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Victory Christian School makes debut
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VCS Teacher Eleisa Preston works on an assignment with fourth-grader Tyler Eaves, son of Bill and Catrina McDaniel.. (Photo by Bob Bjoin)
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Students are working on homework assignments. There are lots of smiles and one-on-one instruction. In fact in this classroom, four students huddle around their teacher, who gives help as needed.
The kids get their recess breaks, and work on art projects, physical education and music skills.
But what sets this classroom apart is the spiritual guidance students receive on a daily basis.
Victory Christian School opened August 17 with 16 students in grades pre-school through 8th grade, and with hopes of expansion next year to include students through 12th grade.
Jeff and Rebecca Erlemeier are the pastors at Abundant Life Church for the past seven years, and administrators of the school. They say they have a strong conviction about training young people with a spirit of academic excellence coupled with a strong Biblical worldview and character training. They have home-schooled their own three children for the past six years.
"After speaking with several parents from Abundant Life Church, some of whose children attended public school and some who also were home-schooled, we discovered that many had the same desire for solid Christian education for their children," said Rebecca. "This is when we began to research options in private Christian education."
It was through much prayer and brainstorming that the decision was made to begin Victory Christian School.
"We spent the past spring and summer meeting with experts in Christian education and dialoguing with staff and administration of Peacemakers Academy, a successful private Christian school in Sioux City," said Rebecca.
Certified teachers
In its charter year, Victory Christian School is not accredited. However, the Erlemeiers currently are gathering information on accreditation from several Christian school accreditation organizations.
The teaching staff includes a pre-school instructor, Rebecca Erlemeier, a graduate of Cornerstone World Outreach School of Biblical Studies and DOMATA School of Missions. She is assisted by Cassey Leinen, a Harlan native.
The 1st-4th grade class is taught by Eleisa Preston, who received her BA in education from Eastern Washington University and has worked for both the Spokane, Wa. and Harlan Community School Districts. The 5th-8th grade class is taught by Elizabeth Enke, who recently made the career transition from district bank manager in Dallas, Texas to the field of education.
Pastor Jeff Erlemeier and Associate Pastor David Bauman assist in teaching Bible classes.
The Erlemeiers said the school has much to offer that a traditional public school may not, such as private Christian education at an affordable price or hands-on learning experiences and field trips each month, as well as community volunteering opportunities in which all students participate.
Rebecca said the school offers a thorough academic experience for students of all ages, as well as the freedom to progress through curriculum at the students' own pace. "For example, if a student is advanced or gifted, they may proceed through their lessons at an accelerated speed, even moving up to the next grade level mid-year," she said. Some of the students are accelerated learners in one particular subject, so they are started at a grade level higher in that subject, while being kept at their age/grade level in other subjects.
Each student is evaluated individually after they apply for acceptance into the school.
On the flip side, if a student needs to take more time understanding a certain topic, they may proceed at a slower pace for a time as well.
"Although younger students use traditional text and workbooks, older students use a cutting-edge, online computer curriculum called Switched-On-Schoolhouse that can be tailored to their individual needs and learning pace," Rebecca said. Younger students also are able to use online learning as they progress from year to year.
Other benefits to the Christian school include:
* Opportunity for heightened parental involvement in their child's education. The school maintains an open-door policy for parents to observe, assist and interact with their children on a daily or weekly basis. Parents are encouraged to take the lead in their child's learning with assistance from the instructional staff.
* Low student-to-teacher ratio with much individualized attention.
* Excellent training in Biblical worldview and princples, and character development and production of strong morals. "We begin each morning with an assembly in which all students participate in upbeat worship, Bible teaching and memorization and prayer," said Rebecca. "It is our desire to train not only the mind, but also the heart."
School day
The students meet in newly-remodeled classrooms at the church from 8:25 a.m.-3 p.m. each day. Pre-school students meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 8:25-11 a.m. Vacation schedules and other days off are similar to the public school.
Also offered are PE, music and art classes. If students want to participate in band or sports, they are encouraged to dual enroll with the public school, where they are available.
Hopes are that the school can expand next year. Plans are to offer high school classes. "Since many parents have already shown interest and/or committed to sending their children to VCS next year, we are already planning for expansion," said Rebecca. However, enrollment will be limited to allow for a low student-to-teacher ratio.
In the meantime in this first year, all are adjusting to the new curriculum and schedule, which has come along well. "After a few weeks into the school year, everyone is now very familiar with the style and methods used and things are running very smoothly," Rebecca said.
Anyone wishing more information on Victory Christian School can contact the church office at 755-7420. Early enrollment with discounted registration fees for the 2010-11 school year begins in February, 2010.
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©The Harlan Tribune 2009
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