What is Classical Christian Education?
There is no quick answer because CCE uses an entirely different paradigm for education. Check out our
Discover Classical Christian Education pages.
How long have you been in operation?
We were founded in 1995 and have grown steadily since, with current enrollment around 280. About 1/3 of our students are in the upper school.
Is your school the right choice for my child?
Hundreds of parents have chosen the Academy for a variety of reasons– typically the loving and structured environment, academic excellence, or the Christian worldview. However, no school is right for every family. Please see our
family profile to better understand how likely your family is to fit with our program. If you would like to know more about other area schools, we have provided an
overview from our perspective.
How large are your classes?
In k-6, we typically have between 14 and 23 students in each classroom. Our stated goal is 20. In 7-12, classes range between 8 and 25 students per classroom. Our student/teacher ratio is much lower.
How do
you perform on the ISAT tests?
We do not take the ISAT tests. Why? View our
Measuring success page. To see our ERB test
results,
click here.
Are parents welcome in the classroom?
Yes. Our primary philosophy dictates that we welcome parents in the classrooms. Be warned, we may put you to work! We also welcome visitors in the classroom.
How is the school organized?
We are a tax-exempt non-profit corporation operating under the authority of a
3 to 8 member board of directors. The board is appointed from within, not elected by parents, to ensure the continuation of our vision. We are an evangelical Christian ministry, but we are not affiliated with any church or denomination.
Who will you admit to your school?
We admit students selectively based on their academic ability, family support, and faith. We do not require that you be a Christian to attend the academy, but we will teach according to our evangelical statement of faith. We have over 70 churches represented within our student body.
See our Admissions Information
and Admission Requirements.
What are your future building plans?
We are working to construct phase I of our facility by August of 2008. To learn more about our plan, view our
Wisdom and Faith pages.
What enrichment programs do you offer?
Classical Christian education is the original well-rounded education. We offer programs in
music, art, drama, sports, etc. The difference is that everything in a classical school is purposeful. When 1st graders study art, they study great artists like Monet and Matisse. When we perform music, we emphasize the great works of classical music (and sometimes other genres). We believe that studying great art brings about an appreciation of beauty– a developed aesthetic– which is a lifetime gift.
Are you accredited?
We are accredited through the Association of Classical Christian
Schools which does not encumber us with restrictions that disrupt our form of education. Other regional accreditation restricts school curriculum and hiring which we believe is detrimental to good education because they are based on the modern paradigm for education.
Please see our information on how we
measure success and our
Parent's Guide to Accreditation.
Do you have after school programs?
We have several clubs that meet between 2:10 - 3:15 for k-8. The YMCA and other care-givers do pickup from the school for after-school programs.
We do not directly provide care after school.
Do you offer pre-school?
No.
What does your school cost?
People sometimes believe that an education like this
must be expensive. In fact, we work very hard to keep it
affordable. (See the
fees and tuition for the current
school year.) We believe that classical Christian
education is important to the future of the community,
so we want it to be accessible. When you consider
the impact to your children’s future and their lives, we
believe you will find Foundations Academy to be one of
the best educational investments you can make. Our
tuition is comparable to other private Christian schools
in the area. However, we charge fewer fees and so
it may appear slightly larger at first glance. Please see our fee schedule
What hours do you operate and on what calendar days?
We operate from 2 weeks before Labor Day until the Friday before Memorial Day, with holidays similar to area public schools.
Student hours are from 7:55-2:00 in the grammar school and 7:50-2:10 in the upper school. We operate 5 days per week.
Our offices are open 7:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Monday
through Friday during the school year. During
breaks, our offices are open from 9:00-2:00, except
for holidays.
Why the uniforms?
They are part of an overall system of education that encourages respect, order,
unity, diligence, and joy. You can purchase k-8 uniforms from Nelsons School Supply at 11th and State. 9-12 Uniforms are from Flynn and O'Hare. We also have a used uniform rack at the school. Check with our office for more information.
You can also view our
uniform
requirements.
What languages do you offer?
Latin in grades 2-8 with AP Latin, Greek and French in 9-12. We do not offer Spanish. Our goal with language is to learn the system of language well so that our students become masters of English and proficient at learning other languages. Our Latin and Greek programs are designed for this purpose.
Why is your high-school named St. Ambrose?
