Frequently Asked Questions
How many students are enrolled and what grades are offered?
ECS enrollment for 2022/23 is 1,020+ students in Preschool through 12th grade. Our school has experienced 20% growth over the past five years!
Where are you located?
ECS is a multi-campus school system with the following campus structure:
- Crossroads Campus (Preschool & Pre-K) inside Crossroads Christian Church located at 10800 Outer Lincoln Ave. in Newburgh
- Elementary Campus (K-6) – newest free-standing campus opened for the 2021/22 school year located at 10644 Lincoln Avenue in Newburgh next to our high school campus.
- Middle School Campus (7-8) inside First Southern Baptist Church located at 25 S. Cullen Ave. in Evansville
- High School Campus (9-12), free-standing campus located at 4401 Epworth Rd. in Newburgh
What are your class sizes?
Our K-8th grade average class size have a maximum of 22 students with four homerooms per grade level. Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten classes have a maximum of 16 students with a teacher and a full-time assistant. High school classes vary based on the course with an average of 12-16 in a class.
Are you accredited?
ECS is fully accredited by the Indiana Department of Education and has received top ratings from the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), and Cognia.
What credentials do your teachers have?
All teachers are licensed by the State of Indiana and ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International). In addition, all teachers are required to be a Christian in agreement with our Statement of Faith, complete ACSI’s Philosophy of Christian Education course, and fulfill other requirements. All of our teachers are considered “highly qualified” by the State of Indiana, average ten years’ experience, and about half have master’s degrees.
What are your admission requirements?
The Director of Admissions walks families through each step of the admission process. After a full application packet is submitted, each student’s application is carefully considered by the Admissions Committee. Decisions are based on consideration of the student’s potential for success at ECS and the parents’ desire for a Christ-centered education for their child. After we have reviewed the completed application we will contact you to discuss next steps, which includes an interview with the principal (the child and a parent attend), and may include a student assessment or request for references. Please refer to the Admissions section of our website for more information include specific criteria.
How is the Bible part of an education through ECS?
The Bible is at the heart of everything we do, and our entire curriculum is taught from a Biblical perspective. Every student studies the Bible as an academic core subject, and all subjects are taught from a Biblical worldview. Students at all grade levels have a daily prayer/devotion time, memorize scripture, attend chapel, and participate in service projects.
Are you affiliated with a church?
ECS works in partnership with area churches who have the same Kingdom-focused mission as our school. ECS is not affiliated with a particular church or denomination; however, we share facilities and resources with several churches. Over 100 churches are represented in our student body and many students do not have a church home.
What curriculum do you use?
Being a Christian school is much more than using Christian textbooks, and ECS uses textbooks and materials from both secular and Christian publishers. ECS pursues curriculum which is aligned with, and exceeds, Indiana’s College and Career-Ready Standards. Critical thinking skills and a variety of teaching methods and activities enrich and balance knowledge, in order to reach students of all learning styles.
In addition to traditional courses, our curriculum includes Bible, technology, art, music, band, physical education, and media/library. For high school, we offer Core 40, Academic Honors, and Technical Honors diplomas in accord with the requirements from IDOE through regular, honors, Dual-Credit, and AP courses.
How do your achievement test scores compare with other schools?
Our students consistently achieve high ILEARN, PSAT, IREAD, and other assessments. In fact, our school is considered a “high achievement/high growth” school by the Indiana Department of Education. Every year, essentially 100% of our students pass the IREAD (3rd grade) assessment. ECS scores rank above the national and state averages for assessments.
Is financial aid available?
ECS participates in the Indiana School Choice Scholarship Programs, including “vouchers” and SGO Grant opportunities. In addition, ECS offers tuition assistance options primarily for families who do not qualify for State programs.
What sports do you offer?
K-4th grade students may participate in soccer, basketball, and wrestling. 5th-8th grade athletics include soccer, baseball, basketball, volleyball, tennis, cross-country, wrestling, cheerleading, softball, and track & field.
Our high school athletic program has grown quickly and offers 10 individual and team sports. ECHS is a Class 1A member of the IHSAA with full eligibility beginning in the 2022/23 school year after a four-year provisional period.
What fine arts & other extra-curricular activities are offered?
Our Fine Arts department exists to encourage community, strengthen students’ individual growth, and express the heart of our Creator. Through electives, clubs, and extracurricular activities in visual arts, vocal & instrumental music, and exploratory arts, students hone their artistic gifts and experience the joy of honoring God through excellence. Extra-curricular activities vary across grade levels and include student leadership teams, musicals, choir, vocal ensembles, drama, STEM, Student Council, Bible studies, and much more.
How are parents involved in the school?
We truly value partnership with parents to help make their child’s educational experience successful and meaningful. ECS has an active Parent-Teacher Fellowship (PTF) which involves parents in volunteer opportunities, encourages fellowship, and raises funds for needs within the school. Parents are encourage to get involved in a variety of roles, such as coaching athletic teams or volunteering with fine arts, based on their areas of interest!
What is your dress code?
Students do not wear uniforms; however, the students do follow a dress code and the policy is available in the Family Handbook.
Do you offer before and after school care?
Yes – Before and After School Care is available at our Elementary Campus for K-8th grade. Students from our Middle School Campus ride the bus to/from our Elementary Campus for BASC. It is also available at our Crossroads Campus for students in Preschool and Pre-K attending that campus.
Do you have bus transportation?
Bus transportation is available among our campuses, and a bus form must be filled out each school year. Priority is given to students enrolled in Before and After School Care and to families with students at multiple campuses. Fees may apply, and detailed route information is available on the Bus Transportation Form available at school offices.
Who makes policy decisions for the school?
ECS is a 501c3 not-for-profit, tax-exempt corporation. A board of directors; consisting of parents of current/alumni students, pastors, and community leaders governs ECS. Day-to-day operations are the responsibility of the Superintendent and administrative leadership team.