Following are questions often asked by families considering Front Range Christian School for their children. For additional information, or if you have questions not answered on this list, please contact our admissions department at admissions@frcs.org or 303-531-4541.

Where is Front Range Christian located?

All PreK-12 students are located on the Pierce Street Village campuses, just southeast of the intersection of Coal Mine Avenue and Pierce Street in Littleton, Colorado. As the owner of the PSV shopping center, Front Range Christian has renovated the former Cooper 7 movie theater complex and has built a relationship with several secular and Christian-owned businesses located onsite. These businesses enhance our community by providing useful services to our students and school families. The Christian-owned businesses include the Baseball Training Center, Holy Grounds Cafe, FRCS Music Academy, Revive Dance, and Revolution Martial Arts. (back to top)

What grades does Front Range Christian offer?

Preschool through 12th grades. Our preschool program launched in August 2010. (back to top)

What are the school hours?

All full-time students meet Monday through Friday. For days off, holidays, etc. please view the academic calendar.

• K-6: 8am-2:55pm (early drop-off is 7:50am; late pick-up is 3:05pm)
• Part-time Kindergarten: 8am-11:15am on Mondays; 8am-2:55pm on Wednesdays and Fridays
• 7-12: 7:50am-3pm (back to top)

Is Front Range Christian School affiliated with a church?

No. Front Range Christian School is an independent, non-demoninational Christian school. Our school families represent over 75 churches within the surrounding communities. (back to top)

How many students attend FRCS?

Full-time plus homeschool enrollment is nearly 400 students, Kindergarten through 12th grades. (back to top)

How many students are in a classroom?

Should the class size exceed the maximum number of students, a teacher’s aide will be hired or an additional class added, depending on enrollment numbers. (back to top)

Does FRCS offer before and after school childcare?

No. However, Kingdom Kids Academy (located in Pierce Street Village) provides a before and after school care program. Their phone number is 303-971-0011. (back to top)

What is the birthday cutoff for kindergarten?

All students enrolled for kindergarten at Front Range Christian must turn five prior to September 1st of the upcoming school year. We conduct screenings to determine the readiness of all kinder applicants. (back to top)

Besides the cost, what is the difference between part-time and full-time kindergarten?

Part-time kindergarten students attend classes only two and a half days per week (8-11:15am on Mondays and 8am-2:55pm on Wednesdays and Fridays). During this time, part time students attend special classes (art, music, PE, Library) once during the week whereas full-time students receive specials twice per week in their five-day, 8am-2:55pm schedule. In addition, full-time kindergarten students receive more hands-on learning time. For instance, if they're learning about outer space, there would be more extensive study on that subject with extra projects. Both the part-time and full-time kindergarten programs readily prepare most students for entrance into first grade the following year. (back to top)

Is Front Range Christian School accredited?

Yes. Front Range Christian School is fully accredited in grades K-12, through ACSI (Association of Christian Schools, International) and NCA (North Central Association). (back to top)

Are FRCS teachers certified?

The majority of our faculty has a state certification and/or ACSI certification. All of our full-time teachers (K-12) have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Front Range Christian School hires individuals who are called to serving Christ through Christian education. (back to top)

How does FRCS compare with other schools in regards to national testing?

Our students score above average, as compared with other students in the same grades across the country, both in public and private/parochial schools. We administer Stanford 10 Achievement Tests and the Otis-Lennon School Ability Test in grades 3, 5, and 7. In high school, students take the Explore, Plan, and PSAT in preparation for either the ACT or SAT college entrance tests. (back to top)

What foreign languages are offered?

Spanish is offered at the junior and senior high levels. An optional Spanish program (Speak Easy) is available for kindergarten through 2nd grades. At the high school level, FRCS requires three years of foreign language in order to graduate. (back to top)

What are your homework guidelines?

Elementary: An average of 10 minutes per grade level per year is a guideline. So, an average first grader would spend about 10 minutes on homework a night; a sixth grader would average about an hour. Of course, each class has a wide range of personalities and abilities. What might take one child 10 minutes could take another one 30 minutes or even longer. Our philosophy is to avoid assigning busywork and to focus on assigning only relevant homework. (back to top)

Junior High: An average of 15 minutes per subject per evening (or a weekly total of 60 minutes per subject, with the exception of Saxon Math). For an elective course, the expected homework load is 30 minutes per week. If homework is assigned in every class in a given day, you could expect that your junior high student will spend approximately 90 minutes per evening completing the work. (back to top)

Senior High: 20 minutes per evening, weekly total = 80 minutes per subject. For most elective courses, (exceptions for Speech or Honors Spanish), the expected homwork load is 40 minutes per week. If homework is assigned in every class in a given day, you could expect that your senior high student will spend approximately 2 hours per evening completing the work. (back to top)

How does one’s faith grow at FRCS?

