School begins at 8:00 AM and ends at 2:50 PM. Extended Care is available as late as 6:30 PM. Learn more about Extended Care.
FCS provides a progressive, research-supported education that reflects a biblical worldview. Guided Language Acquisition Design (GLAD), a research-based model, supports instruction across content areas that is rich in high level vocabulary, promotes metacognition, encourages gradual release of responsibility, and embodies 21st century learning. The GLAD model emphasizes solving one’s problems, respecting others, and making good choices. Metacognitive learners are able to think about their own learning: Does this make sense? How am I doing? What am I doing well? What can I do better?
FCS provides a support system for students to build relationships with each other and staff, and together, we establish a community of compassion. Advisory groups meet twice a week and, in junior high, groups are co-ed, mixed-grade levels and range in size, averaging at twelve students. Advisory focuses on relationship building, academic support, and creating an even richer learning environment.
College planning at FCS formally begins in grade 8. All eighth-grade students attend two college preparation workshops during the spring semester, conducted by the college counselor. At these workshops, students are introduced to foundational skills and planning required in the college application process, such as the importance of course selection, study skills, and understanding a high school transcript.
All eighth-grade students also meet individually with a college counselor in preparation for high school. Students receive information about how to best prepare for high school and work with the counselor to create an individual four-year course plan. Parents are encouraged to make appointments with the counselor in the summer to discuss their child’s course plan and any future plans and questions. The specialized course Applied College & Career Readiness (ACCR) is also incorporated into eighth-graders' class schedules.
A series of computer-adaptive assessments that measure what students know and what they are ready to learn, the Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment is administered three times per year to measure student longitudinal growth. FCS students at each grade level scored above the Norm Grade Level Mean RIT score in each subject. The Norm Grade Level Mean RIT is the average score for students in the same grade as that student, across the country who took the MAP assessment for that content area. Learn more about MAP.
Eligibility for a math course is based on both ability and performance. Highly qualified students may be offered a place in an advanced course.
Any student who wishes to show a higher level of organization, put in more study and research time in a content area, and do work at an above-average level can earn honors credit by earning a grade of A in regular coursework as well as completing special assignments. The value of special assignments is in the opportunity to conduct independent work, where the skills of time management, tenacity, independent application of prior learning, and independent engagement with content are required. They are also a challenge to students who are inspired by having to achieve a next step.
FCS participates in the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY). CTY requirements identify advanced academic talent in young people and develop that talent so students maintain high academic standards for themselves throughout their school years. Participation in CTY can open up new resources and a new peer network for academically minded young people worldwide. Participation is highly encouraged at FCS.
The United Sixth, Seventh & Eighth Grade Council (USSE) is made up of three peer-elected representatives per grade. The USSE works with the Student Activities Director throughout the year to plan activities for the junior high student body.
Beginning in the fall, grades 7 and 8 visit Mount Hermon Camp for team-building fun; grade 6 students visit in the spring for science camp. Field games, a Christmas bowling activity, basketball tournaments, and other social events are hosted by USSE at lunch and during evenings. Students find Spring Spirit Week one of the most memorable times of year. The junior high end-of-the-year party is held at Rockin’ Jump. The year ends with the eighth-grade trip to the Tolerance Museum, Disneyland, and California Adventure.
The Junior High Warriors compete in west division of the Bay Area Christian School Athletic League (BASCAL). FCS has an opportunity to compete for a league playoff championship after each eight-week season.
Music arts at the junior high level include advanced handbell choir, boys' concert choir, girls’ chorale, and band. Music and drama students collaborate to bring professional-level Broadway musicals and classic plays to our stage. Choral and instrumental groups tour, perform, and compete at a variety of venues.
Throughout the school year, students are encouraged to create or join a club that reflects their interests. Clubs include Impact (a service club), math, and roblox. Students meet in their club advisor’s room to serve, share, and learn from each other.