Frequently Asked Questions
When will you have tuition schedules completed for the 2009/2010 school term?
We anticipate having tuition schedules for next year approved by our Board and ready for publishing in March of 2009.
Do you offer discounts for multiple children?
Yes. Please inquire about these with our school office directly.
Does LWA offer financial aid?
Yes. Families that may require financial assistance will be asked to complete an application which will undergo third party assessment and review before being brought to our Administration and Board for a final decision.
We are not members of West County Community Church. Does that have any impact on our application status at Living Water Academy?
We welcome all families interested in Christian education and strong academics, regardless of background. Approximately 40% of our families today are not members at WCCC. Tuition rates and discounts are not tied to membership at WCCC.
To what extent is the school focused on spiritual growth versus academic achievement?
Our mission at LWA is to never view spiritual growth and academic achievement as “opposing” ideas. We feel strongly that the focus on attaining Godly wisdom is a process that relies heavily on Spiritual growth and an understanding of God’s truth as outlined in His word, alongside a rigorous, age-appropriate curriculum designed to develop academic achievement.
Is Living Water Academy an “accredited” school, or in the process of pursuing accreditation?
LWA has been a member in good standing of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) since our inception. Accreditation is a process or “roadmap” for future, continued excellence and we will be pursuing this more rigorously going forward, most likely through our partnership organization ACSI. The majority of ACSI’s member schools today have not completed the accreditation process.
How has LWA selected the curriculum that it uses?
Since its inception, our Board has involved our teachers actively in the selection and modification of its curriculum. Following guidelines built around “core knowledge scope and sequence”, our Curriculum Committee has selected materials for each grade using nationally recognized and respected platforms.
What standardized testing methods does LWA use?
LWA administers the Stanford 10 Achievement Test and the Otis-Lennon School Ability Test to all students, beginning in Kindergarten. These tests are nationally known and respected across the public, private, private Christian, and even home school communities and are endorsed by our partner organization, ACSI (the Association of Christian Schools International).
Does Living Water Academy operate using a Board of Directors, and if yes, how is that Board comprised?
Living Water Academy has operated under the direction of a Board since its planning phases in 2003/2004. The Board consists of men and women drawn from the ranks of WCCC’s membership, who have a strong interest in serving and leading, with backgrounds in education, science, business, parenting, and pastoral care.
When do you expect the new building to be completed and what will it mean specifically for Living Water Academy?
Current estimates have us beginning to occupy the new building prior to the end of the 2010/2011 school term.
The new building will add at least 14 new classrooms and administrative offices for Living Water Academy. The new chapel will seat 150 people and will be an ideal setting for weekly school worship services, and some school presentations. The full-size gymnasium and elevated walking track will greatly enhance our in-house athletic programs and daily physical education classes.
What athletic programs currently exist at Living Water Academy?
In only our fourth year, we have been able to develop an active spring and fall soccer program, as well as girl’s volleyball. We have a fully sodded and irrigated soccer field adjacent to our new building project.
Our 4th-7th graders travel to the Wildwood YMCA twice each week for a comprehensive PE program.
Does your school have uniforms?
We do not have a specific uniform. We do have a clear dress code for boys and girls that models what we believe is modest, appropriate dress.
Does your school have a mascot and/or school colors?
Our mascot is the eagle and our school colors are purple and white.
Are there specific areas of emphasis that the school is currently focused on?
We have emphasized the development of a more traditional Middle School environment for our 4th-7th grade students. We have focused great attention on the development of a working library and on the creation of a more formalized “Learning Center” to address various learning challenges that might need support beyond the formal classroom setting. Service and missions is a focal point for our school.
The area of Performing Arts/Drama has become a hallmark of our young school as well. For the current 2008/2009 school term, we instituted a formal Drama/Performing Arts program for our 4th-7th students. We will be performing our second, full length musical (an adaptation of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat) in March of 2009. The use of drama, recitation, singing, poetry and the like is a focus area for teaching, building fellowship, and helping our students develop confidence.
Are there opportunities for parents to become actively engaged with staff and students at LWA?
We encourage active involvement from all of our families and feel that it is one of the great attributes of a school our size. We have an active and growing PTO, and parents involved in leading our Teacher Appreciation, Lunch Bunch, Yearbook, and other committees. As our mission outlines, we desire to be a family learning and growing together to the glory of God, and the encouragement and support of one another.