1. What is the class size?

We have two classes per grade level.  Our classes range from 20 to 25 students on the average, in spacious classrooms.  We utilize Instructional Aides to help bring the teacher to student ratio down, especially in the K – 2^nd grade classes.  We have found that with the quality of well-behaved students in our school that classroom management issues are typically very minor and that class size is not an issue that affects academic performance.

2. Are the teachers certified?

Yes.  West Hills require our teachers be certified with ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International).  Our teachers also hold certification by the state of Oregon, or from another state.   West Hills is committed to Professional Development of its faculty with a focus on researched based practices for the most effective educational experience. Teachers are also provided an educational stipend each year to take continuing education classes and/or workshops. Since we are a Christian school each staff person testifies to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, agrees with our Faith Statement and models to our students a healthy lifestyle based on the moral teachings of Christ.

3. Is there a dress code?

Yes, but it is a very child friendly dress code and still allows for individual expression.

4. Are parents required to volunteer?

No.  Parents are not required to volunteer; however, one of the greatest strengths of our school is our parents!  They are very committed to what happens here on a day to day basis and we are blessed by never lacking for volunteers.

5. Do you have After School Care?

Yes.  Our After School Academy is offered every school day from 3:00-5:30pm.  It is a structured program and is available for daily use or occasional use.  This is an additional cost.

6. How do you handle discipline?

Our discipline system is based on our Crusader Code:  Responsible, Respectful, Honest, Safe, and Kind.  Our rules and procedures follow these five principles.  Our teachers and staff use these principles to interact with our students regarding decisions they make. Our staff has been trained in Love and Logic management techniques, which emphasizes positive relationships between students and teachers; guiding students to own and solve their problems; applying empathy before consequences and bad news; and providing plenty of opportunities for students to practice decision making.

7. What are the school hours and when can I drop off my child?

You may drop off your child as early as 7:55 in the morning, where two staff members will welcome your child and supervise them, under the covered play area, before they head to their classroom.  The school day is 8:25-3:00.  Parents have until 3:30 to pick their student up if they are not staying for the After School Academy (ASA), otherwise the students are sent to the ASA, and parents will then have to pay a fee for that additional supervision.

8. My child is very advanced, will they be given separate curriculum to keep them from getting bored?

We offer a rigorous and balanced curriculum that meets the needs of most of our students. Our teachers do differentiate lessons to challenge our high achievers to delve deeper into the subject matter.

9. Do you have a bus system?

No but many of our families set up carpools to ease the driving.

10. When you pay tuition are there extra fees not listed?

No.  All fees are indicated on our Tuition/Fee Information sheet that is of a substantial nature.  There are incidental fees such as our:  Hot Lunch Program; PE Uniforms (5^th-8^th); After School Clubs (participation is voluntary); items you would purchase on our Classroom Supply Lists, etc.

11. What sports do you offer and who do you compete with?

Volleyball and basketball starting in 5^th grade; track for 3^rd- 8^th grade.  We compete with CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) and Metro Christian League.  A majority of our younger children participate in “Upward Bound” a church/community based sports program for young children, not affiliated with our school.

You are always welcome to welcome to call or email Julie Smith, our Admissions Coordinator, with a specific question at 503.977.5509.