Faith Christian School opens its doors

PALMER — On Tuesday, the new Faith Christian School began its very first semester. Students from kindergarten to 12th grade can attend. The school is faith-based with an assortment of subjects, covering the essentials with customization options for each student.

According to one of the teachers, Chrystal Foytik, one of the core principles of Faith Christian School is the focus on the individual, with smaller classrooms for hands-on education and more one-on-one interactions. For the first year, the maximum roster will be up to 30 students. There will be two teachers to start, with a few more on the way.

The school will utilize the Abeka curriculum, a regional, non-denominational program based in Florida. The program aims to individualize learning for each student. There will be online courses available and support from the shared network in conjunction with the local teachers. Subjects like French will be taught school-wide.

“Everything will complement each other. What they hear about in science they will read about in language. It’s crossed referenced,” Foytik said.

According to the Abeka website, “this teacher-directed framework empowers teachers to focus students’ attention on the material they need to learn—in a context and sequence that will help them learn it best. As students begin to grasp what’s being taught, newly acquired concepts and skills are fortified time and again using a method often referred to as ‘spiral learning.’ Material taught in one subject is reinforced in other subjects. At every step of the way, students learn, apply, and master new concepts and skills.”

Like traditional brick and mortar schools, Faith Christian School will also have monthly field trips.

“Some of the field trips are just being active and fun like going to the rock gym or the trampoline gym; others are to museums and areas of interest and Alaskan history,” Foytik said.

According to Foytik, the goal is to work hand in hand with all of the student parents and not to contradict their personal beliefs.

“We’re just teaching the Bible. We’re not disagreeing with what a child is being taught at home,” she said.

Another driving philosophy for the school is community contribution. Each grade will have a community service project to work on throughout the year.

“We really want to teach and show to our students by example what being a good steward is — to appreciate those around us that work so hard to keep us safe, those that work hard on our roads or other public works departments to help those in need, to show thanks to those that are serving in our military and to help take care of our amazing state. We want them to develop a heart for others.” she said.

The school will be offering a pick up and drop off service at Wasilla Fred Meyer. Parents can enroll their children throughout the year. The school is located at 1150 E Helen Dr., Palmer. School hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

For more information, call 907-795-8476.

Contact reporter Jacob Mann at 907-715-8717 or jacob.mann@frontiersman.com