Faith Christian School is excited to offer both a K4 and a K5 Kindergarten program. Children who turn 4 by the first day of school will be eligible for the K4 program, and children who turn 5 by the first day of school will be eligible for K5. Read further to learn more about each program and the advantages they hold for your child.
K4 Kindergarten
The K4 program is expressly created for the child who demonstrates readiness for school, but misses the birthday cutoff for the K5 program, or for students that simply need another year to prepare for a more advanced K5 program. FCS uses the K4 ABeka curriculum that transitions perfectly into the next year’s K5 curriculum. We are very excited about the advantages this holds for our students.
Due to the scope and sequence of the K4 and K5 curriculum, it is the expectation that K4 students will transition to the K5 classroom before promotion to the 1st grade class. However, younger children who demonstrate early readiness in K4 may advance through the Kindergarten program at a faster pace by promoting to K5 midyear. (*Please see the promotion acknowledgement below for more information about this policy.)
The number of K4 spots is limited to create a balanced learning environment in the K4/K5 classroom.
K4/K5 Kindergarten
- Full-day: Our full-day students begin the day with us at 8:20. Kindergarten uses all ABeka curriculum. Core subjects are generally taught in the morning with various “special” classes given throughout the week. After lunch, students have a short rest time before continuing on with the rest of their day. The Kindergarten class is self-contained.
- Half-day: Our half-day students begin the day with us at 8:20 and have the option to stay through lunchtime (12:15). Kindergarten uses all ABeka curriculum. Core subjects are generally taught before lunch, but the pace of the curriculum may require some additional work with parents at home. Half-day students participate in the “special” classes that are offered before lunch. The Kindergarten class is self-contained.
- We hold our students to a high standard and encourage them in whatever ways possible to work to their highest God-given potential. Our classroom sizes keep the student-to-teacher ratio low. This provides our teachers the opportunity to give a lot of one-on-one attention and individualized teaching to each student. Our teachers are experienced, creative, and loving, and work hard to make learning fun!
- Students attend a chapel service every week, and parents are also invited to attend these services. The high school worship team leads the music time, and a speaker is brought in each week to share God’s Word based on the year’s theme verse.
- Parents play a vital role in our school as they volunteer in the classroom, help with fundraisers, chaperone field trips, help with playground and lunchroom supervision, and serve in the office.
Specials
- Kindergarteners take “Specials” classes throughout the week to enhance their overall learning experience. All students take Art, Music, Computers, and PE.
Extra-curricular Activities
- We believe that learning can take place both inside the classroom and out. Students generally take educational field trips once a month. Field trips are designed to enhance the learning that is taking place in the classroom and to expose the students to varied experiences throughout the year. Field trips often include a trip to the Phoenix or Wildlife World Zoo, Pioneer Arizona, Phoenix Symphony Hall, Arizona Science Center, various theaters, grocery stores, libraries, museums, fire stations, farms, the Halle Heart Center, and many others. We also take part in educational activities and events that take place in our community on occasion.
ACSI and school-wide meets
- Faith Christian School students are given the opportunity to participate in several school-wide and regional ACSI activities each year including a Spelling Bee, Art Fairs, a Speech Meet and a Science Extravaganza.
Service Projects
- Faith Christian School encourages student leadership by helping students find joy and fulfillment in genuine ministry to others. Teachers plan service projects throughout the year which involve students in significant, age-appropriate ministry opportunities.
STO Funds Eligibility
- Students in the K5 program are eligible to receive STO funds.
K4 Mid-Year Promotion Policy
If at some time during the 1st or 2nd quarter a parent wishes to have their K4 child evaluated for the K5 program, a request must be made in writing to the elementary principal. Requests must be made no later than December 1st. This request should list specific reasons that the change should be considered. The Kindergarten teacher and principal will evaluate the request in light of the child’s suitability for K5 and will contact the parent in writing with the decision. The teacher may also initiate a promotion discussion if the child demonstrates sufficient readiness in the 1st semester.
Although this is uncommon, K4 students determined ready for the K5 program midyear must join the K5 class by the beginning of 2nd semester. This will assist the teacher in properly preparing the child for 1st grade. (Please note: If at the end of the school year the child has not made the necessary progress for promotion to 1st grade, the school may recommend that the child re-enroll in the K5 class for the next school year.)