IQuest

IQuest is an academic program designed for students who are actively pursuing a passion, typically athletics or acting, and must spend extraordinary amounts of time per day perfecting their craft in an attempt to be world-class in their area of pursuit. For these students, a traditional school schedule would prohibit their pursuit because of their intense practice and travel schedules. Parents often instead choose to home-school their children or send them to a boarding school. IQuest provides an alternative to these choices by offering an outstanding, rigorous college preparatory education that, through the use of a small-group instructional model, is flexible enough for these students’ needs.

IQuest works by offering a concentrated academic day, focusing on the core areas of education, combined with independent study throughout the year. Students in the program will continue to make progress towards their college preparatory diploma. To facilitate IQuest students’ practice schedules, students are typically finished with their instructional day by 12:30, leaving ample time for homework, practice, socialization, and family.

IQuest has a number of advantages over home-schooling. First, Pisgah is a SACS accredited school and the curriculum used in the IQuest classrooms is the same curriculum used in the traditional classroom. In fact, students in the IQuest program still have some classes in the regular classroom, particularly science, where being in the science class and experiencing labs is a crucial part of the educational experience. Further, these students will still be Patriots and will have the opportunity to participate in co-curricular offerings, participate on sports teams, go to Friday football games, and attend prom. Thus, IQuest students will not miss out on the important socialization opportunities sometimes lost for home-schooled children.

Pisgah believes that family and Christian values are vital aspects of a child’s whole education. Dr. Smyth believes that a good family unit is particularly important for world class athletes and performers. When children reach the pinnacle of their sport or craft, often their level of responsibility may outweigh their maturity as they are thrust into public eye. For example, a 16-year-old tennis player may compete in the US Open and have to navigate school, the media, psycho-social issues related to new-found recognition, and tennis. This can become overwhelming and only strong family relationships can help guide children through these situations. When a student is in a boarding school, parents do not have the same ability to shape their child’s maturity in this regard. Thus, perhaps most importantly, IQuest students will continue to live at home where they will continue to learn morals and gain maturity while attending a school grounded in Christian faith and values.

If you have questions about any of these services, contact Dr. Smyth, at the IMPACT office at 678-336-3364.