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Class Time Schedule

Curricula

Sterling Christian School strives to offer the best, well-rounded example of education. We utilize both Biblical publishers as well as secular publishers.

Bible is a required subject at SCS. From its pages beams forth a crystal clear light for life's' pathway and therein is revealed the only hope for the life to come. Bible study enhances the study of other subjects, such as English, history, and especially science. Bible study far exceeds all other courses by SCS inlaying a sure foundation of moral and spiritual values in a day of moral decay and spiritual apostasy. SCS believes that without a working knowledge of the Bible, a student can hardly be considered educated in the truest sense. Students from many denominations attend SCS. It is not the purpose of SCS to weaken student's denominational ties but rather to provide them with a basic understanding of the fundamental principles of successful Christian living and of the basic events, characters, and doctrines of the Bible.

In kindergarten through grade 6, approximately 30 minutes per day is devoted to religious instruction. This includes prayer and teaching from the Bible. It may also include singing of hymns and choruses, Scripture memorization, Bible games, etc.

Grades and Grading

Teacher Ease Program

Parents who have internet access may access their student's grades by use of the Teacher Ease program for grades 3 through 6.

Report Cards

Formal grade reports of student progress (report cards) will be given every nine weeks. Report cards are given out at the end of the first and third quarter at the Parent - Teacher conferences. The report card for the second semester is sent home with the student. The end of the year report card may be picked up by the parent in the office no sooner than the release date announced.

Class Time Schedule

SCS will not accept responsibility for any student prior to 8:10 a.m.

Junior High Curriculum

All junior high students will be scheduled into the following courses: Bible, English, History, Math, Science, P.E., and music.

Students will move from teacher to teacher throughout the day.

High School Curriculum

High school students are required to take four academic classes plus Bible each year. Physical education is also required all four years. Classes may be dropped or added during the first two weeks of any semester without penalty. The dropping of a class after this time period will be sown as "withdrawn and failing" (WF) or "withdrawn and passing" (WP). To add or drop classes, students must fill out and have all proper signatures on a schedule change slip from the office.

Each year SCS contracts with Bob Jones University to provide our students with high school courses through the University's live interactive satellite network (LINC). Course offered are but are not limited to; Spanish, biology, chemistry, etc.

Accelerated Math Tracks

On the junior high and senior high levels, SCS offers flexible math tracks. This allows accelerated students to take Algebra I in eighth grade while students with average mathematical aptitudes proceed at a regular pace.

Grading Scale

Exceptions: those students who maintain a 93 average or above for the entire year in any class will be exempted the final exam for that class. Averages will not be rounded up for these purposes. A 92.9 average will not be sufficient for exemption.

Homework Policies

SCS believes that homework is an integral part of the school program and that homework should reinforce skills and concepts learned in class. Homework teaches students to work independently as well as prepares students for upcoming class topics. It also develops study habits which will be essential for success in later grades and/or college.

It is the school's policy that little or no homework will assigned on Wednesdays to allow students to attend their churches' mid-week services. The only exception to this policy would occur when a student chooses to do work on a long-term assignment such as a book report, science project, etc., or when a child is in need of remedial work.

Most junior high and senior high students have a study hall to work on homework.

If a student has uncompleted classroom work, he/she may be required to complete that work at home. Time spent completing such work does not apply to the maximum homework time limits. Also, the above guidelines are of a general nature and do not take into consideration a student who works more slowly.

Makeup Work Policy

Makeup work should be completed as soon as possible after the student returns to school. Students will be granted one extra day to complete homework for every day gone. It will sometimes be done at recess, after school, at home, or during special classes at the discretion of the teacher.

Grade Reduction Policy

If an assignment is not turned in on time, the student will receive a zero for that assignment. For a long project, the first day the assignment is late there is a 12% grade reduction, the second day the assignment is late there is a 24% grade reduction, and for the day the assignment is late the student will receive a zero. Exceptions may be made only by individual teachers.

Teacher Ease Program

Parents who have internet access may access their student's grades by use of the Teacher Ease program.

High School Grade Classification

In grades 9 - 12, students are classified according to the number of credits they have earned:

Explanation of Transcript

The Grade Point Average (GPA) is determined by assigning a numerical equivalent to each semester in Grades 9 - 12. Class rank is derived directly from these GPA's with equivalent weight given to all subjects of equal value. The equivalents are A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1, F = 0.

Credits

Classes meet for 18 weeks during the semester or 36 weeks per year. Each class is assigned a yearly credit of 1 unit. One unit of credit represents two successfully completed semesters. One - half credit will be granted for one successful semester. Physical education courses receive one-half credit per year. Each student must pass Algebra 1 and the Illinois Constitution test to graduate. Students may also take Advanced Placement courses in Calculus, English, and Geography. In some cases, students are able to be dual enrolled at Sauk Valley Community College.

Students may also earn one-fourth credit for classes that do not meet the above requirements or for being an aide at the discretion of and with the approval of the principal. All such agreements must be in writing and will be placed in the student's file after being signed by the student, the teacher, the principal, and the parents. Only students with a C average and no F's may serve as aides or carry more than a full load, which are six classes.

Vocational Center Courses

SCS students are eligible to attend the Whiteside Area Career Center. Students interested in vocational classes must notify the Sterling Christian School office no later than April 30th of the preceding school year.

There are the following guidelines to be eligible to take WACC classes:

1. Students must be a resident of Whiteside County
2. Tuition due SCS will remain the same

Dual Enrollment

Students who would like to enroll in classes at Sauk Valley Community College (SVCC) may do so upon entering their junior or senior years. Dual enrollment forms are available from the SCS office. Students must fill out the enrollment forms and then schedule an appointment with a counselor at SVCC. Once the student is approved as SVCC, then their high school schedule is adjusted to allow students to attend the college.

Students will receive a high school credit equivalent to the college credits. If a college class is worth 3 credits, then the student will get 3 credits on their SCS transcript. Each credit is given weighted grade point average equivalent to 1.25 credits. Therefore, if a student earns a B on a college course, they will receive a grade point average of 3.75 on a 4.0 grading point scale. (3.0 X 1.25 = 3.75)

The student's tuition fee will be adjusted by $500 for dual enrollment.

Driver's Education

SCS students may take driver's education only if appropriate schedules may be arranged. Driver's education is offered to SCS students at the discretion of Sterling Unit #5. Parents are responsible for transportation to and from driver's education. If an appropriate schedule cannot be worked out, student must take driver's education in the summer. There is an additional charge for these classes at some facilities.