Frequently Asked Questions
- How does your school differ from other private schools?
- What is a Christian world and life view?
- Is your program accelerated?
- Why do you have uniforms?
- What are your long-term building plans?
- Do you foresee enlarging your class size in the future?
- Why learn Latin?
- What are the qualifications of your teachers?
- Since the school is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in America, will you teach my child Presbyterian doctrine?
- What types of sports programs and extracurricular activities are available?
- What is the nature of your discipline policy?
- To whom is the school accountable?
- Are you tax exempt?
- What is your parent support policy?
- How is the school funded?
How does your school differ from other private schools?
As a Classical School, we differ in our structure and curriculum - in both methods and content - as we seek to give children the tools for learning (see sections on Definitions and Curriculum). As a Christian School, we teach all subjects from a Biblical perspective, integrating a Christian world and life view, rather than merely teaching Bible as a separate subject. Our small class sizes, high caliber of teachers, and beautiful location are clear distinctions.
What is a Christian world and life view?
The Bible is truth. Therefore, we teach everything as being derived from Scripture. As mentioned above, Bible is not taught as a separate subject; rather, we seek to enable children to look at the world through the eyes of God.
Is your program accelerated?
It is important not to confuse acceleration with excellence. Pushing children to levels of academic achievement which are developmentally inappropriate can have deleterious effects. Excellence is defined as developmentally appropriate education which challenges students at their level and which results in a delight in learning, a sense of confidence, and an awareness of truth from God's perspective. By virtue of its definition, the schools which follow the classical model are more academically arduous than other schools, although the methods used facilitate learning in a way that makes it seem less difficult, and children typically tend to excel academically.
(Return to Top)
Why do you have uniforms?
Our uniform policy serves several purposes. It develops a sense of community among the student body and enables children to focus more on studies, not judge people by external means, and is more economical. Studies have shown that parents spend less money, and children do better academically, when a uniform policy is adopted.
What are your long-term building plans?
Two interim modular structures will accommodate our needs for the next three to five years. Following that, we will be building on 15 acres of the Beachmont Farm property, which has been designated for Redeemer Presbyterian Church and Classical Christian School. The School's Development Director, Pamela Hebrank, has been trained by Development Marketing Associates, a proven company which works with schools nationwide to direct and assist us in a Capital Gift Giving Campaign to procure funds for building.
Do you foresee enlarging your class size in the future?
Our current class size limit of approximately 18 students has been set to optimize the teacher-to-student ratio. This number is based upon precedent set by other schools in the classical and Christian school movement. While an adjustment may be made in some circumstances, the plan is to not deviate from this class size limit in the future.
(Return to Top)
Why learn Latin?
The teaching of Latin is integral to classical education. Here are several reasons:
- 80% of the English language is derived from Greek and Latin roots. Learning Latin helps in vocabulary building and the decoding, understanding, and formulation of words. Hence, students who have had Latin do better in English.
- The analysis and mastery of a second language greatly refines an understanding of grammar and syntax, which carries over into English.
- Mastery of Latin enhances ones ability to learn the Romance languages, including Spanish, French, Italian, Romanian, and Portuguese. It is also helpful in learning other inflected languages (in which nouns are declined) such as Greek, Russian, and German.
What are the qualifications of your teachers?
Our primary qualifications for teachers include a love for God, a gift for teaching children, and a passion for their subject areas. All of our full-time teachers have Bachelor's Degrees, with many of our teaching staff possessing Masters degrees.
Since the school is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in America, will you teach my child Presbyterian doctrine?
The school is a non-denominational school and holds to the general confessional standards of the Presbyterian Church in America (See" Statement of Faith"). We do not teach any specific doctrines other than these. Because our families come from a variety of denominational perspectives and our founding documents state that we assist parents in the education of their children, we direct them to their parents and their pastor on matters regarding secular doctrines.
(Return to Top)
What types of sports programs and extracurricular activities are available?
The Board and Administration recognize the importance of rounding out a student's academic program with sports, the arts, and social activities. The school is a member of a Christian school athletic league, enabling us to participate in interscholastic sports for boys' and girls' soccer, boys' baseball, and girls' volleyball. Two choirs meet weekly, for grades 4-6 and grades 7 and above. We also have a student run yearbook, opportunities for drama, and a Student Government Association. Our elective program, available for students in grades 8 and above, affords many opportunities to students, including fine art, creative writing, architecture, and computer skills.
What is the nature of your discipline policy?
Our discipline policy is based on the philosophy that God has given parents' the responsibility for raising and educating their children. In light of this, we put a high priority on communicating concerns to parents, and working together with them to address concerns. An incentive chart is used with younger children, and a demerit system with our older students to help them develop in the area of responsibility. Although we use a behavioral referral system for more serious behavioral issues, the focus of the discipline policy is to maintain an orderly, respectful atmosphere that facilitates learning. We encourage a relationship between teachers and students based on grace and mutual respect.
To whom is the school accountable?
The school's classical standards are in line with the Association of Classical and Christian School's standards for full membership. Currently, we are a Member of the Association of Classical and Christian Schools. We have been accepted as candidates for accreditation with the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and we are pursuing membership with the Association of Independent Maryland Schools.
(Return to Top)
Are you tax exempt?
Since the school is incorporated separately from the church, the school has a 501(c)(3) status exemption with the Internal Revenue Service.
What is your parent support policy?
Taking into consideration our philosophy that parents are responsible before God for the upbringing of their children, RCCS is a parent supported school. Each family is required to serve six hours per month to support the teachers and the school's programs. We seek to utilize the individual gifts and talents that families have to offer. RCCS also has a Parent Fellowship who serve the school family, and meet regularly for prayer service and fellowship. There are three parent representatives on the Board. The representative parents serve the School Board.
How is the school funded?
RCCS is supported solely by donations and tuition. There are several ways contributions may be given which include: trusts, gifts, annuities, endowments, bequests, tithes, scholarship and general donations. All gifts to RCCS are tax deductible.