St. Ambrose lived in the 4th century and represents our model for Christian influence and worldview. He was both a man of faith and a man of reason– both political and religious. He strongly influenced the church. We are not Roman Catholic, so we simply recognize him as a great saint of the church, not as an official Saint of the Roman church. The saint designation differentiates him from other famous Ambrose's, like Steven Ambrose.
For more information, view
Our Crests.
I've heard your school is challenging. How challenging is your school?
Not nearly as difficult as the schools our founding fathers or even our grandparents went to, but more challenging than most schools in Idaho in the 21st century. Our workload is in line with hundreds of other classical Christian schools and preparatory schools across the country. Our students work a little harder and advance a little
more quickly. We do this for two reasons. First, we believe God requires each of us to put forth effort in His service. Secondly, in a world where the future is far from certain, we believe children should be prepared well to cope with whatever life brings. More rigor now will prepare students to weather the future, regardless. Classical Christian education has proven its worth for centuries.
How does Foundations
Academy compare to a charter school or magnet school?
Charter and magnet schools offer specialized
educations, sometimes with a “back to basics”
curriculum. However, they are still restrained because
they are “public” schools. Their public status prevents
them from integrating religious content. This presents a
fundamental problem for those who believe that education
provides the foundation for the view with which we see
the world. Without the freedom to teach Christian
doctrine, an accurate view of any subject is not
possible.
How does Foundations
Academy compare to other Christian schools or Catholic
schools?
Most Christian schools use methods similar to public
schools, with more Christian content. The fundamentals
of education are different at Foundations Academy. Our
subjects overlap many of these schools, but our methods
are unique. One notable difference is how we treat the
Bible. We integrate scripture throughout our curriculum,
but we don't have a “Bible” class. However, our students
probably memorize and use more scripture than in other
academic settings. Our emphasis on history, Latin, logic
and rhetoric is also unique. These subjects form the
basis for creating students who are thinking, articulate
leaders, capable of success in any setting.
I am much afraid that
schools will prove to be the great gates of hell unless
they diligently labor in explaining the Holy Scriptures,
engraving them in the hearts of youth. —Martin
Luther
Can I use classical
and Christian education in a homeschool?
The answer depends on the family's capabilities and
commitment. Homeschooling is a major commitment.
Homeschooling in a classical Christian format is
particularly difficult. This said, classical Christian
homeschooling can be as or more effective than a
classical classroom setting. Classical education places
value on independent learning skills which are
well-practiced in a homeschool setting. Many of the
classical teaching methods involve small groups, so an
extra effort is necessary to organize this in a
homeschool setting. Classical education requires a very
gifted teaching style, particularly after the 5th grade.
Few parents have the capability or training to
homeschool in Latin, logic, rhetoric (writing), higher
math, or using the Socratic method. However, outside
resources are available. The decision to homeschool in a
classical and Christian format should not be taken
lightly, but it can be rewarding if done well. We also
offer a homeschool partnership.
How will my child
adapt to Foundations Academy, particularly if he enters
in an older grade?
Most students adapt well to Foundations in grades K-7.
Many students have also been successful in entering the
Academy in the upper grades. These students typically
have disciplined study habits, and are academically
strong. Our staff would be happy to help assess your
child's potential at the school.
How much homework
should we expect?
The homework load varies from 30 minutes per night in
kindergarten to 3 hours per night in the middle and
upper school. This load is set based on the average
diligent student. Most new families are able to adjust
to this load within 2-3 months of enrolling. We assign
homework to teach diligence, independent learning, and
to memorize or practice concepts that are taught in
school. We try not to assign complex new concepts or
busy work as homework. Families are encouraged to
provide an environment with few distractions (like a
desk in the child's room) and parents are encouraged to
check work, but otherwise allow the child to work alone.
This can take some coaching and discipline at first, but
it should eventually lead to excellent study habits.
How soon should I
apply?
In the past, many of our classes have filled quickly.
This is particularly true in the K-6 grades. We
recommend that parents apply in January or February of
the year in which they wish to enroll their student. We
accept applications through our open enrollment period.
Students who apply during this time are given equal
consideration for the available openings. Students who
apply after open enrollment are accepted in the order in
which they apply. (See the
deadlines and fees for the
current school year.)
How can I learn more
about Foundations Academy? Please call the school at
208-323-3888 to arrange a visit. We will gladly provide
a personalized tour and you may observe a class if you
wish. We have further materials at the school available
upon request. We encourage you to
contact us even if you
do not plan to enroll students in the near future.
