Providence Classical School

What is classical, Christian education?
Classical, Christian education is a methodology that delivers incredible results, but it is no new educational concept. In fact, it has been used by educators for centuries and until recently was a common way of educating students. This unique but proven educational method provides students with the most appropriate tools for learning at their particular age by paying special attention to their educational development. Classical, Christian education emphasizes the three stages of the trivium; grammar (the basic ideas of all subjects), logic, or dialectic (the relationships that govern and relate ideas), and rhetoric (the ability to communicate ideas winsomely). It integrates learning and imparts a world view by guiding students to see the interconnectedness of all knowledge and the centrality of Christ and His word. This type of education is enjoying a resurgence in popularity as educators and parents alike rediscover the methods that have produced the great writers, thinkers, mathematicians, scientists, orators, and political minds of past generations.

Students benefit from this unique yet proven method of education to become independent thinkers and effective communicators, with a solid grounding in the knowledge of Christ. Utilizing back to basics techniques that provide students with the best tools for their learning abilities at any given age, classical education is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Educators and parents alike are rediscovering the methods that have produced the great writers, thinkers, mathematicians, scientists, orators and political minds of history.

How does classical education apply in the modern world?
Classical education is as well-suited to modern day learning as it was in the past. Modern subjects in science and technology are taught in classical schools using classical methods. Classical education teaches students facts, provides them with logical tools to understand and use those facts, and perfects the students’ abilities to relate those facts to others. These skills, combined with timeless biblical wisdom, are the very tools needed in a quickly changing society.

Is classical education only for gifted students?
No. All students benefit from the classical method. Our students range from those working below grade level to those working several levels beyond their grade. The classical method challenges students and helps them to take advantage of their natural abilities at each stage of learning.

Can students from a traditional education experience integrate quickly into the classical method?
Yes. While there is an initial adjustment period, students can be successfully integrated at any grade.

What is Memory Period?
Grammar school students gather for a brief, daily Memory Period to share recitations, history timeline songs, grammar jingles, and Latin review. Students in different grades hear other classes review their curriculum and often sing along, providing “cross-grade” curriculum exposure.

What is the student to teacher ratio?
Small class size is very important to our mission at PCS. Kindergarten class size is capped at 15 students, while the other grades will not exceed 18 students per class.

How many grades are there?
PCS currently offers instruction in Kindergarten through eighth grade. Our long term development goal is to support a full K-12 program.

When did PCS open?
Providence began offering classes in September 2001.

What subjects make up the PCS curriculum?
Subjects currently include math, science, history, geography, Bible, English grammar, reading, composition, penmanship, spelling, phonics, vocabulary, critical thinking, logic, art, music, and Latin, beginning in the third grade. The curriculum follows the Association of Classical Christian Schools guidelines and has been developed by PCS board members and classical education advisors. The curriculum is examined and updated annually. Additional curriculum support comes from guest speakers, special projects, and field trips throughout the year. Yes, PCS students participate in the week-long Stanford Achievement Test program. Please see the Academic Performance page for more details.

Are extra-curricular activities available to students?
PCS offers musical instruction through participation in a school band that meets after school twice each week. The band performs concerts and participates in special school events. Our chess club for first through eighth grades is in its second year. PCS has two Battle of the Books teams preparing to participate in annual competitions.

Do PCS students take standardized tests?
Yes, PCS students participate in the week-long Stanford Achievement Test program. Please see the Academic Performance page for more details.

Is PCS affiliated with a local church?
PCS is not affiliated with any church. It is an independent school that was established by an independent Founding Board, after two years of research and planning. The Board convened in 1999 with the intent of bringing classical, Christian education to Williamsburg. PCS does invite local church leaders to speak to students for weekly chapel.

Do we have to be Christian to have a child attend Providence Classical School?
While PCS teaches a Christian world and life view, there is no requirement for a profession of faith by applicants or their families. PCS offers a nurturing and accepting Christian environment.

Does PCS accept special needs students?
All students applying for admission to Providence Classical School are screened for academic placement. If the students’ academic needs can’t be adequately discerned, PCS may request further professional testing at the parents’ expense. The testing results will be evaluated by PCS in conjunction with the parents. If it is determined that the needs of the student exceed the professional resources of the school, then admission will be denied.

Does PCS offer help special needs students?
PCS offers National Institute for Learning Disability (NILD) Educational Therapy (TM) through Discovery Program (DP), NILD’s teaching subsidiary. Students enrolled with Discovery Program receive two eighty minute sessions of intensive one-on-one therapy per week. These sessions include a variety of techniques designed to stimulate each student’s specific areas of perceptual and cognitive difficulty and to strengthen their overall ability to think. All costs for DP testing and therapy are the responsibility of the student’s parents. For more information on NILD, please visit www.nild.net . For further information about PCS’s Special Needs Policy, please request a copy.

Is PCS accredited?
PCS has been a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and the Association of Classical and Christian Schools (ACCS) accrediting organizations since its inception in 2001. PCS is currently examining accreditation options. Member schools can apply for accreditation after completing four years of instruction. The accreditation process generally takes two or more years to complete.

How are PCS teachers trained?
Providence Classical School faculty is comprised of qualified educators who pass a rigorous application and screening process. PCS teachers are trained in classical education methods, follow a carefully devised classical curriculum, and receive updated training as needed. Under the PCS Board’s recommendation, teachers and staff attend training sessions run by the ACCS and ACSI. The PCS faculty is also advised by local experienced classical education specialists.

What are the hours of operation?
The school building is open on school weekdays from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Students begin classes at 8:15 a.m. and end at 2:45 p.m. Kindergarten class hours are 8:15 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

What does it cost to attend PCS?

2007-2008
Grade	1st child	2nd child (10% discount)
Half Day K	$5,042	$4,538
Full day through K-5th grade	$6,975	$6,278
6th-8th	$7,106	$6,395

Application and Registration Fees:
$150 application fee, non-refundable.
$100 registration fee applicable after acceptance.

Supply fee for the 2007-2008 School Year:
Grade 1st - 8th grade $250
Kindergarten (both) $200

*Fees are subject to change from year to year.

Applicants for admission are considered without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin.
Please see the application.

Does PCS offer financial aid?
Yes. Tuition assistance is available to families with qualified need on an availability basis. An application is available with the enrollment package upon request.

Does PCS have a school library?
Development of an in-school library is currently underway. The Williamsburg Regional Library Bookmobile visits the school each week. PCS participates in Scholastic, Inc. book sales and receives credit for future library purchases. Classrooms are equipped with extensive book collections.

Is there an age requirement for kindergarten?
Prospective students must be five years old by August 31 of the year of kindergarten entrance. Parents of students who will turn five between the dates of September first and December 31 may request that their child be further evaluated to see if they meet early entrance requirements.

Do PCS students wear uniforms?
Yes, all students wear uniforms that include both standard and dress components. Research has shown that uniforms improve student discipline and performance and minimize distractions in the classroom. Please view our website to view photos of uniforms.

How do faculty and administration communicate with parents?
PCS has published a weekly school newsletter since its inception. The newsletter provides parents with a calendar of upcoming events as well as news about committees, clubs, school events, and needs. It also includes a weekly letter from the Headmaster. The school website, www.pcsvirginia.com, also provides a great resource for timely information. Teachers use homework planners or weekly calendars and send announcements home daily in the student’s communication folder.