History & Philosophy
We adopt a God-centered view of life -- wisdom and knowledge are centered in God, rather than in man. Therefore, our goal is to develop godly characteristics in students based on Biblical morals and values. At the same time, we provide an environment and a program that encourage each child to develop to his maximum potential.
Cornerstone Community Church started Billings Christian School in August, 1981 with 42 students. At that time, the church and school were located at 1116 Grand Avenue. Traditional classes were held for grades kindergarten through the third grade during the first year. Because of requests for additional grades, an individualized program was approved for grades four through ten for the second year of the school’s history. By the third year, 118 students were enrolled in grades K-12 in traditional classes.
In 1987, the church and school relocated to its present site on nearly 11 acres of land. The school became its own 501 (c)(3) tax exempt organization on October 26, 2006. The corporation is known as Billings Christian Schools and is non-denominational. It is responsible for an elementary school, known as Rimview Christian School, and a high school, known as Rimrock Christian High School.
The tax exempt corporation is governed by an independent Board of Directors who represent a cross section of evangelical churches from the greater Billings area. The corporation leases space from Cornerstone Community Church in order to provide facilities for its K-12 instructional programs.
The Schools engage actively in fundraising endeavors. The highlight of the fundraising activity is the annual spring banquet and auction. Keynote speakers in the past for this event include Dave Dravecky, A.C. Green, Kurt Warner, Oliver North, Michael Reagan & Andy Andrews.
In January 2005, the Big Sky Youth Education Foundation was established to create endowments, generate funds for special projects, and provide scholarships for students.
Curriculum
At Billings Christian Schools, emphasis is placed on ensuring that every student successfully completes the academic courses (arts, mathematics, science and social studies) prior to high school graduation. BCS standards describe what students are required to know and be able to do at the completion of fifth, eighth and twelfth grades. Our curriculum is designed to ensure that students achieve these standards.
Elementary School (K-6): The primary focus in elementary school is on the development of literacy and numeracy skills. In addition, the curriculum stresses fundamental skills and concept development in science and social studies. Elementary students enhance their education through participation in the arts, physical education, technology and use of media resources.
Middle School (7-8): The middle-school program builds on the academic fundamentals of the elementary grades, ensuring a foundation for student achievement in high school and post-secondary education. Students must master a broad and thorough knowledge base in reading, writing, mathematics, science, history and geography. To further enhance their education, students also participate in an enhanced core curriculum program including the arts, media skills, foreign language, computer, physical education, health, consumer and family studies.
High School (9-12): The high school curriculum is comprehensive and ensures students have the essential preparation for college and vocation. RCHS meets the listed requirements of the State of Montana and offers additional courses as well. America College Testing (ACT) defines the following specific courses as comprising the academic core:
- English - 4 or more years
- Mathematics - 3 or more years (Algebra I and II and Geometry) RCHS also offers Algebra III and Calculus
- Social Studies - 3 or more years (U.S. History, World History, U.S. Government, World Geography)
- Natural Sciences - 3 or more years (Physical/Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
- Foreign Language - 1 or 2 years of a foreign language
SAT defines the academic core as the 20+ credits in the areas mentioned above plus foreign language. All students are to complete the academic core program. Advanced and rigorous curriculum is offered in all high schools through International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement and Honors course work.
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Testing and Ratings
Guides teaching and learning toward high achievement standards
The Standard of Excellence in achievement testing for 80 years, the Stanford Achievement Test Series now offers a state-of-the-art Tenth Edition to measure student progress toward high academic standards. The Stanford 10 multiple-choice assessment will help educators find out what students know and are able to do. Administrators will obtain reliable data to evaluate progress toward meeting content standards and high expectations. Teachers will identify and help children who are at risk of being left behind. Parents will understand what their children know and can do, and how they can help.
Measure Performance on Standards
All new questions unique across forms and levels were developed from extensive review of national and state standards, as well as curricula and instructional practices. The Stanford 10 questions mirror as closely as possible the developmental process of good instruction and the kinds of instructional activities and materials used in exemplary programs.
Meet ESEA Requirements
Stanford 10 provides a solid solution for achievement accountability:
- Valid, reliable, research-based assessment
- Objective measure of achievement
- Assessment of higher-level thinking
- Latest standards-based and norm-referenced information
- Reports to monitor progress toward high expectations
- Data to disaggregate results
- Alternative versions for special accommodations
Reporting
Stanford Achievement Test scores are reported in several ways. For consistency, the measure called percentile ranks is often chosen as the reporting method. Measures of relative standing are single indicators of the relative position of a score in relation to others. Percentile rank simply shows what percentage of scores fall at or below a specific score. For example, if a child's reading score on the SAT is 68, it means that the child's score is better than 68% of the children in the group that was tested. It is important to note that the nationally normal percentile is 50. Scores above the norm are considered acceptable.
Teachers
Christian educators have a wonderful calling--guiding young minds in an exploration of God's world. Christian education teaches subject matter from a Christian context. They put the Bible at the center of the curriculum and ask students to evaluate a view of the world through the eyes of God. Christian educators maintain discipline in the classroom and on the playground. Without a reasonable standard of discipline, the process of education is severely hampered. "For whom the Lord loves, He disciplines," the Bible teaches. And, it is within that context of love that discipline is carried out in a Christian school. Christian educators teach students to respect their parents. "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:16
Here at Billings Christian Schools, we equip and encourage Christian educators to model the greatest Teacher of all -- Jesus Christ -- Who offers resources that help teachers grow as educators and find satisfaction in their unique calling and ministry.
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