As a discipleship-based Christian school, biblical principals are integrated into all subject areas. We offer a detailed Bible curriculum for students K-12 and appropriate time is devoted each day to Bible instruction. Our teachers encourage students to have their own personal devotions and to attend church regularly. In addition, students attend chapel once a week. Spiritually, FRCS provides an atmosphere in which students begin to “own” their faith and transition from a faith inherited from their parents. If you’d like to know more, be sure to ask our admissions office about our Jr/Sr high discipleship groups. (back to top)

Does FRCS offer fine arts?

Yes! Front Range Christian offers numerous opportunities for students through our excellent fine arts program. Vocal music, praise and worship band, and art are components of the elementary curriculum. An afterschool enrichment Choir is available in the spring for 4th-6th grades. Choir, visual arts, musical theater, digital photography, drama, and video production are offered in grades 7-12. FRCS proudly presents drama and musical programs each year. (back to top)

What sports does FRCS have?

For complete information, be sure to visit the Athletics and Sports section of our website.

Elementary: The FRCS Athletics Department helps facilitate team placement of students into community leagues for basketball, baseball, volleyball and soccer.

Junior High: We have FRCS teams in boys basketball, girls basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, baseball, football and soccer through community leagues.

High School: FRCS is a member of CHSAA (Colorado High School Activities Association) and it competes with public and private schools in 2A. Boys sports include football, golf, basketball, and baseball. Girls sports include volleyball, cheerleading, basketball, and soccer. (back to top)

Do you have a homeschool program?

Yes. Front Range Christian offers a terrific homeschool enrichment program for K-12 students. Elementary students (K-6) may participate in a one day per week program featuring chapel, art, music, PE, sign language, guitar, and creative writing. Jr/Sr high students (7th-12th) may choose from either core or elective courses (on a space available basis). For more information, be sure to see the elementary homeschool enrichment page and the jr/sr high homeschool options page. (back to top)

Do students wear uniforms?

No, we do not require uniforms. Our dress-code is based on Christian standards of modesty and neatness. A detailed description is available in the Parent-Student Handbook. (back to top)

Do you have a hot lunch program?

Students have the choice of purchasing lunch (either hot or cold) from the school caterer or they can bring their own lunch. Lunch schedules are available one month ahead and prepayment for meals is required. Microwaves are available for student use. (back to top)

How much is tuition?

Current rates are available in the tuition and fees page. (back to top)

Does Front Range Christian offer financial assistance?

Yes, tuition scholarships are designed to meet a short-term financial need for qualified families who desire to have a Christian education for their child(ren). Tuition scholarship applications are only accepted and processed after the prospective family enrolls their child(ren) at FRCS. Tuition assistance funds are limited, so the sooner you enroll your child(ren), the better your chances are (if qualified) to receive assistance. For more information, please see the financial aid page. (back to top)

How does SCRIP reduce my tuition rate?

Front Range Christian School sells merchant retrailer certificates (SCRIP) to FRCS families. This program functions for the sole purpose of reducing tuition costs to families by allocating and accumulating a portion of money being spent for normal weekly living expenses: food, clothing, dining, and even gifts! More information is available on the financial aid page. (back to top)

May parents work off tuition?

No, however, a parent may apply for a job when available, and, if hired, use the paycheck to pay school bills just with any other job. (back to top)

How is the leadership structured?

Front Range Christian School is governed by an elected Board of Directors comprised of parents of the school. The administrative staff includes the Executive Director (Dave Sherman), Director of Operations (Rod Ross), and Principal (Mike Hestermann). (back to top)

My child has special needs. Can you accommodate him/her?

Possibly. Front Range Christian views special needs to include students on both ends of the learning spectrum; those who are extraordinarily gifted and those who have learning disabilities.

Gifted Students

The Explore Program is Front Range Christian School’s tool for addressing the unique needs of highly capable learners. Specific services offered vary according to grade level and employ a variety of tools including pull-out classes, differentiated work, cluster classes, leveled classes, apprenticeships, and servant leader opportunities. Students are identified for the Explore Program through the Otis-Lennon School Ability Test scores (above the 90th percentile), teacher recommendation, and parent recommendation. (back to top)

Students who Struggle with Learning

There are currently four different levels of services:

1. Search and Teach - an early intervention program developed to meet the educational needs of young learners before the experience the frustration of learning failure. The Search scan is administered to all kindergarten and new first grade students in September of each school year. This program is designed to prevent learning failure and its emotional consequences through early identification, diagnosis and educational intervention. The Search scan measures perceptual abilities and if vulnerable students are found, the Teach program is recommended to the parents. Each student enrolled receives 1.5 hours of individual therapy per week. This program is only available for kindergarten through 2nd grade students.
2. Resource assistance - The goal of resource support is to provide small group instruction to students in need of remediation for specific gaps in basic skills. Additionally, the resource room teachers partner with classroom teachers and parents in determining necessary classroom accommodations as well as extra-curricular support and services to help students experience success in learning.
3. NILD (National Institute for Learning Development) - NILD educational therapy is a supplementary program established to help students with learning difficulties who have experienced frustration and/or failure in school. During therapy, intervention techniques are used in one-on-one educational sessions for approximately three hours per week. The focus of the intense individual session is on continual stimulation and development of the deficit areas of perception, basic skills, and cognitive problem solving.
4. The Learning Center (TLC) - TLC services students in a setting which offers a modified and differentiated curriculum, as well as opportunities for students to attend regular classroom settings for electives, including: PE, art, music, chapel and discipleship groups. In addition, students may participate in sports and clubs. One of the features of our prorgam is our pre-vocational and vocational program. Our goal is to have students work within a tiered program starting with working in the Front Range Christian School community and then reaching out in the community with a job that fits each particular student. (back to top)

What is the community like at FRCS?

