FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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BCS is different from other schools in these ways:

We strive to integrate faith and learning in a meaningful, age appropriate context. This is what we mean when we say we are Christ-centred.  Christian community is vital. We enroll families at BCS. Not only do children receive an education but parents are adopted in to a community which cares for one another in Christian love. This is what we mean when we say we are parentally supported. The core values of lifelong Christian discernment and commitment to Jesus are consistent between home and school. This is what we mean when we say home and school are mutually supportive.  The belief that the Universe and everything in it belongs to God is at the core of our philosophy of education. We strive to see all of created reality through the "lens of Scripture"

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How does the Bible fit into your programs?

We have a formal Bible curriculum taught in Bible class. More importantly we integrate the Bible's teaching into all curriculum areas. Our math is not Christian because there is a Bible text at the top of the math sheet. Math is Christian when students understand that the world was created with order, pattern and inter-relatedness. Humanity did not create math, we unfold it according to God's created norms.

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What curriculum materials do you use?

Our curriculum resources come from a variety of sources. Approximately 80% of our materials comes form the Ontario Alliance of Christian Schools or one of its sister organizations.

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How does your curriculum compare with that of Ontario public or separate schools? 

The goals and expectations of the BCS curriculum meet or surpass those of the Ministry of Education and Training (OMET).

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We use the Canadian Test of Basic Skills as our standardized testing mechanism.  The CTBS has tests in: Vocabulary, Comprehension, Language Skills, Science Skills, Math Skills, Research Skills.  We administer these tests every 2nd year from Gr. 3 to Gr. 8.  The results of our last test were very positive and substantiate the above claim that our curriculum meets or surpasses the Canadian and provincial average.  The most recent results (school averages) are available upon request.  

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Do you offer Special Education?

BCS is committed to meeting and responding to the needs of all students.  Our special education support and interventions begin in kindergarten if necessary.  Our experienced and qualified staff in both the resource room and the classrooms ensures students are equipped and supported to experience success on a daily basis.  The homework club is for students in gr. 5 through 8 who require the organizational and study skills necessary to be prepared for class each day.

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Are your teachers qualified?

BCS employs professional Christian teachers who are qualified to teach in any public or private school in Ontario, but who chose to serve the Lord and their Christian community in the education, training, and discipleship of its children.  

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Who operates your school?

BCS is operated by the Belleville Christian School Society (BCSS). BCS is a community based, privately funded, parentally supported independent Christian School. Its daily affairs are managed by an administrative team made up of the Principal and Vice-Principal. A Board of Directors sets policy and supervises the activities of the administrative team.  A number of standing committees serve the Board. The Board and committees are elected or appointed from the members of the BCSS.  Membership in the society is open to parents and all those interested in the promotion of Christian education. The membership has no less than two official meetings per year.

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Is transportation an additional expense?

No.  Bussing is included in the tuition.  However, once the bus routes are set in mid-summer, routes cannot be altered to accommodate late registrants. 

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Does your school receive any government funding?  

No.

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How long has your school been in operation? 

BCS has been in operation since 1964.

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What are the school hours?

Our school hours are 8:50 a.m. to 3:10 p.m., Monday - Friday.   Students have 2 recess each day, 10:45-11:00 and 12:30 to 1:00.

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How old do children have to be to start Junior Kindergarten?

Children must be four years old on or before December 31 of the school year in order to start Junior Kindergarten.

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 Do you serve hot lunch?

Students bring bag lunches from home.  Students can participate in a daily milk program.  We enjoy one or two hot lunches per month.  

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Do you have a financial aid program?

Yes.  Parents may contact the school for more information about this program.   

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 Are you associated with a particular church or denomination?

No, BCS is an independent, non-denominational Christian school with students from a variety of churches enrolled.