Our Academic Philosophy

Northern Dutchess Christian School is designed for students who desire and will benefit from a challenging academic curriculum grounded in Biblical truth, in an environment, which is positive and supportive. Classes are small and teachers are believing Christians. The educational process at NDCS is designed to help children become better learners, maturing members of society, committed and loving Christians, and outstanding leaders.

Northern Dutchess Christian School has a traditional elementary school with self-contained classes for K-6. The junior high school (7-8) and high school(9-12) use a departmentalized approach with students changing teachers for each subject area. Music (general music for grades K-6; chorus for 7-12), art and physical education are required at all grade levels. A growing competitive sports program offers students several opportunities in athletics.

The curriculum at NDCS is selected for its excellence, its consistency with the philosophyof the school, and for its practicality in implementation. Courses at the junior highand high school level are sequenced traditionally (e.g. Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, etc.; or Earth Science, Biology, etc.). Students and teachers may elect to participate in Regents examinations when they serve the needs of the class or individual students, but students are not required to earn a Regents diploma.

NDCS complies with all regulations, guidelines, and assessments for unregistered, non-publicschools. Northern Dutchess participates in all customary standardized testing, including the Stanford Achievement Tests (ed.9), the 4th and 8th grade ELA and Mathematics exams, and the 4th and 8th grade science test.

Northern Dutchess continually reviews and improves its curricula to assure the highest quality possible. This self-assessment is ongoing, and needed improvements are instituted as soon and as often as is practical.

ACSI

Northern Dutchess is a member school of the Association of Christian Schools International, an organization which exists to enable Christian educators and schools worldwide to effectively prepare students for life. ACSI is a service organization serving Protestant, evangelical Christian schools across the United States and around the world. Each member school or college retains its individual distinctions and operating independence.