Front Range Christian offers a family atmosphere. We are a close-knit community of believers who possess a common vision for K-12 education. (back to top)

Does the school have a parent volunteer program?

Yes. The Parent Partnership Program (P3) is a vital component to the operation of our school. Realizing that our tuition rates do not fully cover the cost to educate children at FRCS, our school relies on charitable contributions and gifts-in-kind from parent partners to remain financially healthy. All Front Range Christian families are asked to commit to one (or both) of the following: Charitably contributing $600 or serving 60 hours per family during the fiscal year (80 hours per family if receiving tuition assistance). Charitable gifts to FRCS (monetary donations are receipted and tax-deductible; FRCS is a 501(c)3). Many P3 roles can be fulfilled together as a family and as a community. If you have extenuating circumstances that prevent you from being fully involved in one or more of these areas of involvement, please notify the admissions office for assistance. For a current list of areas in which to serve, see the P3 page. (back to top)

How do I schedule a tour, classroom observation or student-shadowing?

You may schedule a family tour or classroom observation by calling the admissions office. Front Range Christian also offers open house events in which families considering FRCS can experience the school at special events. Prospective students may have the opportunity to shadow a peer student; please call the admissions office for details. (back to top)

Does the school utilize carpools?

Yes. Since the school does not have any transportation available for students, many of our families carpool. FRCS provides a list of families (separated by zip code) on ParentsWeb, the schools interactive software system. Parents are given access to ParentsWeb once their student is enrolled at FRCS. (back to top)

Are computers available for students?

Desktop computers are available in the elementary library for students in grades 4-6. The curriculum for these grades focuses on keyboarding and computer skills. A computer lab at the Jr/Sr high school is for 7-12 grade students. In addition, 20 laptops are available for students to use in the high school library for internet researsch and classroom assignments. (back to top)

How many alumni do you have?

Front Range Christian School currently has 218 alumni. (back to top)

What holidays does Front Range Christian celebrate?

Because of the strong secular emphasis given to certain holidays, the following guidelines will be followed in respect to celebration:

• Halloween - Because of the controversial nature of Halloween, we choose not to recognize this holiday. Instead, we will focus on the harvest theme of the season. Also, recognition of the Reformation (occurring on October 31, 1517) is an option for teachers.
• Thanksgiving - Before Thanksgiving, we will observe a time of prayer and thanks to God for the many blessings He provides. The historic Christian roots of this holiday will be emphasized. A service project is planned each year in which all students are expected to participate.
• Christmas - We want students to focus on the true meaning of Christmas and, therefore, we will emphasize and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, God's precious gift to us. There will be no promotion of Santa Claus at the school.
• Valentines Day - We will focus on friendship and God’s love.
• Easter - We will emphasize the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. There will be no promotion of the “Easter Bunny” at the school.
• Birthday Parties - Students who have birthdays during the school year may bring treats for the entire class if desired. Birthday treats may be distributed at a convenient time as determined by the classroom teacher. A day near the end of the school year may be designated to celebrate summer birthdays. If you are inviting students from school to a birthday party and want to give out invitations, please mail them or hand them out personallly instead of using the teachers or the classroom for this purpose. Birthdays parties shall not be held at the school. (back to top)

Are high school students allowed to leave campus for lunch?

Only seniors are allowed to drive off campus at lunch, and they are not allowed to take underclassmen with them. 10th-11th grade students are given off-campus walking privileges. More information is available in the Parent-Student Handbook. (back to top)

What grading scale does FRCS use?

90-100 A (4pts); 80-89 B (3pts), 70-79 C (2pts), 60-69 D (1pt), 0-59 F (0pts). A grade point average of at least 2.0 is required for admission into FRCS and to remain eligible for enrollment. (back to top)

What curriculum do you use?

Elementary: We have written our own curriculum documents which include course of study, scope and sequence charts, and instructional objectives for every course that we teach. These documents provide the core of our instructional program. We have selected a variety of excellent curricular materials and texts that support our learning objectives and that serve as tools to aide in our instruction. These materials come from a variety of publishers, both secular and Christian, and include Saxon Math, Rebecca Sitton Spelling, McGraw Hill Reading, Easy Grammar, ACSI Bible, Purposeful Design Science, and Six Traits and Step-Up Writing materials, for example. An excellent selection of high-quality literature and “living books” enhance our curriculum and challenge our students to think critically and to develop a Christian worlview. See also the elementary school course overview. (back to top)

Jr/Sr High: Please review the course offerings for both junior high and senior high. You may also be interested in our graduation requirements. (back to top)