Faith Christian School Student Handbook

Dear Parents and Others Interested in Christian Education,

Thank you for your interest in Faith Christian School. We trust that this handbook will acquaint you with some of the school’s philosophies and procedures. It is essential for parents and students to be familiar with its contents as the school will be operating according to it. If you have further questions after reading this handbook, please feel free to contact the school at 320-294-550l.

Faith Christian School (FCS) came into being in l978, as a result of faith, specifically the prayers of Christian parents and other friends of Christian education. We are interdenominational in board and staff. Our average class scores on achievement test are well above the national averages. We have also passed the milestone of having over 50 graduates.

FCS exists to aid Christian parents and churches in fulfilling a God-given mandate to "train a child in the way he should go" (Proverbs 22:6). In Deuteronomy 6:5-7, parents are commanded to teach their children the commandments of the Lord throughout the entire day and through the experiences of their lives. Because most parents cannot be with their children during the hours of their formal education, it is essential that parents take the responsibility for knowing who is teaching their children and what is being taught.

FCS offers a strong academic program in a Christian environment. Strong academic standards are maintained by the use of qualified staff and quality curriculum materials. The school primarily uses A-Beka, Bob Jones and ACSI curriculum in the classroom. These are entirely Christian programs, produced by Christian educators and designed for Christian schools. We also supplement our curriculum with Saxon math, Houghton Mifflin and Zaner Bloser.

The Christian environment at FCS is maintained by employment of committed Christian staff members, daily devotions, chapel services, rules regarding unscriptural conduct, a student pledge for students in grades 7-l2, and an admission policy which requires that the parent and student support the school's policies.

FCS is committed to reinforcing the basic beliefs and values of the Christian home and church. We believe in Christian training to help prepare young people for a life of kingdom service.

PHILOSOPHY

We believe that what is taught at FCS must be based on truth. Since the Word of God is absolute truth (John 17:17), then it is only reasonable that it be our foundation. We believe that all truth, whether historical, scientific, moral, etc., is God’s truth. His truth, as found in the Bible, is absolute and unchanging.

This does not mean that all knowledge is found in the Bible. The Bible is not a science, history, or math book, but when it touches on these subjects it is 100% accurate. Therefore, the Word of God is our filter and instruction manual for what is taught as well as methodology and discipline in the classroom.

We strive to teach each subject from a Biblical viewpoint while encouraging students to do their best to the glory of God. Our goal is to prepare the students with a Biblical worldview while equipping them to carry out God’s direction for their lives intellectually, spiritually, physically and socially (Luke 2:52). Therefore, we make every effort to integrate the Scriptures throughout the curriculum.

MISSION

Faith Christian School is an interdenominational Christian school providing quality, Bible-based academics in a loving atmosphere.

VISION

To develop and strengthen Faith Christian School to be a dynamic resource for our community by preparing students academically, spiritually, and socially to respond to God’s call for their lives and thus impact their community for Christ.

CORE VALUES

1. The education received at FCS will be founded on the Bible. The Bible is God’s truth and anything contrary to it can be labeled as false. This does not mean that the Bible is the only source of truth, but it is the final authority. The Bible is not a history or science book, but when it speaks on these subjects it is 100% accurate. It is however, the only source of truth in relation to salvation.

2. FCS is an interdenominational school. Faith Christian School is not controlled by a church or denomination. Students attending FCS come from a variety of denominations. The school board is also varied in its denominational make-up. We believe this is a part of education as students learn to work with those who may believe differently than they do about some of the minor areas of doctrine. Students and teachers are expected to respect denominational differences and practice unity with diversity.

3. Teachers will be those who have trusted Christ as Lord and Savior, and who demonstrate their faith consistently. In order for education to be truly Christian, it must be administered by Christian teachers who have a thorough Christian philosophy of education. The Bible says that when children mature they will be like their teachers (Luke 6:40). The teacher is the “living curriculum” in the classroom, and they must model the Christian life consistently.

4. Faith Christian School serves Christian families or individuals. We are a ministry to the Christian home. At least one parent or guardian must profess Christ as Savior and be faithful in church attendance. It is only then that we can assist the home in training their children (Proverbs 22:6). In grades 7-12, students must also be believers who attend their church regularly.

5. Faith Christian School will strive to offer the best academic preparation to its students. We will make every effort to offer the classes that the students need in order to be prepared for God’s next call on their lives. There may be limitations due to student abilities, facilities, and finances, but FCS will continually make it a priority to offer the best training possible.

6. Parents have the primary responsibility for the education of their children. “And these works which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down and when you rise up”(Deuteronomy 6:6-7). This clearly puts the responsibility of godly training on the parents. Since this training or education with a Biblical worldview is not done in the public schools of America, the Christian school exists to assist parents in “training their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). FCS will always respect the parents’ authority in their child’s education. This authority also necessitates the responsibility of parents to assist their children in areas of spiritual, physical, social, and academic weakness.

7. The day to day operations of FCS are carried out by Biblical principles of integrity and stewardship. FCS is committed to Biblical principles in its dealings with students, parents, other schools and in its financial responsibilities.

8. FCS will strive for an atmosphere of love and respect among our school family. “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good to all men, especially unto those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). Differences in appearance, race, social status, finances or academic ability will be handled without “respect of persons” (James 2:1-9). Differing opinions in the minor areas of doctrine (see #1) will be treated with respect.