, bringing their classical and biblical studies to life in Athens, Rome, and beyond.
House System (7th–12th)
Upper school students are grouped into cross-grade Houses that foster mentorship, friendly competition, service, and spiritual growth.
Mock Trial (7th–12th)
Students study legal principles and argue cases in the Pittsboro Courthouse, training in logic, rhetoric, and the pursuit of truth and justice — with top students advancing to regional competition.
Science Olympiad (7th–12th)
Students compete against other schools in hands-on science challenges that build critical thinking, teamwork, and a love of discovery.
Protocol (7th–12th)
A formal alternative to prom where students enjoy an elegant dinner, practice etiquette, and dance together in a joyful, purposeful evening.
An Education That Prepares Students for What Comes Next
The high school years shape the adults students will become.
Come visit Haw River Christian Academy and experience a Rhetoric School that prepares graduates for college, calling, and faithful life beyond graduation.