The Bergen Family

Why did you choose to transfer your child from a different high school to UMEI?

I chose to transfer my son from his current public high school as he wanted a Christian education. As a family we have also decided that our children would do best in a Christian community for schooling. Our son has always struggled with building friendships especially in his previous high school as the majority of the kids had different values then he had and he desperately wanted to find friends who held those same values he did. In his previous school our son felt like just another number and that people didn’t care to much about his success or failures. He also desperately wanted to play sports in his previous school however he was unable due to the large number of students to accommodate and he was unable to get on the team.

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What do you find are the biggest differences at UMEI (in comparison to your child’s other high school)?

The biggest differences that I have noticed with UMEI in comparison with my sons previous school is the sense of community. UMEI has a great sense of community, and as a parent there are many opportunities for me to be apart of the school through various fundraising events, family chapel, and sports games. My son also has several opportunities to be involved in different school events with other students, helping with fundraisers to get community hours, play sports, attend field trips and hang out with friends outside of school hours.

The open lines of communication at UMEI are very different then at our previous high school. I know my son’s teachers and can email them if I have any concerns and the response time is very quick. I also LOVE the ‘Week at a Glance” email that comes out every weekend to prepare us for the week ahead. Through these emails I can stay connected to what is happening that week at school including when different clubs meet, sporting events, fundraisers, family chapel and if my sons day schedule is switched. Along with ‘Week at a Glance’ I also love the text messages that come to let me know if its a late start due to weather or if pie or beef orders are due.

UMEI also offers time everyday for students to seek help with work or ask any questions with all teachers.

At UMEI my son no longer feels like just a number at school but instead he feels like an important part to his classes and school community. He feels like his opinions are valued and that he is seen and heard. He enjoys the smaller class sizes and a lot of the hands on learning opportunities. He also loves that at different events all grades are able to participate and therefore he can build relationships with kids in other grades and get to know everyone in the school and not just those in his grade.

At UMEI my son has been able to play sports and attend sporting tournaments. This has been one of his highlights of his time at UMEI and where he has built some friendships.

At UMEI my son has chapel daily and currently this semester has religious study and he loves that he can learn about the bible amongst his peers at school and he says it has encouraged him to do more bible reading at home.

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What positive changes have you noticed in your child since they started attending UMEI?

Since starting at UMEI my husband and I have noticed many positive changes with our son. My son has been learning how to balance academic studies, devotions and sporting events through UMEI and maturing more into a young man. He says UMEI has high academic standards and he feels like he is pushed to do his absolute best. He also is learning so many life skills that will benefit his future. My son is coming home happy and looks forward to school each day. UMEI also has a full kitchen for learning and my son is currently taking a hospitality and tourism class which has increased his skills in preparing and cooking food which he has now been doing more at home to practice his skills!

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What would you say to another family considering a transfer to UMEI?

I would let another family considering a transfer to UMEI that they should go for it! School life at UMEI is more like a family then just a school. Your child will feel included and accepted in all things. There are many opportunities to make friendships and build connections with the staff for both students and parents. At UMEI you and your child will feel part of a community that has good values and supports others. Smaller class sizes will help your child grow academically and build meaningful connections with other students and staff. Your child will have several opportunities to be in different clubs and/or sports. Learning at UMEI includes lots of hands on options, field trips and extra time to ask questions and get extra help that may be needed. UMEI also has an amazing robotics program that my son loves and is thriving at.

The Thibodeau Family

I chose to transfer to UMEI because I really needed a fresh start. I really wanted to be even closer to Jesus, and I think that UMEI does an amazing job at making sure we learn academic things but also that we feel closer to Jesus. I am so thankful I did move here because it has really been one of the best experiences.

I think the biggest differences are the staff and the moms. When I was at my old school, I never felt close to my teachers, so if there was every anything wrong, I wouldn’t have gone to talk to them. But here at UMEI, you can always talk to someone, and I have formed very good relationships with my teachers. Also, we have the moms who help out so much. We get the chance to have hot meals almost every week!

Some positive changes I have noticed is I am way more involved, I am so much happier, and I have made lots of new friends. I am so grateful that UMEI is a smaller school, because here you don’t get judged – you can just be you.

Lastly, the most important thing I would tell someone who is looking to transfer here is if you want to make a whole bunch of friends and go on lots of trips, while growing your connection to Jesus, you need to come to UMEI.