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Common Questions

What makes WCS a Christian School?

 

Westbury Christian School is a community that strives to partner with families to provide students with a Christ-centered and Biblical worldview education. Our committed Christian educators prioritize the faith formation and spiritual growth of each of our students. Every aspect of education from math class to history class integrates God’s truth in the curriculum.

Outside of the classroom, WCS incorporates regular weekly chapels into our daily schedule. During chapel time, teachers, staff and local Christian leaders speak to our student body about Biblical truths. Our teachers also lead and mentor small group discussions and devotionals to prompt self reflection. Our students are also expected to participate and serve in service projects offered throughout the year.

At WCS, we believe faith is a core component of our identity and character. We strive to instill Biblical perspectives so our students may become Christ followers, Christian servants, lifelong learners, and compassionate leaders.

What are the faith requirements for attendance?

 

Students are not required to be members of a specific denomination or religious background. Our students come from a variety of faiths and Christian denominations, representing over 150 local churches. We do expect and require families to support and accept the school’s Christian mission and Scriptural foundation. While not every family may consider themselves Christian, each family recognizes the value of a Christian education and supports the mission of the school.

What does WCS look for in a potential applicant?

 

  • Future Wildcats reflect good moral character and their recommendations show a behavioral history that reflects the expectations and culture of Westbury Christian
  • Future Wildcats demonstrate an academic record that shows the capability to succeed in our program, reflecting performance at or above grade level and in positive academic standing at their current school.
  • Future Wildcats demonstrate a desire to attend Westbury Christian to continue their education
What are the birthdate guidelines when applying to early education and kindergarten?

 

Students must be three (PK3), four (PK4), or five (Kinder) by August 1 of the school year to enroll for classes. Preschool students must also be fully potty-trained to start school.

Is WCS accredited?

 

Westbury Christian is proud to be accredited by two national organizations: the National Christian Schools Association (NCSA) and Cognia, a nationally-recognized accrediting organization.

May I come to campus to take a tour?

 

We encourage all prospective families to attend a monthly coffee talk and tour with our admissions team early in the admissions process. Private tours can also be scheduled. Please contact our team at [email protected] or reserve a spot online here.

Can my student come in for a shadow day?

 

Yes! As part of the admissions process, all student applicants get to spend a day on campus, meeting future classmates, attending classes and activities, and enjoying lunch. Shadow visits are scheduled once an application and required records have been submitted.

Are you still accepting applications for the current year?

 

Yes, applications for the current school year are being accepted – please call the Admissions Team first to discuss. Applications for next school year opens September 1st.

What immunization records are required?

 

WCS complies with City and State Health Departments. All students are required to have up-to-date immunization records on file before attending classes.

Does WCS offer before or after-school extended day care?

 

WCS offers complimentary before school care from 7:00am-8:00/8:30am and after-school care billed at $6/30 min from 3:30pm-6:00pm.. No contract is required and all charges are billed to FACTS (RenWeb) account at the end of the month. If a Lower School student is participating in an after school extra curricular activity, extended care is complimentary from when school ends until when the student is picked up for his/her activity. Extended care charges start at the end of the extra-curricular activity if the student is not picked up.

Do students wear uniforms?

 

Yes, all WCS students wear uniforms, which can be purchased through Lands’ End Uniforms. More information about the student dress code can be found in the Parent-Student Handbook.

Lands End – Use Preferred School Number: 900150996

Do WCS students take standardized tests?

 

WCS students in kindergarten through 12th grade take the NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Growth+ assessment three times a year. This nationally-normed, standardized assessment tracks student growth over time and provides teachers with valuable academic insights to adjust their teaching to meet students’ learning needs.

Does WCS offer transportation services?

 

No, WCS does not offer transportation service to school.

Is lunch included in tuition?

 

Yes, for students in K-12th grades, lunch is included in tuition. Pre-school students have the option to include lunch in their tuition payments. Lunch is provided by SAGE Dining, a national school lunch provider that prepares nutritious meal options on site.

What fine arts does WCS have?

 

Students enjoy fine arts classes that include several levels of visual art, photography, band, and theatre. Students can also perform outside of class in our fall musical, spring play, football band or drumline.

What sports does WCS offer?

 

Middle school students compete in the Greater Houston Athletic Conference in football, volleyball, cross country, basektball, baseball, and track. High school students compete in TAPPS in six-man football, volleyball, cross country, soccer, basketball, baseball, golf and track and field.

