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Youth Orthodox Tewahedo Academy logoYouth Orthodox Tewahedo Academy

Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Christian Education

Raising children in faith, language, and Christian character

Youth Orthodox Tewahedo Academy guides children and youth through Amharic reading, Ge'ez, Orthodox prayer, Bible study, and the lives of the saints — building a lasting foundation rooted in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo faith.

Program detail
Ages 5–19
Program detail
Amharic & Ge'ez
Program detail
Weekly Classes
Students reading scripture together at Youth Orthodox Tewahedo Academy, a program of Nisir Amba Media

Why Choose Our Academy

An education built on faith, language, and character

We combine structured curriculum with the warmth of a church community, so children grow academically and spiritually at every stage.

Rooted in Orthodox Tradition

Every lesson is grounded in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo faith — from scripture and prayer to church history and the lives of the saints.

Language & Cultural Heritage

Structured Amharic instruction and an introduction to Ge'ez help children stay connected to their language, culture, and church.

Caring, Consistent Teachers

Small classes and dedicated teachers who follow each student's progress build trust between families and the Academy.

A Safe, Welcoming Community

Children learn and grow alongside peers who share their faith, in an environment built on respect, patience, and encouragement.

Age Groups

A program for every stage of childhood

From first letters to in-depth theology, each age group builds on what came before.

Ages 5–7

Foundations

First steps in faith through stories, song, and the Amharic alphabet.

  • Amharic letters and early reading readiness
  • Simple Orthodox prayers and hymns
  • Bible stories for young children
Learn more
Ages 8–12

Discipleship

Deeper study of scripture, church history, and the Amharic and Ge'ez languages.

  • Amharic reading and writing
  • Introduction to Ge'ez
  • Old and New Testament Bible study
Learn more
Ages 12–19

Youth Fellowship

In-depth theology, church history, and mentorship for teens and young adults.

  • Orthodox Tewahedo doctrine and theology
  • Church history and contemporary faith questions
  • Ge'ez liturgical texts and hymnody
Learn more

Featured Programs

Ways to learn and grow together

Weekly classes form the core of our program, complemented by focused language, music, and seasonal offerings.

View all programs

Sunday Church School

Our core program meets every week and forms the heart of Youth Orthodox Tewahedo Academy. Students progress through age-appropriate classes covering scripture, prayer, church history, and the Amharic language, building a steady rhythm of learning alongside their faith community.

  • • Age-graded classes for Foundations, Discipleship, and Youth Fellowship
  • • Weekly scripture, prayer, and Amharic language instruction
  • • Consistent teachers who follow each class throughout the year
Weekly, year-roundAges 5–19

Amharic & Ge'ez Language Track

A dedicated language track for families who want to prioritize Amharic literacy and an introduction to Ge'ez, the liturgical language of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. Students build reading and writing skills that support both cultural identity and participation in the life of the church.

  • • Amharic alphabet, reading, and writing at every level
  • • Ge'ez fundamentals for older students
  • • Practice reading common prayers and hymns in their original language
Weekly, with optional intensive sessionsAges 5–19

Summer Faith Intensive

A focused summer program that goes deeper into a single theme each year, such as the lives of the saints, the church calendar, or the sacraments. The intensive format allows for extended activities, group projects, and fellowship beyond the regular weekly schedule.

  • • A new thematic focus each summer
  • • Extended hands-on and group activities
  • • A chance to build friendships across age groups
One to two weeks each summerAges 5–19

Choir & Chant Program

Students learn traditional Ethiopian Orthodox hymnody and liturgical chant, developing both musical skill and a deeper connection to the church's worship. This program is open to students who have completed at least one year in Discipleship or Youth Fellowship.

  • • Traditional hymns and liturgical chant
  • • Opportunities to participate in church services
  • • Mentorship from experienced chanters
Weekly rehearsalsAges 8–19

Curriculum

A well-rounded Orthodox education

Language, scripture, history, and character formation woven together across every age group.

View full curriculum

Amharic Letters & Reading

Students build literacy in Amharic from the ground up, starting with the fidel (alphabet) and progressing to reading and writing full sentences and prayers.

Ge'ez

An introduction to Ge'ez, the ancient liturgical language of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, preparing older students to read and understand liturgical texts.

Orthodox Prayers

Students memorize and come to understand the meaning of core Orthodox prayers, building a personal practice of daily prayer.

Bible Study

A structured, age-appropriate journey through the Old and New Testaments, helping students understand scripture in its historical and spiritual context.

Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Faith

Core teachings and doctrine of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, presented in a way that builds understanding at each stage of a student's development.

Church History

The story of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church from its ancient origins to the present day, alongside the broader history of the early Christian church.

How Registration Works

Getting started takes just a few minutes

01

Choose a program

Review the age groups and programs to find the right fit for your child.

02

Complete the online form

Share your family's contact information and your student's details in a few minutes.

03

Receive confirmation

Our team reviews each registration and follows up with placement and schedule details.

04

Join your first class

Your family receives the class location, schedule, and everything needed to get started.

Benefits

Built for students, supportive of families

For Students

  • A clear, age-appropriate path for growing in faith
  • Confidence reading and understanding Amharic
  • A foundation in scripture, prayer, and church tradition
  • Friendships with peers who share their faith and heritage

For Families

  • A trusted extension of faith formation at home
  • Regular updates on class progress and church events
  • A welcoming community of families with shared values
  • Flexible programs that grow with your child, from age 5 through 19

Enroll Today

Give your child a strong foundation in faith

Registration takes just a few minutes. Join families across our community in raising the next generation in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo faith.