Mini-Term
"My favorite experience from Central is Mini-Term. These two weeks every year allow students to learn something new outside of the classroom and bond with classmates. I got to do the Foxfire, Backpacking, Marine Biology, and Fuller Center/Koinonia Farms Mini-Terms. In Foxfire, I gained an appreciation for living simply and enjoyed learning how to weave a basket and make cornbread over a fire. Backpacking in West Virginia taught me that the journey up the mountain is just as beautiful as the view from the top of it. On the Marine Biology Mini-Term in the Florida Keys, I got to research and observe underwater Creation and admire God's intricate design of their habitats with some of my friends. Lastly, the Fuller Center/Koinonia Farms Mini-Term in Americus, Georgia, gave me the opportunity to strengthen my relationship with God and with friends through service." -Lexi Bischoff, Class of 2025
High school Mini-term began in January 1972 and it has been a major annual highlight for students ever since. Mini-term allows us to offer more electives than would normally be possible for a small school. Faculty appreciate the change of pace and the opportunity to guide students in other disciplines and make deeper connections. Students enjoy getting to know faculty in a less formal learning environment. Mini-term also enhances different features of our six distinctives by developing our students’ faith journeys through service opportunities and multi-age relationship building. This allows students to learn more about themselves in new settings and to build new relationships. January high school Mini-term students participate for eight consecutive days starting the first week after Christmas break. High school Mini-term selections also include two summer course offerings which occur in June. Middle school students select two Mini-term classes that meet during three morning and afternoon sessions the first week after Christmas break.
2025 High School Mini-Term Courses
2025 Middle School Mini-Term Courses
2025 Elementary School Mini-Term Courses
"Mini-term was life changing for me. I still have very fond memories of my experiences. My junior year I took a class on personal development with Marion Bontrager. This was the first time I really thought about my strengths and growth areas. As a group we talked about leadership, personality traits, relationships, etc. We created trust in our group and affirmed and encouraged each other to continue developing our leadership skills. This provided a "base" for my experiences in my educational world and for who I am today. My senior year I was able to go to Puerto Rico to continue my studies in Spanish. This was the first time I was exposed to a culture different from my own. I lived with a family who only spoke Spanish, so I relied a lot on my previous Spanish classes and on God.”
-Joyce (Neuenschwander) Taylor, Class of 1973, former CCS Principal