AN ALTERNATIVE HIGH SCHOOL, ROOTED IN FAITH

High school, built around discipleship.

Emmaus Learning Pod is a Christ-centred alternative to full-time high school for students who need something the traditional classroom doesn't offer: one semester shaped by Scripture, self-directed academics, and hands-on service, alongside whatever already works for your family the rest of the year.

"Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road?" (Luke 24:32) "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." (John 6:68) "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road?" (Luke 24:32) "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." (John 6:68)

WHY WE'RE CALLED EMMAUS

A road, a conversation, and hearts that finally understood.

In Luke 24, two discouraged travellers walk the road to Emmaus, unaware that the risen Jesus is walking beside them. He opens the Scriptures. He explains. And by the end of the road, they can't stay quiet: "were not our hearts burning within us?"

That's the education we want for your teenager: not a passive transfer of information, but a walk alongside someone who opens up the Word, asks good questions, and sends students out ready to serve.

"Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?" Luke 24:32

HOW EVERY DAY IS SHAPED

Three commitments, every single day.

Every day at Emmaus stands on the same three legs: knowing Jesus, growing academically, and serving with purpose. None of them are electives.

Biblical Training

Each day begins the same way, an hour in the Word before anything else. Our goal isn't just Bible knowledge; it's students who know Jesus, follow Jesus, and are equipped to keep following him long after they graduate.

"Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."John 6:68

Academics

After Scripture, students turn to their studies, working toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, completed online at their own pace. Parents choose elearning courses; our staff walk alongside your student to keep them on track.

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men."Colossians 3:23

Servant Leadership

Students spot real needs, in the school, the church, the wider community, and lead the response themselves, with staff alongside rather than in front.

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others."1 Peter 4:10

BUILD A YEAR THAT FITS YOUR STUDENT

One year, built in two halves.

Emmaus isn't meant to replace everything, it's meant to be the half of the year your student is missing. Families design the rest around it.

Semester One

Wherever your family already is

Your student spends this half of the year in whatever setting is already working: public school, an online program, or homeschooling. We don't compete with it; we build around it.

Public or private school
Full-time online education
Homeschool co-op or independent study

Semester Two

The Emmaus Learning Pod

Your student joins our cohort for a semester of biblical training and servant leadership, while continuing academic work through preselected elearning courses, with our staff and volunteers supporting them the whole way.

Daily Scripture and discipleship
Student-led service projects
Staff-supported academics

IS THIS THE RIGHT FIT?

Emmaus tends to be the right call when...

Your student has a real desire to grow with Jesus

Not just checking a box on faith, but an actual hunger to know him better and follow him more closely.

Your student can work independently

Self-driven learners with solid reading comprehension tend to thrive in our academic hours, since students manage their own coursework with staff support close by.

You want a small, known community

We keep each cohort small, around 10 to 12 students. Staff and peers know your student's name and story, and can help them move forward.

You want to make room for real discipleship

Families looking for a semester that's safe but still stretching, where daily Scripture, hands-on service, and real mentorship shape a student's whole life, not just their knowledge.

WHO WALKS THE ROAD WITH YOUR STUDENT

Our People

Small enough that staff know every student's name, and the story behind it.

Maddie Dunn

Staff

Maddie grew up in Heidelberg and attends Citizens Church, with years on staff at Lincoln Road Chapel and Conestoga Bible Camp. It was her time as Leader-In-Training Director at camp that pointed her toward teaching, and she went on to complete a Bachelor of Education after studying Psychology and Biology, and now brings that same mentorship to Emmaus students.

Our next staff member: coming soon!

Join Our Team

We are currently seeking the right person to join our Emmaus team and walk alongside our students in faith, learning, and service.

Beyond our core staff, students also learn alongside a rotating community of guest speakers, volunteer mentors, and visiting Bible teachers who join us throughout the semester, each bringing their own gifts, stories, and wisdom to the road.

Directors: Jeff Martin · Josh Durston · Craig Hoffman

LIFE AT EMMAUS