New Family Welcome Guide
Welcome to the WCS Family!
We are thrilled to welcome you to Wayne Christian School! Whether your child is starting kindergarten or joining us in high school, we understand that beginning at a new school can be an exciting and sometimes overwhelming experience for the whole family. This guide is designed to help you navigate your first days, weeks, and months at WCS with confidence.
At Wayne Christian School, our mission is to partner with parents and churches in educating children from a biblical worldview, impacting their world for Christ. That partnership begins the moment you walk through our doors, and we’re committed to making your transition as smooth as possible.
Your First Week: What to Expect
Before School Starts
Once your enrollment is complete, you’ll receive:
- A welcome email from your child’s teacher introducing themselves and sharing classroom expectations
- Access to our parent portal, where you can view schedules, grades, and school announcements
- Information about our back-to-school events, including Meet the Teacher night
We encourage you to attend our New Family Orientation (typically held the week before school starts,) where you’ll meet other new families, tour the campus, and ask questions in a relaxed setting.
The First Day
- Elementary (Grades K-4): 7:45-8:00 AM at the elementary entrance
- Middle School (Grades 5-8): 7:45-8:00 AM at the middle school entrance
- High School (Grades 9-12): 7:45-8:00 AM at the high school entrance
Don’t worry if drop-off feels chaotic at first; our faculty and staff are positioned throughout campus to help direct you and your student. Many new families arrive a few minutes early in the first week to allow extra time.
- School supplies (list provided by teacher)
- Lunch or lunch account funds
- Chromebook (high school students)
- A positive attitude and a willingness to make new friends!
- Regular dismissal is at 3:00 PM
- Elementary families: Follow the carline procedures shared at orientation
- Middle and high school students: May drive themselves or be picked up at designated areas
Getting Connected
Key Contacts
Save these contacts in your phone, they’re here to help!
Main Office: 919-735-5605
Email: ldarden@waynechristian.org
Email: ndeck@waynechristian.org
High School Principal – Kevin Craig
Email: kcraig@waynechristian.org
Email: admissions@waynechristian.org Ext. 127
Email: ksatterfield@waynechristian.org Ext. 125
Communication Channels
Strong communication between home and school is essential to your child’s success. Here’s how we’ll stay connected:
- Elementary families receive a weekly newsletter from their child’s teacher
- Middle and high school families receive updates through Google Classroom and email
- School-wide newsletter with upcoming events, achievements, and important dates
- Chapel messages and spiritual life updates
- Direct communication from teachers about academic progress or concerns
- Administrative updates about schedule changes, weather closings, etc.
Parent Portal: Access grades, attendance, lunch accounts, and more through our online parent portal. Login information will be provided during the enrollment process.
Daily Life at WCS
School Day Schedule
7:45-8:00 AM: Arrival
8:00 AM: School begins
3:00 PM: Dismissal
3:00-6:00 PM: Extended Care available (pre-registration required)
Lunch Options
- Bring lunch from home: Students may bring their own lunch daily
- Hot lunch program: Purchase lunch through our cafeteria (menus posted monthly)
- Lunch accounts: Set up a prepaid account for convenience
Elementary students eat lunch in their classrooms or the cafeteria with their class. Middle and high school students have a designated lunch period where they can socialize with friends.
Dress Code
WCS maintains a modest dress code that reflects our Christian values while allowing students to express their individuality. Detailed dress code information can be found in the student handbook, but general guidelines include:
- Collared shirts or school spirit wear
- Modest shorts, skirts, and pants
- Closed-toe shoes
Spirit Days: Students may wear WCS spirit wear on designated days, a great way to show school pride!
Technology
Elementary: Chromebooks used in classrooms for educational games, e-books, and Google Classroom
High School: 1:1 Chromebook program (each student receives a school-managed Chromebook)
All Devices: Monitored using GoGuardian for safety
Academic Life
What Makes WCS Academics Unique
Our curriculum provides rigorous academic instruction integrated with Biblical truth. Students don’t just learn facts; they know how God’s Word applies to every subject area.
Elementary: Strong foundations in Bible, math, reading, spelling, writing, history, handwriting, and science, plus specials including music, art, library, PE, and technology
Middle School: Core courses in Bible, English, Math, Science, Foreign Language, and History, plus electives like robotics, art, theater, and more
High School: Three academic tiers (College Preparatory, Honors, and Advanced Honors) allow students to tailor their education. Dual enrollment opportunities are available through Judson College at Southeastern and Wayne Community College.
Grading and Progress Reports
Elementary: Progress reports sent home quarterly; parent-teacher conferences scheduled as needed
Middle/High School: Grades viewable in real-time through the parent portal; report cards issued quarterly
Homework Expectations
Homework reinforces classroom learning and helps develop responsibility. General guidelines:
Elementary: 20-45 minutes per night
Middle School: 45-90 minutes per night
High School: 1-2 hours per night (varies by course load)
If your child is consistently struggling with homework, please reach out to their teacher. We’re here to help.
