2.
WHAT MAKES A CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DIFFERENT FROM A PUBLIC EDUCATION? A.
Addressing the Whole Child: Mind, Body, and Soul
A Christian school is free
to address the needs of the whole child. Although public schools are often effectively
able to address the growth of their students' minds and even their bodies, they
are often hampered by law in their need to address the complex spiritual issues
that are a part of today's confusing world.
Redlands Christian is able support
church and family beliefs in a clear, consistent manner. Children hear the same
message at home, school, and church. The goal is to build a strong, Christian
person who is able to go into the world with a heart for God, a mind trained in
discernment, and an unchanging standard by which to live. Only a system that addresses
spiritual issues can hope to attain this goal on a consistent basis. A Christian
school has this incredible luxury.
B.
Teaching from a Christian Perspective
All subjects are taught from the Christian
point of view. Even subjects such as physical education are taught within this
context (the body is the temple of God). Science, biology, and chemistry are treated
as a study of God's magnificent, complex creation.
The additional subject,
Bible, is added to all students' studies. The Bible is taught from a historical
perspective with students challenged to bring its lessons into relevance in today's
world.
Our goal is to provide for your child a perspective - a standard to
measure life - which is the word of God. One of the weaknesses of society today
is a lack of standards, as ethics seem to be based on what is advantageous, not
on what is right. A Christian education seeks to instill the Bible as the standard
for living, not the changeable mores of the world.
C.
Worship
As a body of Christians, we take time to worship together. Each day
begins with devotions and prayer. (Do you know how often prayers are offered in
honor of parents? It is touchingly regular!) Often teachers will punctuate learning
with prayer and end the day with prayer, as well.
On a regular basis, the
entire school gathers to worship. We call this experience "Chapel."
(Parents are always invited.) Chapel is led by a combination of teachers, students,
and guests. It is always different. It is often very creative. It always beautifully
combines worship with joy.
The sharing of prayer concerns, the petitioning
of God, and the mutual enjoyment of worship draw all closer together. Devotions
and Chapel are highlights for students and teachers, alike. We greatly appreciate
the freedom to worship our Heavenly Father that a parent-owned, Christian school
allows!
D.
Excellence
Those involved in Christian education view each student as an
image-bearer of God, called to be His servant and called to serve the world in
His name. Teachers are charged with the responsibility to give close attention
to the individual needs and talents of each student. They must offer these image-bearers
of Christ their best...they must offer excellence.
Each student is challenged
to develop his talents for the honor of God and for the service of his or her
fellow men and women in all areas of life. To honor God, we must continually seek
His guidance and to give Him our best to give Him excellence. Redlands Christian
School has consistently performed well in a number of areas that measure academic
excellence.
As you can see, a mediocre education simply doesn't fit with
the philosophy of offering your best to Christ. Redlands Christian School is,
with the help of God, dedicated to offering excellence to each and every student.
E.
Parent-Owned School
It is a great luxury to participate in a parent-owned
school. Our Board of Trustees is made up entirely of parents of our students and
alumni of our school, so, every decision is made with the welfare of our children
in mind.
When all involved in a school system hold common beliefs and do their
best to treat one another in a manner that honors Christ, many potentially divisive
issues are avoided. While the airing of differing opinions is encouraged, there
is often remarkable consensus on the larger issues as all continually seek the
will of God.
As we are independently funded, changeable state politics are
not in charge of our students' lives. Of primary importance, funding is stable
and not subject to the whims of legislature. Although we continually seek more
effective ways to teach the wonders of God's world to our students, the political
climate does not dictate our choice of curriculum materials. Redlands Christian
School has chosen to hold to the State of California's educational guidelines,
but if those guidelines cease to be of relevance, we are free to make changes
as parents see fit.
A parent-owned school means freedom. Redlands Christian
School is free to listen to its parents, not its well-meaning, but often confusing
state government.
3.
WHO GOVERNS REDLANDS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL?
Every
parent, alum, and staff member is a member of the Redlands Christian School Education
Society. The Society meets routinely to discuss and approve matters of importance
to the entire Redlands Christian educational community.
The
Society elects the Board of Trustees. The members of the Board of Trustees
are parents of current students or former students, alumni, supporters, friends,
or representatives from supporting churches. There are five standing committees
of the Board.
It
can be stated that Redlands Christian School is parent-governed through elected
representatives to the Board of Trustees. The
Board meets monthly on the fourth Thursday of each month (third Thursday in November
and December) at 7:00 p.m. in the school library. 4.
WHAT TYPE OF PROGRAM DOES REDLANDS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL OFFER?
Redlands
Christian School provides a comprehensive program of solid academics designed
to prepare students to meet the rigors of high school and college. The Core Curriculum,
which is reviewed every five years, is based on California State Standards and
includes math, language arts (reading/phonics), spelling, penmanship, science,
social studies and Bible. All students also have at least weekly classes in music,
art, physical education, and computer science.
