Western Christian and Upland Christian: Partnering together to help create one of the strongest Christian schools in America

Updates:

Western Christian has prayerfully pursued a permanent site for its High School to call home for over 30 years.  In our quest to find a location that would allow us to fulfill our mission, we have researched many potential sites.  Throughout our strategic planning we have pursued a site that could foster an exceptional academic, spiritual and extracurricular environment that we are committed to provide to our Pre School through High School students.

Through God's providence, we were approached by a local Christian ministry to prayerfully consider the acquisition of their entire church and school property located on a 10-acre lot, housing 96,000 sq. ft. of school and church facilities. This site is equipped to fulfill the strategic plan list, created by WCS faculty, Administration and Board to completely fulfill the vision of WCS. The site includes a 7,500 sq. ft. gym, multi-purpose rooms, lighted football field, sanctuary, libraries, media centers, cafeterias and technologically advanced classrooms.

After much prayer, deliberation, and investigation, WCS has agreed and continues to work to agreement to acquire certain of the assets of Upland Christian Schools in a move that we believe will strengthen the ministries of both WCS and UCS schools with concern for the continued occupancy by the local congregation. This acquisition, when completed, will benefit both parties while becoming one of the strongest Christian education institutions in America.

Why your child is worth the continued investment at Western Christian Schools:

• A legacy of academic excellence since 1920, with 3,650 alumni.
• 95% of Western Christian graduates are accepted into the college of their choice!
• Accelerated Academic Results – Western student’s score 1-4 years above the national norm. The National Academic Norms are much higher than California’s, since California’s public schools continue to score some of the lowest of all the schools in the Nation year after year. 
• Western’s 8th graders score Post High School, 4 years above the National Norm!
• Highest accreditation standards K-12: Six year term for WASC and ACSI accreditation.
• A nurturing, safe, family environment is our top priority.
• Competitive athletics give opportunities for talent to shape Christian character and perseverance.
• Excellent fine arts develop and enrich God’s gift for each student.
• Our advanced technology prepares our kids for the competitive future.
• Elementary thru High School, International Program, and Independent Study Program.

Western Christian and Upland Christian: Partnering together to help create one of the strongest Christian schools in America by providing, strengthening and expanding the following:

• Strengthened Expanded Academic Programs
• Improved Electives and AP Courses
• Expanded College Prep Offerings
• Faculty Expertise Improved
• Increased Outreach Opportunities for Students 
• Expanded Leadership Opportunities
• Expanded Extracurricular Opportunities
• Improved Marketing and PR Sources

Transition Plan

• Review of both schools courses with an emphasis on improvements and expansion
• Focus on athletic facilities and classroom improvements
• Academic improvements we have identified as priorities:
  • Add technologically advanced Smart Boards to classrooms
  • Improve course offerings
  • Add additional science labs
  • Expand the middle school electives
• How will we bring schools together?
  • Communication Meetings with UCS and WCS Parents, Administration and Students to identify key transitional issues/suggestions
  • We have a transition committee of parents of both schools to share ideas.  If you are interested in being a part of the Transitional Parent Team email:  kwinter@westernchristian.org or ryovino@westernchristian.org
  • We have had some dialogue already about school traditions of both schools and a meeting of both schools student government representatives this month to share ideas, traditions, and to build unity.
  • Student government of both schools help with ideas and plan events for students
  • Chapel and Bible leadership classes expanded to involve more students

Let’s agree to:

• Pray and fellowship.
• Work together to support in unity.
• Believe God for great things.
• Speak positively of our schools.  If you have a question, suggestion, or praise, please let us know.
• Get involved in helping to move the transition forward.