Love to Learn, Learn to Lead, Lead to Serve
TWENTY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What distinguishes City School from other schools?
City School focuses on training children to live the Christian life in the world. We do this through being a proactively diverse community, by teaching all subjects from a Christian worldview, and by challenging students to take responsibility to love both learning and serving. City School’s mission is to train the next generation of servant leaders for the Kingdom of God.
2. What academic philosophy do you follow?
City School generally follows the Charlotte Mason academic philosophy. This philosophy starts from a foundation of truth, namely, that all children are created in God’s image and eager to learn about Him and his creation. The curriculum focuses on exposing children to great literature, music, and art; integrating subjects at an early age; and recognizing and shepherding children according to their unique talents and gifts. The overall goal of City School’s academic philosophy is for children to love learning, love serving, and love Christ.
3. Is the school affiliated with a particular church?
City School is a 501c-3 non-profit under the oversight of Redeemer Presbyterian Church which is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America. Students from all church affiliations attend City School, and board members are elected from various church backgrounds by the school board. The school’s statement of faith is the Nicene Creed; this means that families agree that their children be instructed in orthodox Christian faith consistent with this creed.
Redeemer Presbyterian Church which is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America. Students from all church affiliations attend City School, and board members are elected from various church backgrounds by the school board. The school’s statement of faith is the Nicene Creed; this means that families agree that their children be instructed in orthodox Christian faith consistent with this creed.4. What is the bible study/chapel program?
All students attend chapel worship once per week where they are led by fellow students in prayer, praise, the creed and recitation. Local pastors from churches throughout Austin provide a brief sermon from Scripture on a particular theme for the semester. Every class day begins with Bible and prayer, and all subjects are taught from a Christian worldview.
5. How does City School train and discipline students?
City School’s overall discipline philosophy is based on the grace of Christ. Reconciliation to God and one another is promoted by teachers and staff. Because any authority to teach and discipline children at City School is granted by parents, parents will be aware and involved early in the discipline process.
6. What are the academic requirements to be admitted to City School?
All entering students must provide academic reports from previous schools. In addition students will be tested according to grade level before being formally admitted. City School makes some accommodation for learning differences in class and through tutoring staff. However, if a student is significantly behind grade level or has needs beyond what tutors can address, then they will not be admitted.
7. How does City School challenge students who are advanced or gifted for their age?
City School teachers work to allow students who are above grade level to continue to love learning by being challenged. Students are encouraged to read more, write more, conduct special projects or go more in depth on projects. In addition, students are allowed to work ahead or above grade level in math.
8. What is City School’s dress code?
A simple, but attractive uniform is required. Two days per week, students wear physical education uniforms consisting of City School t-shirts and black shorts or sweats. Three days per week, students wear navy or khaki bottoms and white tops. Students are encouraged to be neat and presentable, with appropriate shoes, accessories, and hair styles.
9. What can I expect from teachers at City School?
City School faculty love Christ, love children, and love learning. Although teacher certification is not required to teach at City School, an agreement with the school’s mission, and its academic and theological philosophy is required, as is a demonstrated calling to learn, to teach, and to disciple children.
10. What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
Ten to sixteen students per class is City School’s goal, with smaller classes occurring in lower grades.
11. Is City School accredited?
City School is currently seeking accreditation with SAIS/SACS, the process should be complete by 2010.
12. Is City School an independent school or a charter school?
City School is a private, independent Christian school, which receives no government funding for its educational programs.
13. What is the tuition and scholarship model at City School?
City School seeks to remain affordable for every family. Therefore, tuition is set below the actual cost of education. Scholarships and tuition assistance are available to families based on financial need. In 2008-09, fifty-five percent of families are receiving some sort of tuition assistance
14. What is City School’s annual budget and how is it funded?
The 2008-09 fiscal year budget is $750,000. A large percentage of the budget has and will continue to be faculty salaries. Since more than fifty percent of City School families are receiving financial assistance and tuition dollars do not completely cover costs, the school’s Director and Board raise funds to make up the difference. Gifts are provided through local churches, parents, foundations, and individuals who support City School’s vision.
15. What is the role of athletics at City School?
Physical education is an important part of development for children. Therefore, City School students participate in recess daily and PE two days a week. City School’s Athletic Director provides organized teams in volleyball, basketball, football, and track. These teams provide an opportunity for children to develop relationships, character, and skills. Although sports will never define who we are as a school, they do contribute positively to the community.
16. How important are the arts to City School?
God has created us in his image to take dominion over the earth. As creative image bearers, fine arts, theatre, and music get at the heart of who we are made to be. Therefore, all City School students participate weekly in art, music, and drama with their primary teacher, as well as through art classes.
17. How can I be involved as a parent at City School?
Parents are the heart of the City School community. Any authority City School has to teach and train children is delegated from parents. Parents are always welcome on campus and are encouraged to help with teaching, recess, PE, lunch, library, office, events, field trips, fund raising, and in other ways, according to interests, gifts, and availability.
18. How is academic performance measured?
Students and parents are provided academic performance feedback through teacher conferences and quarterly progress reports. City School’s semester grade reports focus on progress in mastery of a subject and contain a significant narrative portion for teachers to provide more detailed feedback on character, spiritual, and academic development. Once each year, students take standardized tests to provide parents, faculty and staff feedback on individual and school performance, as compared to national public and private schools.
19. What grade levels does City School include?
City School begins with Pre-Kindergarten (age 4) and continues through the eighth grade.
20. Where do City School students go after eighth grade?
City School alumnae go on to attend both private and public schools. Private schools attended by previous City School students include Regents, Veritas, San Juan Diego, Cono Christian School, and Montgomery Bell Academy. Public schools have included Bowie, Austin, Aikens, and Anderson High Schools. In addition, some students choose to home school
for high school. Parent feedback has been positive as students are well equipped at City School academically and spiritually to succeed wherever they are called.
In its short history, City School has helped produce two national merit semi-finalists. Alumnae have attended the University of Texas and New St. Andrews College.
FAQs
student rendering by Garrison Sales, grade 3
