July 11, 2013 by Shelby Joe

Westbury Christian School

Westbury Christian School (WCS) is a college preparatory school for ages 3 to 12^th grade, founded in 1975 with support from the Westbury Church of Christ elders. Families in the church made plans for a Mother’s Day Out program, which led to a daycare program, and eventually elementary, middle, and high school grades were added. WCS shares its facilities with the church. The school boasts that it aims to “nurture and develop the whole child, academically, spiritually and socially.”

Westbury Christian School

10420 Hillcroft St, Houston, TX 77096 Mr. Greg J. Glenn, Head of School

(713) 551-8100 Ms. Phylis Frye, Directors of Admissions

www.WestburyChristian.org

Religious Affiliation

Westbury Christian School is affiliated with the Church of Christ. In fact, it is located on the grounds of Westbury Church of Christ, the church whose elders and families made plans to begin the school. The curriculum is non-denominational, based on the Bible, and all students attend Chapel and take Bible classes. The school accepts students of various faiths.

Location and Facilities

Westbury Christian School is located on the southwest side of Loop 610, just outside of the Loop at the intersection of Hillcroft Street and Willowbend Boulevard. The school is in a residential neighborhood and neighbors two other churches and one other school. In the spring of 2012, brand new facilities opened, which include a fine arts center, gymnasium complex and stage facility. WCS is currently campaigning for the construction of a $12 million athletic complex.

Admissions

WCS requires: 1) completed online application 2) $75 application fee 3) current year fall semester report card 4) end of year report cards for previous two years 5) achievement test scores for previous two years 6) immunization record 7) birth certificate 8) teacher recommendation forms (printed from WCS website).

For students entering into Pre-K – 1^st grade, a Gesell Developmental Observation is required. The OLSAT is required for students entering into 2^nd – 4^th grades. For students entering 5^th – 12^th grades, ISEE testing is required. Shadowing and an interview are also required.

According to the school, “Applicants must be of good moral character, be eligible to re-enroll in the school last attended and be free from learning and behavioral problems.” The school also states that, “The following groups receive a priority status regarding enrollment: siblings of current students, staff children, members of an area Church of Christ, children of WCS Alumni and families enrolling more than one child.”

Academic Tracks and Curriculum

Westbury Christian School offers Regular Track and AP curriculums. The school incorporates the elements of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). WCS boasts that it is a college preparatory school and that all subjects are taught from the Biblical perspective. The school offers fifteen AP courses for high school students. Special courses offered in comparison to other private schools include: Graphic Design, Marketing and Entrepreneurship.

In order to graduate, students must earn twenty-eight credits in four years, beginning freshman year, and participate in twenty hours of community service each year. They must also be involved in one extra-curricular activity each year. Students must complete one credit of Bible each year; however, students entering after ninth grade are not required to make up Bible credits.

The Recommended Diploma is earned with the following credits (one credit is equivalent to one year of study): English (4), Math (4), Science (4), Social Studies (4), Bible (4), Speech (0.5), Health (0.5), PE (1), Foreign Language (2), Fine Arts (1) and Electives (3.5). The Distinguished Achievement Diploma is earned with one extra credit for Foreign Language and one less credit for Electives.

Special Needs

No information provided.

Foreign Languages

Westbury Christian offers Spanish to all grade levels, including an AP Spanish class. The graduation requirement for Foreign Language is 2 credits.

Arts

WCS offers courses in band, music, drama, chorus, graphic design, art and photography. They also offer AP Art class and Honor Choir.

Technology

Computer curriculum is integrated into all areas of study at WCS. For age 4 through 7^th grade, computers on wheel carts are available for teachers to use in the classrooms. The school leases laptops to students in 8^th-12^th grades. Regarding the technology policy, the school boasts that it takes reasonable efforts to attempt to limit access to objectionable, non-educational material, but ultimately, it is the parent’s duty to set standards for the student. The rules for the use of the school’s computers and other computer resources are stated in the WCS Network/Internet Acceptable Use Policy.

Extracurricular Activities

High School students are required to participate in the Student Activities Program and Community Service Program. Student activities include sports, drama, yearbook, academic competitions, cheerleading, chorus and band. Students must complete 20 hours of community service for a nonprofit organization each year. WCS offers National Honors Society at the elementary, middle and high school levels, Student Council, Class Officers and Interact Club for students to participate in service projects.

Athletics

During fall, winter and spring, sports are available for students in grades 6-12. Westbury Christian School is a member of TAPPS, in which the WCS Wildcats are classified as 4-A and compete in athletics with private and public schools in Texas. The school fields more than twenty-five teams across twelve sports: football, volleyball, soccer, softball, baseball, basketball, golf, track, cross-country, swimming, tennis and cheerleading.

Parent Involvement

Parents at WCS can get involved in the PTO, the Athletic Association or the Prayer Board. For parents to stay abreast with students and teachers, the school offers an online portal called RenWeb.

Westbury Christian School Fast Facts

Overview
School Type	Religious, Coeducational
Religious Affiliation	Church of Christ
Uniforms	Yes
Date Founded	1975
Endowment	N/A
Grades Served	PK-12
Enrollment	560
Grade 12	79
Grade 11	72
Grade 10	47
Grade 9 Grade 8 Grade 7 Grade 6 Grade 5 Grade 4 Grade 3 Grade 2 Grade 1 KG PK	54 33 41 22 19 35 27 27 30 24 50
Student to Teacher Ratio	11.6
Faculty with Advanced Degrees (#/%)	N/A
Minorities in Student Body	69%
Curriculum
Academic Tracks Offered	Regular, Advanced
Advanced Placement Courses Offered	15
Languages Offered	Spanish
Calendar (Semester / Trimester / Other)	Semester
Interscholastic Sports Programs	12

Graduating Seniors
National Merit Semi-Finalists (#/%)	0/0%
Top 25% Average SAT Scores	1765
Mathematics	637
Critical Reading	557
Writing	571
% Students Admitted to 4 Year University	N/A

Admissions (Private Schools)
Prime Entry Points Tuition PK Half-Day or 3-Days Tuition PK-KG Tuition Grades 1-6	PK, 2, 5, 7, 9 $1,750 – $5,340 $8,100 $9,300 – $9,900
Tuition Grades 7-12	$11,250 – $12,360
Application Fee-New Students	$75
Registration Fee-New Students Scholarship for academically superior incoming 9^th graders	$200 – $800 $2,000
Students on Financial Aid	5%