What activities can students participate in at school?

 

In Lower School, students participate in library, music, art, PE, and recess during the school day. They also have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of after-school programs that are available each semester. Parents sign up for these activities at the beginning of each semester and have included exciting opportunities like fencing, LEGO robotics, chess, Soccer Shots, and more. Middle School and High School students can participate in a range of academic, fine arts, and athletic events both in and outside the school day.

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General Admissions

How do I start the admissions process?

 

To start the admissions process, fill out and submit an online application for your desired grade here. Interested families are also encouraged and invited to visit WCS at a monthly Coffee Talk and Tour or by scheduling a private tour by contacting our admissions team at [email protected].

What should I expect during the admissions process?

 

The Admissions Team will be with you every step of the way, guiding you through the admissions process. They will coordinate and correspond with you about your application, required records and documents, scheduling ISEE tests, help coordinate the shadow visit and OLSAT and be available to answer any question.

What admissions testing is required?

 

Prospective preschool students complete the Gesell Developmental Observation assessment, included in their application fee and administered by WCS staff. Kinder students complete Gesell Development Observation and Kindergarten Readiness Assessment, included in their application and administered by WCS staff. Students in 2nd through 4th grade complete the NWEA MAP Growth+ assessments, included in their application and administered by WCS staff. Students applying for 5th through 12th grade are required to submit ISEE scores, scheduled by parents at one of several testing sites in the city, and take an Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT) during their shadow visit.

What is the deadline for enrollment applications?

 

First round admissions decisions are made mid-March for applicants that have completed the entire admissions process by the last Friday in February. Second round admissions decisions are made in mid-April for applicants that have completed the entire admissions process by the end of March. After that point, WCS offers rolling admissions based on grade availability. When all spots in a particular grade level are full, future applicants are added to a wait pool. If an opening becomes available in a closed grade, the admissions committee reviews all applicants in the wait pool for that grade and an admissions decision is sent for the open spot.

What are the admissions related fees?

 

A $125 application fee is required for all prospective families. Students in 5th through 12th grade must also pay for an ISEE entrance exam, scheduled by families at several different testing sites.

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Tuition & Tuition Assistance

What is the tuition for the upcoming school year?

 

Tuition and fee information can be found here.

Are there additional fees beyond the posted tuition?

 

Our posted tuition includes lunch, technology resources, standard textbooks, and other standard fees. Additional special fees can be found here and will be drafted in full from your FACTS tuition plan 10 days after billed unless paid in full.

How do I apply for tuition assistance? When should I apply?

 

To see if your family qualifies, begin by completing the user-friendly online Financial Aid for School Tuition (FAST) application, which requires a $53 fee. Families who qualify for tuition assistance will be notified after completing the admissions process and receiving an acceptance letter. New families should apply for tuition assistance during the admissions process. Returning families are able to apply for tuition assistance during the re-enrollment period at the end of January. While WCS is able to offer assistance to a number of families, the amount is limited. The first round of applications for returning families is March 1. After this time, applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Will applying for tuition assistance affect my child’s admission status?

 

No. Admissions applications and FAST applications are reviewed separately, and submitting an application for tuition assistance has no bearing on your child’s admissions status.

What is included in tuition?

 

The tuition scale for Pre-K through grade 12 includes lunch, technology resources, standard textbooks, and other standard fees.

How can I pay my tuition?

 

Tuition payments can be paid in full with a check or cash through our business office. Tuition payment plans are to be made online through your family’s FACTS Tuition Management account.

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Special Programs – Learning Center

Does WCS have programs for students with learning differences?

 

WCS offers a Learning Center for students who qualify for academic accommodations based upon the diagnosis of certain learning differences and recommendations by a licensed diagnostician. While we do not modify our curriculum, eligible students are able to receive extended time on quizzes and tests, a small group testing environment, and academic support from our Learning Center coordinator. Students applying to the Learning Center must have a recent evaluation by a licensed educational diagnostician within the past three years.

Who can participate in the program?

 

The Learning Center program supports students in 5th through 12th grade who have a documented need for learning accommodations. While we do not modify our curriculum, eligible students are able to receive extended time on quizzes and tests, a small group testing environment, and academic support from our Learning Center coordinator based upon their documented needs. During the application process, prospective students should submit their current educational evaluation to the admissions office as part of their required documents. These evaluations will be reviewed by our guidance director and principal during the admissions process. There is an additional fee for students in the Learning Center program.

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