Welcome, Military Families!

East Hill Christian School is honored to serve the military-connected families in our community. We recognize the unique opportunities and challenges that come with military life, including frequent moves, school transitions, deployments, and family separations.

Our faculty and staff are committed to helping military-connected students feel welcomed, supported, and connected from their first day on campus. Through academic guidance, spiritual encouragement, and a caring school community, we want every student to find a place to belong and thrive at EHCS.


EHCS Military Family Point of Contact

Our Military Family Point of Contact is available to assist military-connected families with school transitions, enrollment questions, academic planning, and connections to helpful resources.

Deb Hawkins
Admissions Director

d_hawkins@ehcseagles.com
(850) 438-7746

Transitioning to EHCS

We understand that changing schools can be especially challenging for military-connected students. EHCS works with incoming families to help make the transition as smooth as possible.

Our transition support may include:

  • Continued communication with parents throughout the transition
  • Assistance with the application and enrollment process
  • Review of academic records, transcripts, and graduation requirements
  • Course-placement guidance for middle and high school students
  • A campus tour and/or student orientation
  • Introduction to teachers, administrators, and support staff
  • Information about athletics, fine arts, clubs, and student activities
  • Opportunities to connect with student leaders or peer mentors

Families preparing for a transfer are encouraged to contact our Admissions Office as early as possible so we can help answer questions and prepare for their student’s arrival. You can use this link to begin the Admissions Process.



Eagle Welcome Team

We believe one of the best ways to help a new military-connected student feel at home is to connect them with another student. Our Eagle Welcome Team is a student-led transition program designed to help new and military-connected middle and high school students adjust to life at EHCS.

Students from the Middle School Student Council and High School Student Government Association serve as peer mentors and help welcome new military-connected students into the Eagle family. These student leaders already play an active role in building school community and planning events at EHCS.

Depending on the student’s grade level and needs, an Eagle Welcome Team member may:

  • Welcome the student and introduce them to classmates
  • Provide a campus tour and help them learn their daily schedule
  • Explain school traditions, chapel, dress code, and campus routines
  • Help the student navigate lunch, class changes, and school activities
  • Share information about clubs, athletics, fine arts, and leadership opportunities
  • Check in with the student during their first several weeks
  • Serve as a friendly and familiar face throughout the transition

Whenever possible, new military-connected students will be paired with a peer who shares a similar grade level, schedule, or interest. The program gives transitioning students an immediate sense of connection while allowing EHCS student leaders to practice Christ-centered leadership through hospitality, encouragement, and service.

Families who would like their student to participate in the Eagle Welcome Team program may contact Deb Hawkins, d_hawkins@ehcseagles.com.

Transitioning From EHCS

When military orders require a family to relocate, our staff will assist with the student’s transition to a new school. Military-connected families should notify the appropriate school office as soon as possible so records, transcripts, withdrawal documents, and other requested information can be prepared.

EHCS will work with the receiving school to provide the documentation needed to support a smooth academic transition.

Academic Planning and Support

Because military-connected students may experience differences in curriculum, graduation requirements, grading systems, and course sequencing, our academic team carefully reviews each student’s records and educational needs.

Support may include:

  • Course and grade-level placement
  • Transcript and credit review
  • Graduation planning
  • College and career guidance
  • Standardized testing information
  • Academic progress monitoring
  • Teacher communication and classroom support
  • Information about tutoring or other available academic resources

Parents with questions about academic placement or graduation requirements should contact our guidance counselor, Tonya Smith, t_smith@ehcseagles.com.

Student Learning Needs and Accommodations

Families of military-connected students with documented learning needs are encouraged to share current educational records and accommodation plans during the admissions process. Our administrative and academic teams will review the information with the military-connected family to determine whether East Hill Christian School can appropriately support the student’s individual needs within our educational program.

Because EHCS is a private school, the services and accommodations available may differ from those offered through a public school district. Military-connected families may contact Shannon Grady at s_grady@ehcseagles.com to discuss available support before enrollment.

Student Life and Connections

Becoming involved is one of the best ways for a new student to build friendships and feel connected. Military-connected students are encouraged to participate in the many opportunities available at EHCS, including:

  • Athletics
  • Fine arts and drama
  • Chapel and student ministry
  • Student Government Association
  • National Honor Society
  • Yearbook
  • Academic and interest-based clubs
  • Service and leadership opportunities
  • Schoolwide events and activities


Social, Emotional, and Spiritual Support

Military life can bring unique challenges, including deployments, reintegration, frequent moves, and separation from family and friends. EHCS seeks to care for the whole student—academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.

Students may receive support through:

  • School administrators and designated support staff
  • Classroom teachers
  • Pastoral and spiritual guidance
  • Prayer and chapel opportunities
  • Peer connections
  • Referrals to appropriate community or military resources

Military-connected families are encouraged to contact our guidance counselor, Tonya Smith, at t_smith@ehcseagles.com if a student needs additional support during a deployment, relocation, or other significant family transition.

Military Recognition at EHCS

East Hill Christian School is grateful for the service and sacrifices of our military members, veterans, and their families. Throughout the year, our school may recognize and support military-connected families through activities such as:

  • Veterans Day recognition
  • RED Friday—Remember Everyone Deployed
  • Military appreciation events
  • Service projects and letters of encouragement
  • Recognition of students entering military service
  • Classroom and chapel presentations



Helpful Military Family Resources

Local Resources

National Resources

Have questions about enrolling or transitioning to East Hill Christian School? We would be glad to help.

East Hill Christian School
1301 East Gonzalez Street
Pensacola, FL 32501
(850)438-7746
www.ehcs.org