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If there is an area where West Hills really comes alive, it’s in our Enrichment classes. Students learn from faculty who are passionate about their disciplines, and their passion is contagious. Whether it’s a kindergartner in STEM Lab trying out his or her first coding platform, a 4th grader discovering a new favorite literature genre in Library class, or an 8th grader learning different painting techniques, these classes open up new worlds to our students and awaken areas of interest that may well become passions of their own.
At WHCS we believe the arts are a fundamental component of a child’s educational development. Our art education philosophy is founded on the truth that God is the ultimate master creator. By design, we have been born in Christ’s image, and given the abilities to problem solve, question, and build understanding through artistic creativity and expression. Our program aims to teach students the important role art serves in our world, both from a utilitarian perspective and as a strong tool of communication. Art provides our students the practice to observe, respect, and have compassion for our world and the people in it.
The art curriculum focuses on the elements of art, principles of design, tactile and eye-hand coordination skills, contemplation and analysis skills, introduction to multiple artists and art movements, and the exploration of various art mediums (i.e. drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, printmaking, fibers, and air dry clay).
In the art room, our students make creative connections to the world around us, problem solve, work both collaboratively and independently, dream, and take risks. Our studio environment provides a safe and positive atmosphere for students to make mistakes, to gain successes, and flourish as learners.
Our library is a popular place on campus! Staffed with both a full-time head librarian and assistant librarian, this bright and cozy space boasting more than 13,500 titles is not only a favorite spot among students but an invaluable resource that furthers their love of reading.
(Find out more about the way our library program operates in cooperation with our literacy program.)
Music is an important part of life at West Hills Christian School. General music activities in the K-6th classes build basic skills in the main elements of music (melody, rhythm, harmony, tone color, and form). Music terminology, history, appreciation, performances, as well as praise and worship are woven into the experience. Every K-6th grade student takes part in a major production once a year.
A huge percentage of our 4th-5th grade students also participate in extra opportunities such as Chorale, Band, and the Spring Musical.
Music options offered through 7th & 8th grade elective classes provide quality performance groups for our older students. These outstanding extracurricular music opportunities, including Christmas Ensemble, Band, Worship Team, and the Spring Musical in addition to 8th Grade Graduation, regularly see large numbers of student participants.
For event dates and further information, current families may refer to the Weekly News, FACTS or the West Hills App.
Our Physical Education (P.E.) program teaches students the importance of maintaining a healthy body for God’s glory. Our curriculum is designed to help kids learn a variety of motor skills; develop endurance, strength, and coordination; build teamwork through organized games; and learn the value of good sportsmanship. In addition, students are taught the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle that leads to lifelong fitness.
West Hills is proud to offer a fully-equipped Science Lab with a designated instructor who prepares labs for grades K-8th. Your child’s classroom teacher and the lab teacher work as a team in the lab to present hands-on opportunities for experimental study that enhance the science curriculum used in the classrooms. Students enthusiastically learn to work cooperatively and to use lab equipment safely and properly. Your child will be “doing science” and connecting it with the world around us to become good stewards and decision-makers in this world our God has created.
West Hills Christian School trains our students in key skills they’ll need in a tech-savvy society – such as coding, programming, and typing – while placing the highest priority on providing the proper supervision and precautions necessary to explore this education medium. Concepts of internet safety and cyber citizenship are incorporated into every course. Our experienced instructor helps your child master a variety of hardware, software, and platforms in a technology lab outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment.
K-2nd grade: Basic computer/internet/web skills; introduction to the use and parts of a computer, iMovies, robotics and sensors; basics of word processing; intro to programming using Sphero robots
3rd/4th grade: Introduction to graphics, programming using Scratch/Sphero robots, typing, formatting, and STEM activities; Intro to Google Apps; Intro to MS Office apps
5th grade: Computer-aided design and drafting (CAD); continued skill development in programming; critical thinking about online resource validity; project-based learning experiences that allow students to put their knowledge of technology hardware and software into practice including a non-profit project, a Rosa Parks project on cyber citizenship, and projects in internet research and website evaluation
7th-8th graders may choose STEM Lab as an elective option. Programs and platforms explored in class may include but are not limited to:
Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students
West Hills Christian School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, and national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
