Why Choose Woodcrest Christian School System?
“Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” — Proverbs 22:6 NKJV
A Christian school should be significantly different than its public school counterpart, but not all Christian schools are the same. Here at WCSS, we strive to be distinctly different. To be distinct means to be set apart. As a Christian school, our adherence to God’s eternal truths in and out of the classroom is the key to being “in the world” but not “of the world.” We believe there are several “distinctives” that make WCSS unique. Here are five key traits that make the Woodcrest Christian School System different.
WCSS is Committed to Christ
Since our founding in 1948, the one unchanging truth is that Christ is the center of the entire school system. Our foundational documents and articles of incorporation articulate our foundation on Christ. With a mission to Glorify God by Pursuing Excellence in Christ-centered Academics, both of our campuses (Woodcrest Christian Day School K-6th and Woodcrest Christian School 7-12th) work tirelessly to ensure that Christ is the cornerstone of our academic instruction and extracurricular opportunities. To ensure that focus, all teachers and staff are required to be “born again” believers in Jesus Christ. Teachers also meet daily in devotions to focus their hearts in preparation for the day’s ministry. Each school’s curriculum is Biblically based and instruction is focused on teaching student’s both the character of God and how to develop a Biblical worldview.
WCSS Focuses on a Biblically Based Curriculum
At the core of each subject area taught from Kindergarten to 12th grade, is Christ. The elementary campus (WCDS) establishes academic bedrock through core subjects but also provides necessary well-roundedness by still teaching art, music, drama, and PE. Textbooks are primarily used from Christian publishers but in those situations where the more effective material is a secular textbook, teachers take extra effort to ensure that God’s Truth is taught. At the secondary level (WCS), the school focuses on the Biblical Core; an approach that recognizes that God’s Truth is at the core of each subject area. In essence, we teach that through each content area, God’s character and perspective on life is revealed. The high school also has a very strong college prep focus offering Advanced Placement and Honors classes in many areas. Our curriculum has been approved by the University of California since 1973. At both campuses, the curriculum is rigorous and challenging, successfully preparing students for the next stage in their education.
WCSS Teachers are Qualified and Caring
Our teachers love the Lord! Every teacher and staff member is required to be a “born-again” believer in Jesus Christ and each of them are an integral part of the “living curriculum” as they model the Christian walk to their students. Their demonstration of Christ’s love, integrity, and accountability are an essential part of Christian education. Our teachers genuinely care and are interested in students as demonstrated by the time they spend with them in and out of class. Many students and parents share their appreciation for teachers who go above and beyond in the time they spend with their child. In fact, students often share how they have been inspired by one or more of their teachers. What makes a teacher “qualified” beyond a relationship with Christ? In the Woodcrest Christian School System it means that teachers have at least a BA/BS degree in their subject area recognizing that subject matter competency is essential in educational preparation. Over 50% of our staff has a Masters Degree as well. Our teachers are also certified by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). This outside agency provides an objective process to keep our teachers on a track of continuous improvement realizing that when teachers grow in their knowledge and expertise, students do as well. Frequent staff training also takes place throughout the year in the areas of effective instruction and assessment.
WCSS Has a Proven Track Record of Success
The Woodcrest Christian School System was established in 1948 with the founding of our elementary campus, Woodcrest Christian Day School. The system expanded to include a middle and high school campus in 1973 and the first class of high school seniors graduated in 1978. At the high school level, 98% of graduates go on to college with 85% moving directly to a four year university. Students are accepted to colleges and universities across the entire country including Biola, Baylor, Pepperdine, West Point all of the University of California campuses and many Ivy league schools including Harvard. These past 68 years have seen countless students successfully move on to higher levels of education and alumni have served successfully the fields of medicine, law, business, law enforcement, education, and many others. In fact, many alumni now serve as teachers and staff within the school system demonstrating a deep appreciation for the education they received and a desire to give back. Within the community of Riverside and its environs, the schools of the Woodcrest Christian School System have a long tradition of Christ-centered academic excellence.
WCSS Builds Christian Character
Developing a Christ-like attitude in every part of life is a major focus targeted at four specific traits that reflect the person and mission of a believer in Jesus Christ. The Woodcrest Christian School System focuses on developing Christ-like Wisdom, Character, Stewardship and Service. From specific instruction in and out of the classroom to opportunities to develop these traits experientially, each student is challenged to not just demonstrate these characteristics but to truly understand them as a means of praising God! Such effort takes place regularly at the elementary campus through the teaching of four “Starter Qualities” that include attentiveness, obedience, responsibility, and kindness. At the secondary level, students are challenged throughout their day and in their involvement in extracurricular activities to constantly demonstrate a heart and attitude that represents Christ. In all things, we challenge students to be “hearers” and “doers” of the Word as seen in James 1:22, “Do not merely listen to the Word… Do what it says.”
“WCDS is like a family to us, everyone is very welcoming to everyone who attends there. What they have to teach to the kids about God is outstanding, the things they learn from the excellent teachers stay with the kids throughout their lives and they continue to grow in God’s world as they go to Woodcrest Christian School.” — WCSS Parent
