FAQs

If my child were to graduate from Grade 12 is the high school diploma the same as the public school system?

Yes.  As a group one independent school VCS is able to give graduating students the BC dogwood diploma, the same as the public schools do.  In order to receive a graduation certificate from Vernon Christian School students must also receive 12 credits for Bible.

 

How does your curriculum differ from the public school system?

The curriculum in all grades at VCS meets or exceeds the instructional time and program requirements determined by the Ministry of Education. Our student evaluation policies and procedures also meet or exceed the ministry requirements and we participate in all provincial academic assessment programs. The difference is in the philosophy of education.  A philosophy of education addresses questions such as: What do we teach about truth? What do children need to learn besides basic skills? What kind of person do we want our graduates to be or what should we teach about the purpose of life?  How these questions are answered has a profound, yet significant influence on the delivery of a curriculum and therefore on the way a child absorbs the information taught.  At Vernon Christian school the Bible is the guideline for answering life’s important questions.  All subjects are taught from the perspective of a Christian worldview.  A Christian education teacher the skills necessary to function in a modern world and at the same time celebrates God at work in every aspect of life.  The public school embraces secular philosophy of education, which at its core denies the existence of God.

 

Can you give me an outline of your high school curriculum? 

We prefer that perspective students and families consult directly with our academic counselor regarding the grade 10 – 12 graduation program.

 

How often do you have chapel and what takes place during this time?

We hold regular chapel times at both the elementary and secondary campuses.  At the EC chapels are held on average twice a month.  The chapels tend to follow major events of the Christian calendar.  They may also feature special speakers or musical groups.  A big part of chapel is worship that is led by staff and parents with the enthusiastic involvement of students.  At the SC, chapel is celebrated weekly.  Students play a major role in leading worship as well in as the leading of chapels. SC chapels feature speakers and musical groups of a local and national flavor. 

 

How do you handle discipline to students?

Major discipline problems have not been a big concern at either campus.  We have developed a "standards of conduct" document for each campus that clearly outlines in a positive manner how we expect students to conduct themselves while at school or student related activities.  We have also established a school culture that is positive and promotes a caring, supportive community of learners.
Standards of Conduct (Appendix C)

 

Can you tell me about your athletics program?

Yes, our students compete in volleyball, basketball, and track and field starting in grade 6 for team sports and grade 4 for track and field.  Our school teams compete in public school district leagues.  We have had teams compete for provincial championships in recent years.  VCS teams also attend a number of tournaments at other schools and hosts’ tournaments in our gym as well.

 

I notice your school is not on the public transit system.  What options are available for transporting students to your school?

The great majority of our students are driven to school by parents or are part of a car pool.  A number of others come by school district #22 school bus.  For information regarding SD #22 and bussing may be accessed by calling 250-542-3331 and asking for the transportation department. 

 

I’ve heard great things about your Kindergarten program.  What is so special about it? 

Any great program is only as good as the teacher who delivers it and we have been blessed with exceptional Kindergarten teachers at VCS.  Children are exposed to learning opportunities through structured lessons and lots of experiential play.  The classroom is spacious and well-appointed for optimum learning and a smooth transition into the primary grades.

 

Do you have any other programs for kids, like an after school or preschool program?

As of September 2009, VCS added a preschool program.  Preschool is an important step in a child’s early learning career. Every child is unique with special needs, interests, and characteristics. Because children are important to us, Vernon Christian Preschool works in partnership with families to help children to grow, learn, and develop as individuals and as members of our preschool community.   After preschool, families are welcome to apply to have their children continue in Christian education at Vernon Christian School within our K-12 program.

 

What does it mean that you are a parent run school?

By parent run we mean that the parents whose children attend the school govern the school. This is done through an elected school board and a number of committees appointed by the school board.  The board works closely with school administration to ensure that the school continues to provide a first rate Christian education to all students.

 

What does supervision entail? 

We provide outside supervision before school, during recess, over the noon hour and after school.  During the peak times, recess, lunch and after school we have at least 2, usually more, adult supervisors on duty.

 

Normally independent schools have smaller class sizes than in the public school system.  Is this the case with your school?

Our class size does tend to be smaller than in the public school but on occasion we may have a class that is larger than we would like.  This is usually a result of the school going through a growth phase where a larger class is the result of accommodating siblings in other grades. 

 

How are your tuition and fees structured and what financing options are available?

Please refer to our admissions page for tuition costs.  Parents have the following financing options:

1.   Full tuition to be paid by September of the current school year that allows a 1.5% discount off the annual rate.

2.  Monthly bank withdrawals over 10 or 12 months.

3.  Post-dated cheques that are due in the office on the first day of the current school year.

4. The business office is also open to discussing other arrangements parents might wish to put forward.

Please check the website at the above link for more complete information.