Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When did New Life Christian School Begin?

A. New Life Christian School is an exciting first for our community. In January of 1998 several local pastors began praying about a new Christian school for the area. They felt God leading them to combine two excellent existing Christian Schools, North Coast Community Christian School and Christian Life School.

The accumulated experience, resources, and facilities have been expanded into a more effective and efficient ministry. The result is New Life Christian School, a non-denominational community Christian school overseen by an alliance of co-operating pastors from local evangelical churches.

Q. How is NLCS organized?

A. The school is a non-profit organization formed for the purpose of offering Christian education as an extension of the mission of the local churches to make disciples and to train the children of those churches. It is governed by an advisory board of the following local pastors:

• Pastor Jerry Frost, Calvary Christian Center, Fortuna
• Pastor Bob Hapgood, Redwood Christian Fellowship, Fortuna
• Pastor David Kilmer, Ferndale Community Church 

A school board composed of community leaders, parents, and pastors covers the day to day operation of the school.

          Carrol Horner                            Larry Brisbon                             Stephanie Renfer

Q. What criteria is used in the choosing of teachers for the school?

A. We consider the teaching positions in our school as ministries, not "jobs." Prayerful consideration precedes the appointing of any person to a teaching position. A potential teacher must:

• Be a Christ-like example
• Work well with children I Tim. 4:12
• Have a gift of teaching Eph. 4:11&12
• Be academically prepared

The selection of the staff for New Life Christian School is not taken lightly. The quality of our school depends largely on the quality of our teachers (James 3:1).

Q. What type of academic program do you have?

A. New Life Christian School uses a variety of educational materials at the different levels of instruction. Currently A Beka the core curricula. Curricula are selected which are God centered and fit the needs of the students and staff. Classes are small and individual attention is a priority.

Q. How can we know if our child is learning?

A. The nationally normed Stanford Achievement Tests are given to our students in the spring of each year. This is the Christian version of the same test given in many public schools throughout the nation.

Q. Can students transfer into public school from NLCS? Will the academic work be acceptable?

A. Yes, public schools will accept the academic work accomplished at this school.

Q. Are certain denominational doctrines promoted in the school?

A. Our objective is not to emphasize a denomination, but to promote the fundamental truths of the Bible. Our goal is the promotion of the "Word of God" and not a denomination.

Q. What does NLCS have to offer over a public school with Christian teachers?

A.  A Christian school is "Christian." The Christian philosophy permeates every phase of our school: school work, physical education, discipline, administrative decisions, deportment, field trips, and every other part. Each situation is faced with an objective in view of obedience to God; therefore, every aspect of schooling is training in how to live in a way that glorifies God. Public school teachers are very limited in what they can do. The non-Christian philosophy of life is embraced by most of the people associated with public schools; the Christian teacher must counteract this influence. Some public school teachers may do well, but most Christian public school teachers are not in the proper environment to effectively promote the Gospel (II Tim. 2:15, Deut. 6:17-18) and disciple Christian young people.

Q. How many of the graduates are attending college or taking some form of advanced training?

A. This school is only four years old so those statistics are not complete; however, information from the former school, Christian Life High School, is encouraging. Of the high school graduates from that school, over 90% have attended at least some college, many have received advanced degrees. In general it may be said that students are prepared to go whenever their leading might be. Some attend secular colleges, but most go on to Christian Colleges.

Q. How active in their faith are these graduates?

A. In general our students are leaders in the youth ministries of the local churches. Once they graduate, they usually continue these leadership patterns and bless the local churches where they attend. Again, over 90% of CLHS graduates are serving the Lord actively.