JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – They used to be Mandarin Christian, and now they have officially changed their name to Christ's Church Academy.
With the new name comes a new program, one of which the school is particularly proud.
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At first glance it could be any worship service, but when you know what happens behind the scenes, the level of committment these high schoolers have sets them apart.
A group of students at Christ's Church Academy comes in for a voluntary school period before classes begin.
Marianne Vargas is the school's music teacher and she said "They're here every morning at 7:00 to 7:15. They practice everyday and they study God's word everyday."
They are early risers, by their own choice, because they want to learn and make a difference.
"I think it's worth it just to see everyone in the crowd when their worshiping and and in tune with God and how we're reaching out to our school," said Jordan Gear the chaplain, and the self proclaimed least musical.
But the premise of the program is to give these students a taste of what it's like to lead their own services, sing and play their own songs, and to grow in their own faith.
These students put what they learn to use in the sanctuary leading sermons and worship. But that learning goes beyond the sanctuary and beyond the walls of the school.
For Jordan, it's helping him prepare for his future. He wants to be a missionary, so there's no telling how far he'll take the things he's learned. But one thing is for sure, he won't forget what he has learned, because he says they will help get him to where he wants to be.