Questions Parents Ask

* Is WCA affiliated with any specific church or denomination? Will a specific doctrine be taught?

WCA is a ministry of Westgate Church. Our relationship is strong however the doctrine of the church is not part of our curriculum. No specific denominational doctrine is taught at WCA.

* Do you offer a before or after school program? What hours are those in effect? Is there a fee associated with those?

We do have before school and after school programs. Fee’s for these programs may be found in the application packet.

BEFORE CARE begins at 7:30 and is staffed by a member of our teaching staff or a parent volunteer. At 8:15 the students are dismissed to their classrooms.

AFTER CARE begins at 3:15 and runs until 5:30. This program has its own Director and offers the children time for a snack, a place to work on homework and the opportunity to play.

* How is discipline handled? What is your philosophy on this topic?

The Bible is clear in the expectation that adults will instruct, set correct examples for, and admonish children. All of our teachers are trained in child development ages and stages. Lessons are prepared and time spent creating a learning environment that encourages children to behave in ways that are appropriate and pleasing to God. At all ages the children are clearly instructed in what is expected of them and what the consequences of disobedience or inappropriate behavior are. The complete discipline policy may be found in the parent handbook in each application packet.

No form of corporal punishment is ever used at WCA.

* What if my child is advanced in a skill or area?

Our commitment to small class size provides for a great deal of one on one time with the teacher. Differentiating for students and providing individual assignments and tailoring long term projects to the ability of the student is a goal and expectation for each teacher. It is important that no skill or strategy be missed, especially in the lower elementary years. All students are required to work through the curriculum specific to his or her grade so that these important foundations are not missed.

* What if my child is struggling in a skill or area?

Again, our commitment to small class size allows for a great deal of one on one time with the teacher and the opportunity to differentiate for each student. No two children develop or learn a the same rate. By setting and adhering to our “age to enter policy” and placement testing for each child we hope to ensure a correct and successful placement for each child. Many parent volunteers offer tutoring during the school day. Teachers modify lessons when necessary and communication between school and home is constant.

* What is the best/most effective way to communicate with a teacher?

Face to face conversation is always the most effective form of communication. Teachers are available before 8:15 and after 3:15 for meetings with parents. The school office will leave a message for teachers if you call during the school day and each teacher has a Westgate Academy email address.

* Do parents ever help in the classroom?

Parents volunteer in a variety of ways at WCA. Each class has several room parents, and teachers often recruit parent helpers for specific projects and field trips.

* Tuition is high at Westgate. Is there a way for me to “work” off some of that?

Because of tax laws there is no way to “work off” tuition. Many parents substitute teach for us and apply that money to tuition. WCA believes that Christian Education should be available to any family that is hoping for it for their child. The scholarship program and tuition assistance programs are generous in order to make this goal and hope a reality.

* How do we know about specific school events or classroom events?

Each week WCA publishes a school news letter. Most classes have a weekly newsletter, and the community bulletin board by the back door hosts an up to date month calendar of school events and birthdays. Checking the website often is a good idea as well.

* What if I am frustrated by something a school or angry about the way something has been handled?

The Bible teaches clearly on this.  Go to the person you are frustrated or upset with and speak to him/her.  Gossip is not an effective tool in conflict resolution.  Our Headmaster and Lower School Cooridnator are available to help if a one on one conversation was not helpful.  Our School Board and Rev. Bruce Daggett are also available if the conflict involves administration.

* Why, with exceptional public schools in my town, choose a Christian Education?

• Christian Schools believe that your child is a gift from God, and that God has a good plan for him or her. Each child is seen as special, and with meaningful potential that we are privileged to help the child identify and realize.
• Christian Schools reflect the values of church and family.
• Christian School teachers teach the Christian Worldview, not the world view that focuses on relativism and materialism.
• Christian Schools support the family as the number one institution in our society.
• Christian Schools have reasonable standards of discipline, and hold the children accountable for their actions.
• Christian Schools instill a spirit of service. It is taught that we should be contributors to society, not just takers.
• Parents are encouraged to participate in their childs’ education through volunteer activities. We are in partnership with the parent, not in an adversarial relationship.
• Research reveals that students who attend church regularly, participate in religious youth activities and are enrolled in Christian schools are signficantly less prone to risky behavior and have a substantially brighter view of life and its purpose.