SOAR Support Center
Our SOAR Support Center offers individualized instruction to students who require additional academic support. Services include reading and math resource classes, tutoring options, and instructional tools. Contact Rebecca Stugelmeyer, Special Needs Coordinator, for more information.
Spiritual Life
Bible Class & Chapel
All students participate in age-appropriate Bible instruction daily. These classes help students develop a strong Biblical worldview and grow in their faith.
Our student body gathers weekly for worship, biblical teaching, and community building. High school students often take leadership roles in planning and leading chapel services.
Service Opportunities
Throughout the year, students participate in service projects that put faith into action. Past projects include:
- Food drives for local families
- Nursing home visits
- Mission trip fundraisers
- Community cleanup days
We believe that serving others is an essential expression of our faith, and these opportunities help students discover how God can use them to make a difference.
Prayer
Your child’s teachers are praying for them. If your family has specific prayer requests, please don’t hesitate to share them with your child’s teacher or the school office. We consider it a privilege to come alongside you in prayer.
Getting Involved
Parent Partnership Opportunities
Education works best when parents and teachers partner together. Here are some ways to get involved:
Elementary teachers, in particular, appreciate parent volunteers for special projects, field trips, and class parties. Contact your child’s teacher to learn about opportunities.
Connect with other parents, support school events, and foster a sense of community. Watch for meeting announcements in the monthly newsletter.
From back-to-school nights to Christmas programs to spring musicals, attending school events shows your child that you value their education and community.
One of the most effective ways to support WCS is through prayer. Pray for your child’s teachers, the administration, and the school’s mission.
Athletic and Extracurricular Involvement
We encourage students to participate in athletics, the fine arts, and clubs. These activities help students develop their God-given talents, build friendships, and create lasting memories.
Football, baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, basketball, track, cross country, swimming, golf, and cheerleading
Choir, praise team, theater, art classes and competitions, worship production
Student Council, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Approximately 85% of our high school students participate in at least one sport during the school year!
Important Policies & Procedures
Attendance
Regular attendance is essential for academic success. If your child will be absent:
- Call the school office before 8:30 AM
- Send a written note upon return
- Make arrangements with teachers for missed work
Early Dismissal
- Send a note to your child that morning
- Sign them out at the office
- Allow time for the office staff to call your child from class
Weather Closings
School closings due to weather will be announced via:
- Email and text alerts (make sure your contact info is current)
- School website and social media
- Local news stations
Health & Wellness
Medication: All medication must be checked in at the office with proper documentation
Illness: Students with fever, vomiting, or contagious illness should stay home
Injuries: Our athletic trainer, Mary Cait Inglee, serves as the first responder for campus injuries
Financial Information
Tuition & Fees
2025-2026 Tuition: $9,800
Payment Options:
- Option 1: Annual payment (tuition deposit + full tuition in August)
- Option 2: Semester payments (tuition deposit + half in August, half in January)
- Option 3: Monthly payments (tuition deposit + monthly payments August-May)
Financial Assistance
NC Opportunity Scholarship: State-funded grants up to $7,400 based on income. Applications typically open in February.
WCS Financial Assistance: Need-based tuition assistance available through FACTS Grant & Aid. We’re committed to making Christian education accessible for families who demonstrate financial need.
Extended Care
If you need care outside regular school hours:
- Morning Extended Care: 6:30 AM-7:45 AM
- Afternoon Extended Care: 3:00 PM-6:00 PM
- In-Service Days: 6:30 AM-6:00 PM
Contact the Extended Care Director, Dawn Williamson, to enroll or for information on drop-in care.
Quick Reference
Important Dates (Check Current Calendar)
- Meet the Teacher Night
- First Day of School
- Parent-Teacher Conferences
- Fall Festival
- Christmas Programs
- Spring Musical
- Field Day
- Last Day of School
What to Download
- RenWeb/FACTS: Parent portal access
- School Calendar: Sync to your phone calendar
- Lunch Menu: Available on the website monthly
What to Follow
- Facebook: @waynechristianschool
- Instagram: @waynechristianschool
- Website: waynechristian.org
Helpful Documents
- Student Handbook (provided at enrollment)
- Dress Code Guidelines
- Athletic Handbook (for student-athletes)
- Carline Procedures
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my child has special dietary needs or allergies? + −
Can my child bring their phone to school? + −
How do I update my contact information? + −
What if my child is struggling academically or socially? + −
How can I stay informed about what’s happening in my child’s classroom? + −
Are there opportunities for my child to grow spiritually outside of Bible class? + −
Final Thoughts
Starting at a new school is a big step for your whole family, but you’re not alone. The WCS community is here to support you every step of the way. We’re excited to partner with you as we help your child grow academically, spiritually, and personally.
Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, concerns, or just to say hello. Our doors and hearts are always open. Welcome to Wayne Christian School. We’re so glad you’re here!
Questions? Contact our main office at 919-735-5605 or email admissions@waynechristian.org. We’re happy to help!
Searching for a Christian school in Wayne County?
We’re happy to walk you through the admissions process and discuss how we can assist you in the education of your children.