Bayshore Christian School Fairhope AL

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FAQs

Questions:
1)	What does Classical & Christian mean?

2)	Where can I learn more about the Classical Christian educational philosophy?

3)	What curriculum do you use?

4)	What is your teacher/student ratio?

5)	Do you have certified teachers?

6)	Is kindergarten a whole-day or half-day program?

7)	What special classes do you offer?

8)	Why Latin?

9)	If I am interested in applying to BCS, what information do you need?

10)	Where can I get an application?

11)	Do students wear uniforms at BCS?


Answers:
1)	What does Classical & Christian mean?

	Classical and Christian education refers to the cultivation of wisdom and virtue in the lives of our students. Classical education is based on the 7 liberal arts of antiquity: grammar, logic, rhetoric, mathematics, geometry, astronomy, and music. It is focused on nourishing the minds and souls of the students on truth, beauty, and goodness. Christian education refers to our belief that God is the God of all truth and that no education takes place in a moral vacuum. The education that we are striving to give at Bayshore is Christ-centered and keenly aware of the sovereignty of God over all subjects such as Math, Science, History, Languages, Arts, P.E., etc. Our goal is to see our children develop the tools of learning so that they will be equipped to intelligently and articulately engage their world from a Christian worldview.
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2)	Where can I learn more about the Classical Christian educational philosophy?

	There are several articles, as well as a recorded talk on Classical Christian education, located on our home page. In addition to those resources, we would recommend the following books: Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning by Douglas Wilson The Case for Classical Christian Education by Douglas Wilson Norms and Nobility by David Hicks Wisdom and Eloquence by Robert Littlejohn and Chuck Evans Climbing Parnassus by Tracy Lee Simmons Classical Education by Gene Edward Veith and Andrew Kern We would also suggest that you visit the following websites to learn more: Association of Classical Christian Schools website: http://www.accsedu.org/ Society for Classical Learning: http://www.societyforclassicallearning.org/ CiRCE Institute: http://www.circeinstitute.org/
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3)	What curriculum do you use?

	Bayshore seeks to use the best materials available in each subject to support our vision of providing an excellent, Christ-centered education. We use Christian published materials whenever possible as long as they are academically sound and related to our goals. For this coming year we will be using Saxon and Singapore Math; Shurley Grammar; Abeka Phonics and Reading; Delta Science; and Thematic History, Geography, & Bible from Veritas.
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4)	What is your teacher/student ratio?

	K5: 1 to 14 1st grade is 1 to 18 (the additional 2 students were added this year due to a local Christian school closing and our desire to assist families looking for a Christian education on the Eastern Shore. If there is attrition in this class during the year, we will not try and replace the departing students unless we drop below 16) 2nd through 6th: 1 to 16
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5)	Do you have certified teachers?

	BCS always seeks to hire the most qualified people to teach our students. At this time, all of our teachers have college degrees and most are state-certified. However, of greater importance to us is teacher training in the Classical Christian methodology, in which all of our teachers participate.
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6)	Is kindergarten a whole-day or half-day program?

	For the 2007-2008 school year the preschool and full-day kindergarten will be discontinued. Our kindergarten will be only a 1/2 day program.
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7)	What special classes do you offer?

	Music, Art, and Latin are all taught as important parts of our curriculum (Latin beginning in 3rd grade). Extracurricular subjects are offered through the Master's Center (Please see our link).
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8)	Why Latin?

	Latin is a great language to use in Classical education for several reasons. First, as an inflective language (meaning the roots stay the same while the endings change) it teaches students how to carefully analyze the components of each word in the sentence. This strengthens their analytical skills which will help them in later studies. Second, Latin is at the root of over 50% of English words. Learning Latin helps students expand their vocabulary, particularly with words used in law, science, medicine, literature, and the great art of Western culture. Third, Latin is at the root of around 80% of the Romantic languages (such as French, Spanish, Italian, etc). Once Latin is learned, learning other "foreign" languages becomes much easier.
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9)	If I am interested in applying to BCS, what information do you need?

	For your application to BCS to be complete, please include the following items when you return your application to the school. Student Application Checklist Student Application Picture of student Immunization Record Copy of Birth Certificate Enrollment fee of $350 per child. A copy of any divorce/custody decisions as they pertain to the child A copy of report card from the most recent quarter Confirmation that you have read the essay "The Lost Tools of Learning" by Dorothy Sayers
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10)	Where can I get an application?

	You can call or stop by the school office to receive a complete application packet.
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11)	Do students wear uniforms at BCS?

	Yes, students are required to wear uniforms starting in Kindergarten. All uniforms can be purchased from Zoghby's in Daphne. Zoghby's is located at 903 Daphne Avenue, on Hwy 64 between Hwy 98 and Scenic 98. Our main contact there is Aletta, who is extremely helpful and will assist with fittings or any questions you may have. You may access the Zoghby's website at: http://zoghbyuniforms.com/
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