1. What curriculum do you use?

Willowdale Christian School is a member of both Christian Schools International and the Ontario Alliance of Christian Schools. Both these organizations produce quality curriculum that exceeds Ministry of Education standards in all classes and in all grade levels.

 

2. Why Christian education at Willowdale Christian School?

Parents send their children to Willowdale Christian School for many different reasons. Among them are:

·        Chapel assemblies and daily devotions

·        Protection from bad influences

·        Making lifelong Christian friends

·        Strong academics

·        Good discipline

·        Teachers who care about the whole child – intellectually, spiritually and emotionally

·        Home, church and school all work together to present students with Christ centred learning and growth.

 

3. Are all the teachers fully certified AND Christians?

At Willowdale Christian School, all of our teachers have their Ontario Teaching Certificate and have or are working to obtain their Christian Teaching Certificate. We are blessed to have teachers who hold high professional standards and are rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

 

4. What types of extra-curricular events can my child participate in?

While we encourage academic excellence in our students, we also recognize the need to participate in other activities to form a well-rounded individual. Willowdale Christian School has basketball, volleyball, soccer, badminton and track and field sports teams that participate in interschool tournaments throughout the year. We also have spelling bee and public speaking competitions and a science fair every 2 years. There is also opportunity to be involved in a musical/drama program for either Easter or Christmas and we promote community involvement for our students.

 

5. What is done for children with special education needs?

Students who have special needs are provided for in our Resource Program. We believe that all children – the average child, the learning-disabled child, the intellectually gifted – each one is a unique child of God, deserving the best possible opportunity for learning. Our Resource Program attempts to meet the needs of students beyond the scope of the regular classroom. The program could consist of daily withdrawal from class for a short period, modified programming in the regular class or a combination of both. The Resource Room is an open place used for various support programs. It is a place where special attention can be given to any aspect of learning. The program is fully integrated with school curriculum and classroom activities.

 

6. How big are the classes?

Our class sizes vary from year to year, depending on our enrolment. The average number of students to teachers is 20:1.

 

7. Is the discipline at WCS different from other schools?

The purpose of discipline at Willowdale Christian School is to encourage the sincere desire to walk obediently in the ways of the Lord. The word “discipline” is derived from “disciple” which means “follower”. Part of following Christ is demonstrated by respect for God, others and property.

 

In the Christian School community, discipline is intended to produce that state of order which is most conducive to teaching and learning. Order is not intended to restrict students in their development, but rather to provide a structure within which openness of expression and freedom of thought may thrive. Within this environment, the child is encouraged to achieve the best academic performance that is consistent with his or her God-given abilities.

 

8. Other than Bible class, what will my child learn about God?

In Science we start with the assumption that God created the world and He upholds it. In History, we teach that God established structures we call government to maintain order for the common good. In Physical Education, we teach that our bodies are temples of God. And in all of our courses, we see God’s work behind creation. It’s more than a Bible study; it’s a study of the world through the Bible. We believe that everything belongs to God and comes from Him and He is sovereign over all.

 

9. Are you affiliated with one specific church?

No, Willowdale Christian School is not affiliated with any one church denomination. While we were started by the Christian Reformed Church and Canadian Reformed Church and teach reformed beliefs, we welcome families from all different church backgrounds. However, we do require our families to be church-attending Christians who teach their children about God at home.

 

10. Do you have weekly chapel assemblies?

Yes. Every Friday morning, all of our students gather in the gymnasium to worship our Lord and learn more about him. This time of praise and worship allows our students another opportunity to showcase the talents God gave them and join with different classes to lift up His name

 

 

Please also visit Christian Schools International at www.csi.org and click on “Why Christian Education” to learn about the benefits of WCS.