Frequently Asked Questions

How long has Calvary Christian Schools been in existence?

The school began in 1980 with kindergarten and first grade and added a grade each year after that. The first graduating class was in 1991. In 2010, the school celebrated its 30th anniversary. Calvary Christian Schools is a ministry of Calvary Church of Fruitport, Michigan, with a diverse student body coming from over 30 area Evangelical churches. The church and school moved to the new campus in 1999.  [Top of Page]

What position does the school take on denominational differences?

Calvary Christian Schools is made up of students who represent over forty churches in Muskegon and Ottawa counties. The school is a ministry of Calvary Church and operates under the statement of faith included in the church constitution. The school does have its own Statement of Faith that includes the main tenets and doctrines of the Christian faith. The school believes that areas of theology or faith that are sometimes disputed by Christians be left primarily to the student's parents and home church.  [Top of Page]

Is the school accredited?

Calvary Christian Schools is accredited by The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and North Central Accreditation. Teachers are required to be certified by the State of Michigan after completing a professional program in teacher education at an accredited college or university. As part of the accreditation process, the school must go through a rigorous process of self-evaluation every seven years. A visiting team of professionals from other Christian schools and officials from ACSI then comes to the school to evaluate the whole school process and makes recommendations for improvement. Staff members are encouraged to participate in professional development activities on an ongoing basis during the summer and throughout the school year.  [Top of Page]

How do students get to school?

Parents are responsible for getting their children to school on time. A remarkable carpool system has developed which most parents take advantage of. The school office is ready to help new parents by providing a list of school families who live in the new family's geographic area. Many of the high school age students who are legal drivers drive to school themselves. School officials have developed an effective plan that emphasizes student safety in dropping off and picking up students from school.  [Top of Page]

What kind of lunch program does the school have?

The school offers a variety of healthy hot lunch choices daily for students at a reasonable cost. Many of the students bring sack lunches as well. A monthly lunch menu is published and distributed to the school family so parents and students can choose which days they would like hot lunch, and which days they would like to bring sack lunches. School families are encouraged to purchase a Hot Lunch Punch Card to facilitate the purchasing of school lunches. The punch cards are available in the school office and can be purchased in amounts of $27.50 and $55.00. This process is efficient and easy to learn.  [Top of Page]

What sports are offered for middle school and high school students?

Soccer (Fall), Basketball (Winter), Track & Field (Spring), and Golf (Spring) are available for the High School boys to participate in. Volleyball (Fall), Basketball (Winter), Track & Field (Spring) and Soccer (Spring) are available for the High School girls to participate in. In some years cheerleading has also been available as an option. Soccer (boys in the fall, girls in the spring) and basketball (winter) are available for the Middle School students to participate in. The school is a member of the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA), as well as a member of the Alliance League which consists of 6 Class D schools.  [Top of Page]

How is the school governed?

Calvary Christian Schools has an elected school board made up of twelve members who are all parents of current students or alumni. They meet on a monthly basis. The school administrator is a member of the church staff and Leadership Team who works in conjunction with the school board to implement policy, oversee the school, and hire faculty and staff.  [Top of Page]

Does the school have a dress code?

The school does have a dress code with the basic goal being modesty and neatness. There is no uniform, but the Parent-Student Handbook outlines general guidelines as well as specific requirements regarding the dress code.  [Top of Page]

How do you describe the educational program?

Students at Calvary Christian Schools are exposed to many different experiences in their educational program. The most important aspect of the school curriculum is that all classes and subjects are taught from a Biblical perspective or with a purposeful emphasis on the eternal truth of God's Word. At the elementary level, students study and learn core subjects in self-contained classrooms the majority of the time. The students also get exposure to music, computers, art, and physical education on a regular basis. Daily Bible lessons are a regular part of the curriculum and students have a weekly chapel service with music and special presentations. Regularly scheduled field trips to interesting locations are also an important part of the educational program at the elementary level. At the middle school and high school levels, students move from one class to another throughout the school day. A rigorous core program is emphasized at this level that includes English, Bible, math, science, social studies, art, physical education, and computers. Middle school students also have the option to sign up for band or choir. Numerous special events and programs are included in the middle school program to add enrichment, build school spirit, and create a sense of community for all students. The high school program includes many challenging core classes including algebra, geometry, pre-calculus, calculus, literature, biology, chemistry, Spanish, Bible, English, history, physical education, and many others. At the high school level, students have more class choices and may also participate in band, art, or choir. High school students are required to complete ten hours of community service each year.  [Top of Page]

Does the school have a library?

Calvary Christian Schools has a large, interactive library with over 13,000 books for children and young adults. Elementary students visit the library once a week as a regular part of the school day. During this time, students hear stories, learn library skills and have an opportunity to check out books. Middle school and high school students may use the library to check out books, conduct research, or use the library computers for school projects. Twice a year the library hosts a Book Fair. In March the students celebrate reading month, and in October the library highlights Children's Book Week.  [Top of Page]

What kind of standardized testing does the school offer?

Students in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10 take the Stanford Achievement Test in April of each year. The Stanford Achievement Test is a nationally-normed test that has been around for many years. This test measures English, math, science, listening, spelling and social studies. The "SAT 10," as it is commonly called, is considered the benchmark of excellence in standardized achievement tests utilized across the United States. First published in 1926, the Stanford test is considered more consistent and comprehensive in scope than state-generated assessments. CCS students as a whole consistently score above both the state and national averages on the SAT. Parents receive a home report and a student profile that show how their student is doing in school compared to other students nationally. Juniors take the PSAT test in October. This test helps prepare students to take the ACT test and is used to determine National Merit Scholarships.  [Top of Page]