Our Mission. Westgate Christian School (WCS) was established to assist parents in their God-given responsibility to prepare their children to stand for God and serve Him effectively in an increasingly secular world. The mission of WCS is to provide students with a sound academic education in the context of a biblical worldview, to lead them to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and to promote their growth in Christ through spiritual edification—all within a secure and spiritually wholesome environment. Additionally, WCS is committed to preparing its graduates to be productive and effective not only in the work of the ministry, but also in whatever vocational direction God may lead them.   Philosophy of Christian Education

History. WCS was founded in the fall of 1988, beginning with classes for students in kindergarten (K5) through Grade 3. Over the next several years, additional grades were added, with WCS expanding to include both the elementary and secondary levels of education. The Class of 1993 was our first graduating class of high school seniors. Dr. Ben Jaquith, Senior Pastor of Westgate Baptist Church, has provided consistent leadership for the school from its founding to the present. Our principal, Dr. Dean Bryan, joined us in January 2010.

Affiliations. Westgate Christian School is a ministry of Westgate Baptist Church. Our school is a member of the Northwest Association of Christian Schools (NWACS) and the American Association of Christian Schools (AACS).

Enrollment. WCS offers conventional classroom instruction from the kindergarten level (Half-Day K4, Half-Day K5, & All-Day K5) through high school (Grade 12). Our current enrollment is approximately 175 students.

Faculty. All of our faculty are academically qualified, born-again Christians dedicated to serving the Lord through the ministry of teaching young people.  Faculty & Staff

Curriculum. WCS utilizes curricular materials from several sources. We are committed to using materials that are thoroughly Christian in their outlook, and balanced and accurate in their academic content. Our principal and the teaching staff regularly evaluate the various options, endeavoring to mix stability with the ongoing pursuit of excellence and improvement. The majority of the materials currently in use are produced by A Beka Book and Bob Jones University Press.

Location. WCS is located in Tigard, Oregon, a rapidly growing suburb on the southwest side of Portland.   Map & Directions

Facilities. Westgate Christian School is co-located with Westgate Baptist Church on a beautiful four-acre campus which includes four well-equipped, well-maintained, and climate-controlled buildings. Our facilities provide for ample classroom space, along with rooms specially equipped for music and computer instruction. The newest of our buildings is a 40,000-square-foot, two-story structure which is being occupied on a phased basis, with portions still under construction. This beautiful new building is already home to the school office suite, the media center, four classrooms, and the school library. In November of 2009, the gymnasium/auditorium was completed and is currently used for high school athletic practices and games, PE, and indoor recess. In the future, it will also house a a state-of-the-art science lab and a fully functional home economics room. Our playground facilities include a large and versatile new play structure for the elementary grades, along with a modest-sized grassy playing field. A city park is but a few blocks away for field day and other special events. Local gymnasium facilities are rented as needed for high school athletic practices and competitions.

Academics. WCS provides a challenging instructional program for students in K4 through Grade 12 in a structured, loving environment. Our goal is to promote excellence in all areas of study and to teach principled thinking. The development of self-discipline, responsibility, and integrity are likewise emphasized in every classroom. The academic program in our elementary grades focuses on foundational concepts and skills. A strong, phonics-based reading program is used, beginning in our kindergarten classes. The secondary program is aimed at preparing our students for follow-on education at the collegiate level. Each year the Stanford Achievement Test (SAT) is administered to all students in Grades 1-12. The collective scores of our students are normally well above the national grade-level norms on the SAT.

Fine Arts. At WCS, our desire is to help identify and develop the artistic talents and abilities of our students. Every elementary grade includes instruction in Art and General Music. Students in Grades 3 and 4 are introduced to instrumental music by learning to play the flutophone. Band classes are available beginning in Grade 5 and extending through the high school grades. Private piano, brass, and violin lessons are available on site by special arrangement. Our students participate in the AACS National Poetry and Essay Competition and in the NWACS Fine Arts Competition each year.

Athletics. Students at WCS are encouraged to develop a habit of healthful physical activity. Physical Education classes are part of the high school curriculum, and intervarsity athletic programs are available at the junior and senior high school levels (volleyball for the young ladies and basketball for the young men). WCS teams compete with other Christian schools throughout Oregon and Washington.

Student Behavior. Part of a student’s education is the development of good character. Students at WCS are expected to learn to follow instructions, to be honest, to be diligent in their work, to respect those in authority over them, and to treat others with kindness. Elementary teachers (K4 through Grade 6) use a system of negative and positive reinforcements to help students grow in these areas, with good behavior awards given out each month in chapel. Grades 7-12 use a demerit system.

Dress Code. A young person’s appearance both reflects and affects his or her attitude. In the classroom, student appearance and attire have a direct impact on the learning environment. Students at WCS are expected to dress neatly, modestly, and appropriately. Girls in K4 through Grade 6 may wear knee-length dresses or skirts and blouses (culottes may be worn during physically active events). Boys in K4 through Grade 6 may wear corduroys or slacks (no blue jeans please) and shirts with collars. Students in Grades 7-12 are required to wear school uniforms available through Lands’ End clothing distributor. Boys are asked to keep hair length off the ears and collar.

Graduation Requirements. WCS utilizes the traditional Carnegie-unit system for documenting the completion of high school graduation requirements. 23 credit hours (46 semester credit hours) are required for graduation, with specific requirements in each of the various academic disciplines.

Lunch and Snacks. Students provide their own lunches and snacks. Healthful foods are encouraged. Snacks are scheduled at mid-morning for kindergarten and at recess for the elementary grades. Upper elementary and high school students may purchase snack items at the “Snack Shop” during their lunch hour.

Transportation. Parents are responsible for transporting their children to and from school; no school-provided van or bus service is available. Carpooling is encouraged. During the annual Orientation Meeting, parents interested in carpooling will have an opportunity to meet with others who may also be interested. School personnel will assist in providing potential contacts for carpooling, but all arrangements must be made between the respective parents. School personnel will not release a student to leave the school with anyone other than his or her own parent/guardian unless official notification has been provided to the school office.

After-School Activities. Supervised activities are available for WCS students from the conclusion of the regular school day (3:00 p.m.) until 6:00 p.m. During this period, students will be afforded time for homework, study, and recreational activities appropriate to the student’s grade level.

Daily Schedule. Except as noted otherwise on the detailed annual calendar provided to parents at the start of each school year, the normal daily routine is as follows:

8:25 a.m.		School Begins for All Grades
11:30 a.m.		School Ends for K4 & Half-Day K5
3:00 p.m.		School Ends for All-Day K5 to Grade 12
3:00 p.m.		After-School Activities Begin

School Nickname: The Gators School Mascot: Wes Gator School Colors: Blue and White