Are your teachers credentialed?

Yes. Teachers are required to hold a Bachelors degree and a credential. We accept other state credentials. Every teacher must have an Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) credential. Teachers are required to obtain continuing education units (CEU’s) while employed at Eastside.

How are your teachers trained?

Teachers come to us from a wide variety of colleges and universities. While employed at Eastside, they have the opportunity to attend professional development seminars and conferences, take on-line and university courses, and hear special speakers. The staff participates in weekly meetings and monthly in-service opportunities. The Teachers’ Lounge is also supplied with educational journals and periodicals.

What is the longevity of your staff?

Teaching staff average: 10 years. Administrative staff average: 23 years.

How are teachers hired?

Applications and resumes are received and reviewed by the administrative staff. Possible teaching candidates are interviewed individually by the principal and superintendent and then a second interview involves a select group of teaching partners.

What is the average level of experience of the teaching staff?

The average level of teaching experience among our current staff is 13 years.

How long has your school been in operation?

Since 1976

How does the school operate? (board of directors, superintendent, etc.)

Eastside Christian School is a non-profit 501 C3 corporation.

Who is on your school board?

The ECS Board is comprised of parents, church members, and community leaders who have a vested interest in the operation of this school. All members are born-again believers, active in their local churches, exemplify a life of faith and loyalty to the Word of God, and demonstrate an interest in the spiritual life and Christian education of children.

Eastside Christian School is a tuition driven school, with some additional funds received from grants and donations.

What curriculum do you use?

A wide variety of curricula is offered at ECS. A Beka, Houghton Mifflin, Scholastic, Prentice Hall, A Reason for Writing, and ACSI are just a few of the publishers utilized for instructional purposes. (See Course Outlines for additional and specific information.)

How do you select the curriculum?

Curriculum and instructional decisions are made by the teachers and administrators through staff and grade level meetings. Curriculum reviews are cyclical, but also performed on an “as needed” basis. Staff members gather data about one academic subject area of the instructional program per year, identify the strengths and weaknesses that surface from the analysis, consult professional journals for current research and educational trends, and prioritize needs and outline the steps to be taken to accomplish an improvement plan. The staff then evaluates and selects materials. New curriculum will then be implemented and the staff will receive training as the new programs, strategies, and materials are put into place.

We meet and exceed the guidelines of the California standards.

What does the school calendar look like (when does school start and end, do you get two weeks off at Christmas, spring break, etc.)?

We are a traditional school, starting the Wednesday after Labor Day each year, and concluding on the second Tuesday of June. School is closed for two weeks in observation of the Christmas holidays, one week at Thanksgiving (our teachers attend the ACSI convention at the beginning of the week) and a week at Easter.

What time does school start and end each day?

School starts at 8:10 AM and ends at 3:00 pm. with a minimum day once a month that concludes at 12:00 noon.

Do you have half days for teacher meetings?

A minimum day is observed once a month that concludes at 12:00 noon. Daycare is available at a minimal cost.

What is your discipline policy? Do you have positive as well as negative consequences for behavior?

The school utilizes an assertive discipline program which focuses on positive reinforcement. Students are informed of the school rules and are expected to follow these guidelines. The school’s rules and policies for behavior are spelled out in the parent/student handbook and are discussed thoroughly at “Back to School Night”.

How are students evaluated?

Eastside Christian School utilizes standardized test, publisher’s test and quizzes, rubrics, interviews, oral presentations, teacher created tests and quizzes, journals, student self-assessments, etc. for means of authentic assessment. These assessments have proven to be effective and corroborate the philosophy, mission, and vision of the school.

Do you have report cards and how often do parents receive notification of their child’s progress?

Students receive mid-term progress reports and quarterly report cards. Parents attend a parent/teacher conference at the end of the first quarter.

Do the students participate in standardized testing?

Yes. Students take the Stanford Achievement Test (10) in the spring of every year.

How can parents be involved in your school?

Parents are encouraged to donate 25 hours of volunteer time to the school during the course of each school year. Chaperoning field trips and helping in the classroom are just two ways that parents can be involved. A Volunteer Coordinator pairs needed jobs and services with parents and grandparents who are willing to be of service.

The school was started under the umbrella of Eastside Christian Church but was separately incorporated in 1999. The school and the church maintain a wonderful working relationship.

Is there a specific Bible curriculum used?

Eastside Christian School utilizes “Biblical Choices For a New Generation” in grades K-6^th, which is published by Standard Publishing Company.

Do most of the children in the school go to this church?

Approximately 40% attend church at Eastside and many others attend other evangelical churches in the area.

Do you have to go to church in order to have your student attend this school?

No.

How do you teach the Bible?

Bible is taught as a core subject in each class. Approximately one half hour lesson per day, using the Bible curriculum. Each lesson is geared to a specific grade level. In addition, the students have the opportunity to attend a weekly chapel.

How much does it cost?

Please contact our office for our fee schedule.

Are there any additional fees throughout the year?

Occasional field trip or extra-curricular fees are sometimes collected.

Is there financial aid available?

Initial Application for financial aid is processed through an outside tuition management company and aid distributed on an as needed basis.

Do you have a sports program? PE? Music? Etc.?

The regular academic week includes two physical education lessons, two vocal music lessons, a trip to the school library, and two opportunities to use the technology lab for every student. A full time PE teacher, music instructor, technology teacher, and school librarian are integral parts of the ECS staff. Eastside hosts a variety of extra curricular programs as well. These include after school sports (basketball, volleyball, hockey, football, and soccer), visual and performing art clubs (choir, acting workshops, dramatic productions), academic workshops (i.e. Mad Science, Chess Masters, Computer Lab), and Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.

The School Office has a Sick Bay, where students who are ill can rest and await the arrival of a parent. The school secretary informs parents of their child’s illness, dispenses daily medications, and performs first aid on injured students.

How are your teachers prepared for emergencies? What safety measures do you have in place?

A thorough Crisis Plan is in place. Well stocked emergency supplies are on campus. The entire ECS staff completes Red Cross First Aid and CPR certification on a yearly basis. All personnel are well trained in handling emergencies and, in the event of a crisis or catastrophic event, know the proper procedures for implementing the safety steps necessary.

Yes. Students have an opportunity to purchase a hot lunch as well as nutritious snacks in the school cafeteria.