Frequently Asked Questions
How many students are enrolled and what grades are offered?
ECS enrollment for 2020/21 is 800+ students in PS-12th grade. Our school has experienced 25% growth over the past six years!
Where are you located?
ECS is a multi-campus school system with four campuses for the 2021/22 school year:
- Crossroads Campus (Preschool & Pre-K) inside Crossroads Christian Church located at 10800 Outer Lincoln Ave. in Newburgh
- Elementary Campus (K-6) – brand new free-standing campus opening for the 2021/22 school year located at the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Epworth Road in Newburgh next to our high school
- 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 is your average class size?
Our K-12th grade average class size is about 18 students. Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten classes, at Crossroads Campus, have a maximum of 16 students with a teacher and a full-time assistant. In Kindergarten, each class has a maximum of 22 students with a licensed teacher and a full-time assistant.
Are you accredited?
ECS is fully accredited by the Indiana Department of Education as an A-Rated school and also has received top ratings from the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), and Cognia (formerly AdvancED).
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, 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?
We admit students who agree to abide by our attendance, conduct, academics, and financial requirements provided we can meet the student’s needs and the family supports our mission. We meet with all new families as part of the admissions process. Further, for students entering ECS in grades beyond Kindergarten, the Admissions Committee reviews the student’s grades, attendance records, test scores, and other relevant information. Please refer to the Admissions section of our website for more information.
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, media/library, and Spanish. 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, NWEA Assessments, and other external test scores. In fact, our school is an A-Rated School per the Indiana Dept. of Education and considered a “high achievement/high growth” school. Every year, essentially 100% of our students pass the IREAD (3rd grade) assessment. ECS scores rank in the top 6% of the State for ILEARN and are above the national average with NWEA Assessments.
Is financial aid available?
ECS participates in the Indiana School Choice programs, including vouchers and SGO Grant opportunities. In addition, ECS offers tuition assistance options primarily for families who do not qualify for State programs.
How much “religion” is taught?
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, interact with missionaries, and participate in service projects.
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, and track & field.
Our high school athletic program is growing and offers 10 individual and team sports. ECHS is a Class A provisional member of the IHSAA and also a member of the Southern Roads Athletic Conference, Indiana Christian Schools Athletic Association, and National Christian Schools Athletic Association.
What other extra-curricular activities are offered?
Extra-curricular activities vary based on grade level and range from student leadership teams, Bible studies, musicals, choir, vocal ensembles, drama, Praise Team, STEM, archery, Spanish Club, Art Club, Chess Club, Photography Club, and more.
Are parents involved in the school?
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 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 (BASC)?
Yes – Before and After School Care is available at our Elementary Campus for K-8th grade. Students from our Cullen 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 offer any summer programs?
We offer an activity-based Super Summer Day Camp (incoming PK-8th grade). Our summer camp is open to the community in addition to ECS families.
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.
Are you affiliated with a church?
ECS works in partnership with area churches. ECS is not affiliated with a particular church; however, we share facilities and resources with several churches. Over 100 churches are represented in our student body; and, in accord with our open enrollment policy, many students do not have a church home.
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 Head of School and administrative leadership team.