FCS Frequently Asked Questions re: 2020-21 School Year

If these answers change or other questions are added to this document, we will notify our families. If you have other questions, email info@fresnochristian.com.

Q: With a delayed start, will there be changes to holidays and end of school year?

A: Click HERE for the updated 2020/2021 school schedule. Note: Delaying the start of instruction to September 8 without changing the holidays and end of year keeps the educational minutes well within the California Department of Education’s requirements for private schools.

Q: What specifically is happening between August 13 and September 8?

A: All in-person activities must be in line with Fresno County Department of Public Health (FCDPH) guidelines. Activities starting on and off campus are being planned and include but are not limited to:

  • Student and parent orientations for the 2020-2021 school year 
  • Athletic practices for most grades (5-12)
  • New parent and student orientations
  • Online activities via WebEx 
  • Music activities
  • Teacher and staff preparation. This includes:
    1. Being prepared to follow all FCDPH guidelines for an on-campus return and
    2. Additional training and refining for teachers and staff in the event a return to campus 9/8 does not occur. In either scenario, classes/education will begin on 9/8/2020.

Q: Will there be a tuition discount since school is starting 3 weeks later or if we start with an alternative learning model? 

A: This is an often asked question which has been wrestled with at length by our leadership team and Board of Directors. We realize distance learning is available for free from the public education system so here is a bit of background on what your educational dollars include here at FCS:

  • As stated in last week’s email, the statistics from last year show our students were engaged, challenged, educated, and held accountable throughout their time in our alternative learning model. We also know, if forced to do so, we can be prepared to do it even better. 
  • Enrichment activities for most grades will begin in person, on campus in August, before the first day of school on September 8. 
  • You chose Christian education for your child, and this is the very fiber of who we are as an educational provider, whether it is in person or not. 
  • Any type of alternative learning model we utilize is designed for a rapid return to on-campus education at the earliest time possible. If we do start with an alternative learning model, we are nimble and prepared enough to switch to on-campus education rapidly. 
  • Our expenses do not change drastically with an alternative learning model, and there are quite a few expenses associated with opening up our school safely with additional spacing, PPE (personal protective equipment), sanitation requirements. 
  • The FCS Board and administration have determined that tuition will remain as published as we will still be delivering a complete and quality Christian education for the 20/21 school year. There is a limited amount of one time only scholarship funds available for daycare expenses for families showing a need. The application will be made available by 08/07 on the FCS website. 

Q: When school resumes on campus, will there still be an option for distance learning?

A: A few of our families have contacted us with concerns regarding immune- compromised relatives living with them, or they don’t feel comfortable sending their students back to school in person. Plans are being made to accommodate those families. If this applies to you, please make sure that you contact your building principal. 

Q: How are other private schools opening? Is there a waiver option? What are our legal options?

A: This is a delicate subject. Some private schools in our area will reopen against the mandate of the governor. While we long to be back in person on campus, we felt it was a delicate balance of what we feel is best for our students, and honoring those in authority over us. At this time, the waiver option is not applicable to our school, even in elementary, until the COVID-19 indicators begin to drop in our county. FCS monitors this information on a regular basis.  We are still exploring our legal options and will continue to update you as information becomes relevant.

Q: What will our alternative learning options look like if we aren’t able to begin on campus?

A: FCS leadership is preparing for a diligent but not overwhelming amount of WebEx instruction and interaction. We are aware that 7.5 hours in front of a computer screen is not reasonable nor healthy.

Secondary students (includes but not limited to..)

  • Each subject: approximately 3 WebEx teaching sessions per week including direct instruction, group discussions, student presentations and more.
  • Each teacher will have published WebEx office hours
  • Integration of available digital curriculum and tools that align with FCS educational, spiritual and social/emotional goals
  • Co-curricular clubs to meet 1-2 times per week on campus, schedules TBD
  • Athletics to follow on-campus practice schedule 
  • Weekly online chapels streamed on various social media platforms

Elementary students (includes but not limited to..)

  • WebEx Instruction 4 times per week 
  • WebEx group discussion and fellowship 1 time per week
  • WebEx small group sessions for Language Arts and Math
  • Small groups for breakout sessions and presentations when appropriate
  • Each teacher will have published WebEx office hours 2 times per week
  • Integration of available digital curriculum and tools that align with FCS educational, spiritual and social/emotional goals
  • Co-curricular clubs to meet 1-2 times per week on campus, schedules TBD
  • Athletic schedule TBD
  • Weekly chapels will be recorded and available on the school website