Classes

Subjects

Core

  • English is taught by ability, not grade, in small classes (6–8 students). Lessons are multisensory and Christ-centered, helping students engage deeply with literature—from Shakespeare to student-chosen novels. Literature is taught through a redemptive lens, looking for the work of Jesus. Our custom writing program meets students where they are while individually equipping them for college-level essays. Honors and dual enrollment are available.

  • Math classes at HUA are small (4–8 students) and tailored to individual needs. While college-prep in content, lessons are made approachable through hands-on, multisensory methods taught by Marilyn Zecher–trained instructors. Rooted in the beauty of God’s order, students grow in logic, problem-solving, and confidence. Qualified students may pursue dual enrollment for pre-calculus and beyond.

  • At HUA, we believe history is truly His Story. Our original curriculum—including a signature chant—is now taught in schools across the Southeast. Students learn that the same God who moved through ordinary people in the past to accomplish His plan wants to use them today. This dynamic approach brings history to life, deepening understanding and shaping worldview. Though college-prep in content, classes are cohort-based and enriched with discussion, debate, hands-on activities, technology, and period literature. Honors and dual enrollment options available.

  • Students explore God’s creation through hands-on, collaborative science instruction. With master’s-level teachers and lab-based learning, students study general, biological, and physical sciences. Honors and dual enrollment options are available.

Elective

  • God’s Word is central at HUA. Bible is taught daily through multisensory methods, connecting students’ hearts and minds to Jesus. Middle schoolers link Scripture with history, while high schoolers complete an overview of the Old and New Testaments, the character and nature of God, identity in Christ, and how faith intersects with culture.

  • To graduate from the state of Alabama with an honor’s diploma, high school students must take two years of a foreign language, and all HUA students achieve this.  Because American Sign Language (ASL) is multisensory by nature and because it is the third most common language used in the US, this class choice is a natural fit, and a popular choice, among our students.

  • Students with dyslexia and other reading challenges require the right instruction at the right intensity to close the achievement gap. For middle schoolers needing targeted support, we offer Orton-Gillingham (OG) dyslexia therapy. Small groups of just two students meet with an OG-certified tutor three times a week for 75-minute sessions. Instruction is direct, systematic, multisensory, and flexible. Upon completing the OG program, students can immediately transition into middle school English classes.

  • We believe HUA students are the next generation of innovators.  Therefore, we offer enrichment opportunities for these “out of the box” learners to expand their creativity. Elective classes are offered annually on rotating basis to respect our abbreviated day (research-based to be among best practices for those with ADHD).  Classes include health, physical education, choir, art, drama, computer skills, coding, and career prep.  Aside from being lots of fun, these classes are grouped by cohort and meet the requirements set by the state of Alabama for high school graduation.

Extracurricular

  • We know HUA students are leaders, and we want to cultivate this God-given skill in them.  Thus, all high school students are given officer roles in Student Government Association (SGA), which while building leadership, cooperation, teamwork, and advocacy also speaks volumes on college and job applications.  SGA officers organize three activities for the student body each year outside of school. Past activities have included a fall bonfire, a school talent show, a scavenger hunt, movie night, game day, and a glow party.

  • The world is in desperate need of Christlike servant leaders, and at HUA, we’re committed to raising them.  Through our In Christ’s Way Service Club, all high school students can serve as officers, developing vital leadership skills such as empathy, compassion, problem-solving, time management, and public speaking.

    Each month, students partner with the Asbury Food Bank to help feed over 400 of their neighbors, and they take on additional community outreach projects each quarter. As part of our annual mission trip, In Christ’s Way officers also organize a night of rest and renewal for their peers—a time to reflect, connect, and recharge.

    By serving others, our students learn to lead like Christ: humbly, faithfully, and with purpose.

  • HUA students collaborate with a club sponsor to create an engaging year-end recap for everyone to enjoy. In addition to strengthening college and job applications, yearbook participation helps students develop valuable soft skills such as teamwork, time management, and adaptability. It also builds hard skills in areas like photography, journalism, and graphic design.

  • Each year, HUA students dedicate the week before Spring Break to loving and serving their neighbors—both near and far. Some years take us on the road, to places like the Appalachians or Montgomery, while others keep us closer to home. In recent years, we’ve partnered with a faith-based disaster relief organization based in Birmingham, allowing us to expand our impact even further.

    During this week, students have winterized homes, built wheelchair ramps, prepared meals for foster families, worked in community gardens, organized food pantries, repaired roofs, and beautified neighborhoods. Though the work is often tiring, it's also incredibly rewarding. Students consistently describe this week as one of their favorite experiences at HUA—a time filled with purpose, fun, and deepened camaraderie.

Sample Day

  • Students are greeted at the door every morning by upbeat, Christian music and energetic teachers. Once inside, they unpack their backpacks and prepare their binders for the day.

  • Students begin their academic day with ten minutes of Membean— a personalized vocabulary program using Greek, Latin, and Anglo-Saxon word structure.

    As they work, homeroom teachers circulate to check for parent initials and feedback in each student’s assignment journal. This closes the loop on the Parent-Student-Teacher accountability agreement; ensuring everyone is always in communication.

  • The student body gathers each morning for an interactive time of Scripture study and worship, focusing on the character of God and the identity students find through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Faculty members take turns leading these sessions, sharing personal experiences with Christ and using multisensory elements to engage the minds of students—while remaining fully dependent on the work of the Spirit to reach their hearts.

  • See subject descriptions above.

  • Each week, a student leader is selected from among the student body. This leader chooses the game of the week from pre-approved options and ensures everyone participates. Fresh air, physical activity, and a healthy snack help stabilize blood sugar levels and refresh students for second block.

  • See subject descriptions above.

  • With more than half the day behind them, students head outside to enjoy lunch, friendship, and fresh air. After 25 minutes, they participate in Brain Gym—brief exercises that cross the body’s midline. These movements are proven to reset focus, strengthen both hemispheres of the brain, and improve fine motor skills.

  • See subject descriptions above.

  • At the end of the day, students complete their assigned jobs—reflecting our belief in being good stewards of our environment—and pack up their supplies. Dismissal mirrors arrival: uplifting Christian music plays as teachers send students off with a hug, handshake, or high five.

Homework & Routine

At HUA, we are committed to educational best practices that support both academic success and balanced student lives. We believe in meaningful homework as a powerful tool for reinforcing learning and helping students move information from short-term to long-term memory. At the same time, we recognize the importance of students having time for family, church, hobbies, sports, and rest. At HUA, students only complete homework for two classes per night, Monday through Thursday.

One of the hallmarks of our approach is that the assigning teacher is available for support each night their subject is assigned, ensuring students receive help when they need it and easing the burden on parents.

This supportive and structured system not only enhances mastery of material but also fosters confidence, independence, and essential self-advocacy skills. At HUA, we believe this intentional approach helps our students achieve their academic best while leading well-rounded lives.