Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is not a requirement for students or families to be Christians to attend.  While all teachers and staff are Christians, we welcome and respect students of different faiths. We have additional information available under Faith Position about what to expect at each level with the Christian faith being incorporated into the classroom.  

• Tuition Assistance 
• Tuition Discounts

FCS is a nonprofit organization and the only private high school in the Tri-Cities. We partner with families to provide everyday kids both an extraordinary education and genuine encounters with Jesus, all within a community of compassion. Learn more about what makes FCS different. 

Learn More

Yes, many of our graduates have qualified for academic scholarships. Learn about the accomplishments of our most recent graduating class. 

No, parents are not required to volunteer.

Parents who would like to volunteer in their child's class or for field trips must first complete the volunteer process. Learn more about volunteering at FCS.

FCS utilizes FACTS Family Portal as a tool for parents to track how their child is doing in class and on assignments. Teachers continuously update and communicate through Family Portal for the benefit of both parents and students. A Family Portal account is set up when enrollment is finalized.

No. FCS is a closed campus, so if you would like to come into the classroom, you will need to have completed the volunteer application process and be approved. Specific parts of campus will remain unavailable to volunteers for the safety and well-being of our students.

Review more information on becoming a parent volunteer.

FCS was founded in 1968. In fall 2018, we celebrated our 50th anniversary. 

Learn more about the history of FCS.

We have plenty of students whose first language is not English. For children in the age groups for early education, a language barrier is not an issue. Scientifically, it is shown that a young child's brain is like a sponge and is able to pick up on such learning fairly quickly. Our teachers are also equipped to help students understand English and build their communication skills.

No, extended care is included in tuition for early education. Morning extended care hours are available from 7:00-8:00 AM; afternoon extended care is available from 5:00-6:30 PM. 

Learn more about what is offered in early education tuition.

Yes, as part of tuition, lunch is included in each early education full-day program. Also included are morning and afternoon snacks.

No, but your child can bring a lunch from home so they can eat with their classmates. You can also order lunch through our school lunch provider. 

Yes, FCS offers several ways for families to reduce the cost of tuition. Visit Tuition & Fees to learn more. 

Teacher:Student – 2.5:12

Teacher:Student – 2.5:18

Teacher:Student – 2.5:24

Teacher:Student – 2:24

A 0.5 teacher is a floater teacher who is in class for half the day.

Elementary classes begin at 8:30 AM and, on regular schedule days, end at 3:15 PM. 

There are a few early-release and half days, so please check the FCS calendar for a schedule or contact the relevant campus office to confirm.

Each classroom for transitional kindergarten through grade 5 has a limit of 24 students, although the average size tends to be around 20. There are generally two classrooms available per grade level for K-5. The number of students per grade level varies, so some classrooms will vary from the average.

Yes, we have different options for extended care in for K-5. Programs begin as early as 7:00 AM and end as late as 6:30 PM.

Learn more about FCS Extended Care.

Yes, we offer a hot lunch program for transitional kindergarten through grade 5. Families are welcome to pack lunches and snacks from home as well. Please contact your applicable campus office for food guidelines. 

Yes, we partner with different vendors through the school year. Options have included chess, art, debate, robotics, music, public speaking, fitness, and more. Contact the Admissions Office for the most up-to-date afterschool schedule.

The first period for secondary school begins at 8:00 AM, with zero-period classes available at 7:00 AM. On regular bell schedule, the eighth period releases at 2:50 PM. 

There are a few early-release and half days, so please check the FCS calendar for a schedule or contact the relevant campus office to confirm.

Junior high students have the option to join the FCS Extended Care program in the afternoons until 6:30 PM.

Class sizes vary depending on the subject being taught. For junior high (grades 6-8), the average class size is around 19 students, while high school classes average 16. Learn more about the campus profiles for secondary education.

Yes, we offer a hot lunch program for grades 6-12. Families are welcome to pack lunches and snacks from home as well. Please contact your applicable campus office for food guidelines.

Our Academic & College Counseling Office offers a variety of support and opportunities to our students. Students and families can schedule individual meeting times with their counselor throughout the year.

Learn more about Academic & College Counseling at FCS.

Visit our Secondary campus page for the most recent info on graduation prerequisites and requirements. Families can meet with their counselor to cover this info in more detail, specific to their student. 

Yes, our international program is available from kindergarten through the end of high school, with homestay options for grades 6-12.

Learn more our program for international students.

No, international students do not need to submit TOEFL, SLEP, or IELTS scores — or any other English-language test score. The application process evaluates a student's English skills and, once the student is enrolled, he or she is placed in the appropriate English Language Development (ELD) level. 

Learn more about the FCS program for international students. 

Yes, FCS has a homestay program for international students in grades 6-12. As part of the application process, each candidate completes a questionnaire. Our Admissions Committee then takes the student's indicated preferences into consideration when pairing him or her with an approved FCS host family. Alternatively, an international student may instead live with a parent at no additional processing. 

Homestay is not an option for our international students in grades K-5, who are required to live with at least one parent. 

Learn more about the FCS program for international students.

For most of our international applicants, FCS schedules an online call (usually Skype or FaceTime) to conduct the admissions interview. If you do happen to plan to be in the Bay Area, please contact the Admissions Office so we can schedule an in-person interview and arrange a campus tour.