Frequently Asked Questions
Why Accreditation MattersAccording to Learn.org,“Accreditation is a process many schools undergo in order to build a valid, credible reputation among fellow institutions, students, and the public. Accredited schools are held to strict standards and must maintain those standards with each renewal.”
Our AccreditationsWestern Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC):WASC is a recognized accrediting agency that ensures schools meet high academic and operational standards. Accreditation through WASC affirms a school’s commitment to quality education, continuous improvement, and accountability. It enhances credibility, facilitates student transfers, and assures parents and the community that the school provides a rigorous and effective learning environment.Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI):ACSI accreditation ensures that a school upholds high academic and spiritual standards while integrating a Christ-centered approach to education. It reflects our commitment to academic excellence, biblical worldview integration, and continuous improvement. Additionally, ACSI accreditation enhances our credibility, provides access to valuable resources, and offers professional development opportunities, equipping students for both academic success and spiritual growth.
At Golden Hills Christian School, we are committed to partnering with parents in the discipleship of their students. A key part of this partnership is ensuring alignment in our core beliefs, which is why we require at least one parent in each family to be a Christian. Our goal is to create a consistent learning environment where students are taught the same values at home and at school. This not only fosters spiritual growth and stability for the child but also cultivates a strong, Christ-centered community where families can grow together as one body in Christ.
Yes! At Golden Hills Christian School, all of our K-8 teachers are required to hold at least a bachelor’s degree with a CA teaching credential and/or a teaching certificate from ACSI, ensuring they meet high educational and professional standards. Specifically for TK, we require our teachers to have Early Childhood Education units as this provides specific training tailored to this age group.
Additionally, teachers participate in an ongoing professional development plan, approved by our accreditation agency, ACSI, to stay current with best practices and continuously enhance their teaching skills.
At Golden Hills Christian School, we are committed to providing a strong academic foundation through carefully selected curricula that support our Christ-centered approach to education.
Reading (Phonics-Based Approach):
In our younger grades, we believe phonics is the key to teaching students how to read by equipping them with the tools to decode any word they encounter. We use the Abeka curriculum, as it provides a solid foundation in phonics and has proven to be highly effective in developing strong reading skills.English Language Arts (ELA):
As students transition from learning to read to reading to learn, we utilize BJU Press as the core of our ELA instruction. This curriculum effectively breaks down grammatical concepts and encourages critical thinking. Additionally, teachers incorporate supplemental resources, such as writing programs, to enhance instruction and meet the specific educational needs of each grade level.Mathematics:
TK & Kindergarten: A combination of Abeka and BJU Press resources is used, providing hands-on manipulatives that are essential for building a strong mathematical foundation at an early age.
Grades 1-8: We use Saxon Math, known for its structured approach and repetition, which reinforces key concepts and ensures a deep understanding. This curriculum also allows us to offer multiple math levels in middle school, including Algebra I in 8th grade, preparing students to test into Geometry for 9th grade.
Bible, Science, and History:
For these subjects, we have found great success with BJU Press, which provides a well-rounded and thorough curriculum. It encourages students to develop their critical thinking skills while deepening their understanding of biblical principles and the world around them.
We prioritize small class sizes to provide a high-quality education tailored to each student’s needs. Our class sizes vary depending on the grade level, with younger students benefiting from smaller classes to support their developmental needs. Overall, we have a student to teacher ratio of 18:1 at GHCS.
See the tuition page for the most current tuition and fees.
Yes, Extended Care is available before school from 7:00-8:00 am and from school dismissal to 6:00 pm at a cost of $10.00 per child, per hour (billed in 15-minute increments, or portion thereof). Students use this time to complete homework and engage in fun activities organized by our Extended Care Coordinator.
GHCS maintains a locked campus at all times, with access granted only through our office staff via a secure buzzer system. We also have a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan to ensure we are ready for major emergencies, providing a safe and secure environment for our students.
Yes, uniforms are required at Golden Hills Christian School. See the student handbook for specific guidelines.
Yes, we offer an optional hot lunch program for our students through a third-party provider. Monthly menus are available at the beginning of each month, and parents can conveniently place orders and make payments through the app. Students who prefer not to participate in the hot lunch program are welcome to bring their own lunch from home.
Golden Hills Christian School is part of the Bay Area Christian Schools Athletic League (BACSAL). We offer cheerleading, flag football, softball, basketball, volleyball, and soccer for our middle school students.
GHCS is based on the partnership between the home and school. With that in mind, we highly encourage and have many opportunities for parents to serve our student body. Volunteer opportunities include classroom help, field trips, coaching sports, etc.