Recorders are introduced at
the 4th Grade level, Beginner Band begins in 5th Grade, and Advanced Band is available
in 6th, 7th and 8th Grades.
There are intramural sports programs as well
as introductory and league sports in basketball, baseball, football (8-man), soccer,
track, volleyball, and cross country.
An extensive outdoor education program
is conducted in conjunction with the various curriculum offered.
Before school
and after school supervision and activities are available as well as various vacation
period and summer camps. 5.
IS REDLANDS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ACCREDITED?
Redlands
Christian School is accredited by Christian
Schools International.
6.
WHAT ARE REDLANDS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL'S ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS?
Admission
to Redlands Christian School is granted to families who have at least one parent
who professes their personal faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and
is an active member/participant in a local church fellowship. There must be evidence
of consistent involvement in a Christian church by both parent and student. There
must also be evidence that the student will be successful academically and socially.
Students must display a positive attitude, demonstrate a desire to learn, and
cooperate with school guidelines and regulations. 7.
DO STUDENTS WHO SEEK ADMISSION TO REDLANDS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL HAVE TO TAKE ENTRANCE
TESTS?
All
students entering Kindergarten are required to take the Gesell Test of Readiness.
Students entering the First Grade from other Kindergarten programs must also take
the Gazell. Students entering Grade 2 through Grade 8 who have lower than average
Reading (Language Arts) or Math scores may be required to take a Redlands Christian
School Placement Test. The cost for the Gazell and RCS Placement Test are $35
each per student; all tests remain the property of Redlands Christian School and
the results are for the use of school personnel only, to benefit the child.
8.
WHAT DOES IT COST TO ATTEND REDLANDS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL?
Tuition
charges to parents for the academic year reflect only 75% of the actual cost of
educating a child at Redlands Christian School, The remaining 25% comes from fund
raising events, contributions from alumni and friends, and endowment. The Board
of Trustees works very hard to keep tuition reasonable and as low as possible.
For
the academic year 2007-2008 the tuition and fee schedule is as follows:
Tuition
- Two Day Pre School: $1,342 .................. $122/month for 11 months
Tuition
- Three Day Pre School: $2,046 ............... $186/month for 11 months
Tuition - Five Day Pre School: $2,838 .................. $258/month for 11 months
Tuition
- Kindergarten: $3,344 ............................. $304/month for 11 months
Tuition - Grades 1-6: $5,258 ................................. $478/month for 11 months
Tuition - Grades 7-8:
$5,698 ................................. $518/month for 11 months
Tuition as stated is for the full year. Monthly payment plans
are available.
9.
ARE THERE OTHER FEES AND CHARGES THAT PARENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR?
Again,
the Board of Trustees works very hard to keep additional charges to a minimum.
As a result, at Redlands Christian School everything is included as a part of
tuition, except the following, which are additional:
Application Fee (New
Student): $ 50.00 per family
Gesell or Placement Test: $ 35.00 per test/per
student
Registration Fee: ($65.00 Pre-K)$200.00 per family
Books
& Materials $175.00 K-8
(Additional fees for school yearbook, disaster
relief supplies, school enhancement, milk, etc. may apply). 10.
IS FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE?
Yes.
On a needs basis scholarship funds are available to support those families who
desire a Redlands Christian School education for their children but for a variety
of reasons are not able to afford it. Application for financial assistance forms
are available through the Finance Office. Evaluation of assistance applications
is conducted carefully and confidentially; Redlands Christian uses Family Financial
Needs Assessment to help in determining assistance amounts.
Funds are raised
annually to support the RCS Scholarship Fund, specifically to assist families
with financial need.
11.
WHAT ARE THE SCHOOL HOURS?
Redlands
Christian School's Office is open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily during the
school year and 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. during the summer. Classroom
hours are as follows:
Pre-K and Kindergarten: 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Grades
1 through 5: 8:25 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Grades 6 through 8: 8:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Additional
supervision is available (for fee):
Before School - All Grades: 6:30 a.m.
- 8:00 a.m.
After School - All Grades: 3:15 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
" Kid's
Corner" - Pre-K & K: 12:30 noon - 3:00 p.m.
12.
IS THERE A PARENTS ORGANIZATION?
Parents are very involved in all aspects of Redlands Christian School; it is very
much a family school community.
Moms In Touch meets regularly at Redlands
Christian School to pray for the entire school community --- students, parents,
faculty and staff.
There is an active Parent Volunteer Program and "The
Parent Network."
13.
WHAT ARE CLASS SIZES?
Small class sizes with greater opportunity for individual interaction between
student and teacher is one of the distinct advantages of private Christian education
at Redlands Christian School.
Pre-K: 20 (teacher + teacher aide in each classroom)
Kindergarten: 22 (teacher + teacher aide in each classroom)
Grades 1 - 3:
24
Grades 4-6: 26
Grades 6-8: 28
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