Frequently Asked Questions
Is Whitefish Christian Academy affiliated with a church or religious organization?
No, WCA is an interdenominational, evangelical Christian school. Students from Presbyterian, Lutheran, Nazarene, Catholic, Baptist, Assembly, Church of God, and other churches attend. The teachers and staff at WCA represent seven different churches.
Why does Whitefish Christian Academy exist?
WCA exists to assist parents in educating their children in a manner that honors Jesus Christ by providing academically excellent Christian education with individualized instruction in small classroom settings.
What distinctive educational benefits do students at Whitefish Christian Academy enjoy that they would not receive in public schools?
In addition to using the best text books and course materials available, students at WCA enjoy (1) a solid Bible curriculum, (2) a Christian approach to learning, (3) individualized instruction, (4) a small classroom environment, (5) special field trips, (6) creative class projects and other special forms of enrichment, (7) instruction in music, art, logic, Latin, and physical education, (8) as well as a caring, loving, family-like atmosphere where Christian values are upheld and where (9) parents are offered many opportunities to become involved in their children's education.
Who teaches at Whitefish Christian Academy and why?
WCA has always enjoyed highly qualified, well-trained, outgoing Christian teachers who love students, teaching, and working at a Christian academy where they are free to teach about Christ, the Bible, and Christian values and free to teach creatively. They sacrifice financially to teach at WCA because they love the academy and believe in its mission.
What kind of students attend Whitefish Christian Academy?
Students from all types of social, economic, and religious backgrounds attend WCA.
Is Whitefish Christian Academy an elitist school for the children of wealthy parents?
By no means! Most parents who send their children to WCA make some sort of financial sacrifice to do so. During an average academic year, approximately 25% of the children who attend WCA are on some sort of financial aid.
Why do the students at WCA wear school uniforms?
Wearing school uniforms accomplishes the following:
Simplifies dressing and dress codes
Reduces peer pressure and social stigmas
Encourages distinction of character and personality instead of appearance
Places emphasis on learning, not clothing
Equalizes economic diversity
Lowers long-term clothing costs
Allows for cohesive presentation as a group
Facilitates security by identifying outsiders
Enhances school spirit
Why have a Christian elementary school? Aren't the public schools good enough?
Throughout the centuries, Christians have believed the Bible encourages them to provide a Christian education for their children to train them up in the way they should go (Prov. 22:6) and teach them to love the Lord with all their hearts, souls, and minds and their neighbors as themselves (Matt. 22:36-40). WCA was started because of this belief. The Board and staff of WCA believe the school should function as an extension of the Christian home. We strive to teach all subjects from a Christian perspective, to teach the Bible in a clear and practical manner, and to teach Christian values. Although the Flathead Valley is blessed with good public schools, the U.S. Supreme Court forbids teaching Christian values and concepts in public schools. Furthermore, from a purely educational point of view, WCA is able to offer more creative instruction in smaller classrooms than the public schools and to offer individualized instruction and many unusual and creative learning opportunities.
Why should people support Whitefish Christian Academy?
Churches and individual Christians should support WCA because it is a Christian academy that is working to extend the kingdom of God. WCA reinforces and extends the teachings and values of the Christian home and church. Courses are taught from a Christian perspective. Students are taught the Bible and Christian values. Christians and non-Christians should support WCA because it produces exceptionally well trained students with high moral values who are an asset to our community and nation. To learn more about how you can support WCA, please click here.
How does Whitefish Christian Academy benefit the Flathead Valley?
Economically, WCA provides jobs for sixteen people and has an annual budget of over $250,000. Educationally, WCA provides a distinctively excellent Christian education for approximately 110 students each year. Morally, WCA builds solid, responsible citizens by teaching Christian values in a Christian atmosphere. Culturally, WCA sponsors a community art show each summer and teaches art to all of our students. Socially, having an academically excellent, biblically sound Christian school in Whitefish helps to attract families who are relocating to the Flathead Valley and who value such a school.
How does Whitefish Christian Academy benefit the work of local churches?
WCA benefits the work of local churches by providing students with a solid foundation in biblical instruction, by teaching them to be loyal and responsible members of their own churches, by reinforcing and extending the teachings and values of the Christian home and church, and by helping to extend the kingdom of God in the Flathead Valley. WCA helps parents and pastors in the process of training up young people in the way they should go (Prov. 22:6) and teaching them to love the Lord with all their hearts, souls, and minds and their neighbors as themselves (Matt. 22:36-40).
What do the local churches and the community think of Whitefish Christian Academy?
WCA has an excellent reputation among the churches of the Flathead Valley, many of which support the school with annual contributions and scholarships for needy students. Over the years, several pastor's wives have been employed at WCA.
What are the tax benefits, if any, of making a donation to WCA?
Whitefish Christian Academy is a 501 (C) (3) organization under the Internal Revenue Service, which provides it a tax-exempt status. Our Federal Tax I.D. Number is 81-0387934.
What assurance do I have that Whitefish Christian Academy has a stable future?
Like all other Christian and private educational institutions that are not supported by taxation, WCA depends on income from tuition and from donations to meet its payroll. Because of careful financial planning and management, a conservative fiscal policy, hard work by the Parent Teacher Fellowship, and sacrificial giving by many people who love WCA and who believe in its educational philosophy and spiritual ministry, WCA remains financially sound. By God's grace, the Board is confident this will continue to be the case.
