FAQ

Spring 2025

How is the education offered at ECS different from other educational institutions?

Believing that God is the Source of all Truth, that the Bible is God’s written declaration of truth, and that He has established this world in accordance with His plan, ECS deliberately sets out to offer a distinctly Biblical worldview to its students. ECS seeks to incorporate Biblical truth into every facet of its ministry.

What curriculum does ECS use?

As a distinctly Christian school, ECS uses materials prepared by Christian publishers- predominantly A Beka Press and Bob Jones University Press.

Are ECS teachers certified?

While we encourage all of our teachers to pursue AACS teacher certification, we place a higher value on the spiritual qualifications of our teachers and their God-giftedness to teach.

How well do ECS students perform on standardized testing?

ECS classes have often scored two or more grade levels above the national average in nationally-normed standardized tests. In recent years, the majority of our elementary students have ranked above or well above the national average in their individual complete composite scores on the Iowa Assessment Test Battery.

What extracurricular activities are available to ECS students?

ECS complements its Bible and academic instruction with a regular chapel program, field trips, and the study of art, music, physical education. Students in upper elementary have the opportunity to participate competitively in speech and choir, play handchimes, and study a standard band instrument – all with the purpose of encouraging them to use their unique God-given skills in Christian ministry.

Do ECS students experience any trouble upon entering middle school or transferring to other educational institutions?

Our students typically experience little or no trouble academically when leaving ECS. Most ECS students find themselves academically ahead of their peers when they leave the ECS classroom.

How can ECS provide private Christian education at prices far below public school per-student expenditures and other local private schools?

First, Engleside Baptist Church strongly believes in Biblical education and underwrites facility maintenance and operation costs. Second, ECS teachers are willing to teach at salaries below their public school counterparts to minister to the children in their classrooms. Third, ECS combines classes when necessary to maintain an approximate student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1.

How do combined classes work at ECS?

ECS teachers present grade-appropriate academic material (English, math, phonics, reading) to one grade while the other grade works independently. By alternating her attention from one class to the other, the teacher can effectively work through all lessons each day and keep students on task. At the higher levels, ECS combines some subjects (history, science) and rotates curriculum in accordance with publisher guidelines to cover these courses over a two-year cycle.

Do ECS students adjust well to this classroom environment?

Generally, ECS students handle the combined classroom setting very well. The combined class setting fosters social growth and independence, cooperation, and respect for others. Many students show an increased motivation to learn.