Equipping students to glorify GodAberdeen Christian School Crest (Copyright 2006)
 

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Gym TentQ: What grade levels are offered at Aberdeen Christian School?

  • A: Aberdeen Christian offers Preschool (4 & 5 year-olds) through 12th Grade.

Q: How did Aberdeen Christian School get started?

  • A: In 2006, Aberdeen Christian School was formed as a PreK through grade 12 school, a consolidation of First Baptist Christian School and Aberdeen Christian High School. Currently the students are housed on two campuses, with prayer and plans underway for a single campus.

Q: Why did the two schools come together?

  • A: Aberdeen Christian is the product of two years of study and preparation following a commission from First Baptist Church and Aberdeen Christian High School to explore the feasibility of establishing a single independent community Christian School. Survey results, task force meetings, and individual interviews showed a broad range of support for an independent community Christian school. A report was created by the School Exploration Committee and can be found at this link to the Aberdeen Report (PDF).

Q: What is the purpose of Aberdeen Christian?

  • A: When asked to name the top factors they desired in a school, survey respondents said: spiritual emphasis, Biblical perspective, academics, and character-building. With these responses in mind, the purpose statement of Aberdeen Christian School is: To train each student to develop a spiritual way of life in the knowledge of God and to become a servant leader.

Q: Is Aberdeen Christian School accredited?

  • A: Yes, by the State of South Dakota. Both of the predecessor schools were also accredited by the state. Aberdeen Christian School is a member of Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI - www.acsi.org).

Q: Where is the school located?

  • A: The South campus, including grades Prekindergarten through 6th grade, is at 1500 East Melgaard Road, Aberdeen, SD on the First Baptist Church site.
  • A: Grades 7-12 are housed at the North campus at at 1701 N.E. Eighth Avenue on the Aberdeen Wesleyan Church site.
  • A: Plans are being made for a single campus in a new building in the coming years.

Q: What is the current enrollment?

  • A: The total enrollment for this school year (2007-2008) is 96 students

Q: Does the school have certified teachers?

  • A: All faculty have state teaching credentials.

Q: Who are the teachers?

  • A: Preschool: Lana Haar.
  • A: Elementary: Kindergarten, Gayle Goldin; 1st, Peggy Abeln; 2nd, Carisa Kirschenmann; 3rd & 4th, Elaine Just; 5th & 6th, Angie Williams; Resource Teacher, Beth Lopes; Elementary Spanish, Renee Adolf; Computers, Doug Palmer; and Miss Melledy Rostad, Vocal Music.
  • A: Secondary (alphabetically): Renee Adolf, 7th & 8th Science and English/Language Arts; Josh Carlson, 7th & 8th Social Studies and Bible; Lynne Fuhrman, Old Testament, HS Spanish, Calculus, and Physics; Kelly Iseman, Bible; Marilee Keahey, Mathematics; Doug Palmer, Computers and 7th Math; Ms. Melledy Rostad, Vocal Music; Jarvis Wipf, Social Studies; and Dr. Lon West, English/Language Arts.

Q: Who is the administrator of the school?

  • A: Patti Wiens of Lake St. Croix Beach, MN came on board August 17, 2006. However, due to her husband's health issues, she chose to resign in January, 2008. Currently the school has no administrator. Starting July 1, 2008, Eric Kline from Aberdeen, South Dakota, will be the new administrator.

Q: What about tuition?

  • A: Tuition varies by grade. A full schedule with discounts is available here or can be mailed upon request. Annual tuition, registration, and fees run from $2,940 to $3,330 for full time students. Pre-K and Kindergarten are $1,770 and $2,215 respectively. 2008-2009 Tuition Schedule(PDF).
  • A: For multi-student families, a tuition discount is offered for each additional child enrolled.

Q: Does Aberdeen Christian have a tuition assistance policy?

  • A: Scholarships are available and families should not allow finances to keep them from applying to our school.
  • A: Funds are available for a limited number of applicants. The amount of assistance is objectively calculated and is based upon the parents' ability to pay. Applications may be picked up in the business office at the elementary campus.

Q: Does the new school follow a classical approach to education?

  • A: No. The new school will follow its predecessors’ traditional approach to education. The entire curriculum is Bible-based. For a list of curriculum appropriate to each grade please call us.

Q: Do many of your high school graduates continue on to post secondary education?

  • A: Yes. 85% have attended college or technical school immediately after high school graduation.

Q: How do students' scores compare to other schools?

  • A: Elementary students consistently score high on standardized tests, and place in local, state and regional competition such as in spelling, math, and music. Most students who transition out of the elementary school report being ahead of their peers in a new school.

  • A: High school graduates boast an average ACT composite of 23. This is a composite of all high school juniors as all are required to take the ACT even if they have no intention of continuing on to college. The average ACT math score is 24 (73rd percentile among college-bound students from SD). We are excited to mention that one of our students recently achieved a perfect score of 36 on the ACT.

  • A: Students graduating from the high school have taken tests when going to college to receive college credit for material already mastered through high school courses. They have tested out of college math, chemistry, physics, English, history, and Spanish courses. Graduates have received full ride scholarships, presidential scholarships, and moved into Dean’s Council and other leadership positions in college.

Q: Are these scores attributed to some kind of screening process?

  • A: No. Students and parents go through an interview, which, in part, is an orientation interview. The purpose of the interview is to allow the development of a personal relationship between family and school, explain the policies of Aberdeen Christian School and the sharing of information that enables the school to best meet the child's needs. Unless the applicant demonstrates behavioral issues that would adversely affect the student population or staff, or lacks a desire to learn in a Christian environment he or she will most likely be admitted. Students who could not continue in the public schools have been admitted. Average and below average students have attended along with exceptional students.

Q: Do all credits earned at the school transfer to the public schools?

  • A: A: Yes, every credit issued by our school has transferred.

Q: Does Aberdeen Christian have a parent-teacher organization?
  • A: Yes, it is called Parent-Teacher Fellowship (PTF) and is organized into several committees consisting of parents who address many facets of school activities and growth.

Q: Does Aberdeen Christian have a non-discrimination policy?

  • A: A student's race, color, national, or ethnic origin is not a consideration for acceptance into the full programs, activities, and tuition assistance at Aberdeen Christian.
  • A: ACS accepts students based upon an interview process and by a student’s (and parents) willingness to abide by school guidelines and policies.

Q: What types of sports and extra-curricular activities does Aberdeen Christian have?

  • Aberdeen Christian School is a member of the Lake Region Conference competing in cross country, volleyball, girls' and boys' basketball, and track and field. Other sports are available through various clubs in the Aberdeen area. We also participate in a football cooperative with Aberdeen Central.
  • Other activities include drama, band, vocal music, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Students have also competed in MathCounts, Math Olympics, and area spelling and geographic bees. We also have a student council, journalism/yearbook club, Spanish club, and a National History Day. Please contact our office for more information.

Q: Where can I find more information?