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Spiritual Development
We decided on Jesse because it is a Christian school, and we’ve discovered it is more than what we had prayed for and hoped. It’s a community truly built on biblical values. Staff and teachers pour into their students encouraging and equipping them as they work to reach challenging academic and life goals. We’ve discovered students mentor, support, and share generously with one another in order that everyone can succeed in their academics, on their respective sports teams, or reach the top of a 4,000-footer together, and discover the deep and multi-layered meanings at the heart of scripture. At Jesse, our daughter has grown significantly in her leadership skills, she started out quite shy and would dismiss opportunities to stand and lead or share her spiritual thoughts with others. Today she’s developed confidence in her faith and even leads her peers in scripture readings, evangelizing is one of her favorite classes! And because of her academic and leadership achievements, she’s received two generous academic college scholarships - Jesse prepares their students to be effective leaders for Jesus, such a blessing.​
Parent of 2025 Graduate
Point of View
Spiritual Development at JRHS
Spiritual Development
As a non-denominational school, we welcome students from a wide range of Christian traditions.
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Four years of Bible Class
Our Bible classes are taught by teacher and Spiritual Life Director, Matt Hannan, MDiv. Freshmen and Sophomores complete surveys of the Old and New Testaments, while Juniors and Seniors study Christian literature to explore the Christian worldview and compare it with various secular and religious perspectives. Students learn application, apologetics, and the Christian Worldview.
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​​​Daily Devotions
At the beginning of first period, each class begins with prayer and a ten-minute devotion​. The devotions are planned and communicated by our Spiritual Life Director and taught by our teachers.
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Koinonia
Koinonia is the Greek word for “gathering,” and each Wednesday morning our students come together to share a prepared breakfast and meet in small-group Bible study groups. Group leaders unpack the day’s Scripture passage for the students and the group considers how the message applies to their lives today and in the future.
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Chapel
We begin each Friday morning with Chapel. The student Worship Team leads in prayer and singing, and a guest-pastor from a variety of local congregations provides a spiritual message.
​​​​Fall Mountain Retreat
In mid-September, our student body heads to the White Mountains for a three-day retreat filled with games, hiking, adventure, and worship. The focus of the retreat is to establish spiritual goals for the year and strengthen relationships in our community.
​​​Mission Trips
Our mission trip is one of the most formative experiences for our students. Each April, we prioritize a "Great Commission" experience, sending students both near and far to put their hands and feet to work for Christ. Students serve in numerous ways, ranging from outreach and evangelism to service and hospitality. Places our students have traveled to in the past few years include: Detroit, Philadelphia, Uganda, San Antonio, Bangor, Guatemala, New York City, Hungary, and Costa Rica.​​
Teachers as Mentors
Alongside teaching, our faculty take seriously the role of mentor or discipler. The faculty has a burden not only to share their academic expertise but also their love of and commitment to Christ.
