Teaching Style

At FAITH we believe it is important to blend the best of all styles of education, and happily allow our teachers to bring to class their own teaching philosophies and styles.  That being said, the structure of FAITH is best described as a combination of Classical Education and Unit Studies.

Classical

Students are divided into introductory, exposure and analysis levels.  This allows for appropriate challenges based on the natural abilities and interests of the child.  We cover history in a logical order, starting with creation and going chronologically to the present time.  Students memorize and recite a timeline and refer to it often, further solidifying the context of the material that they are being taught.

Unit Studies

By covering the same time period simultaneously from the angles of history, art, drama, and music, we are able to increase student retention, giving them a comprehensive view of the period from multiple perspectives.  Lessons are hands-on, and are designed to ignite the student's curiosity.

Our second semester allows for even more specialized unit study, while again working from the selected time period.  During this semester students delve into the period by choosing classes that best resonate with them.  Teachers provide a unit of in-depth study in an area of interest.  This may be a study of the biography of one person, a survey of the works of a group of artists, or the study of boundary changes during a war.

The combination of these two styles provides our students with the opportunity for repetition, analysis, and internalization.  We believe these elements allow for not only a thorough education, but one that is thoroughly enjoyable.

A Typical Day

12:30 on Tuesday mornings is a busy time for FAITH teachers.  We arrive laden with trunks full of supplies, heads full of ideas, and wiggly kids excited for their own classes.  It is a happy sprint to get everything set-up quickly.

By 12:45 there is a influx of students pouring through the doors.  Parents busily remind their littlest children that jackets go downstairs on the coat rack just outside the common room (and not on the floor), to go potty before class, and to do all of this quickly.  Older kids cheerfully greet one another and gather in their classrooms boisterously discussing the past week while they wait for classes to begin.

At 1:00 all is quiet in the hallways again.  Period 1 classes start promptly, and we jump right into the fun.

1:45 is the beginning of Period 2.  This doesn't affect anyone in the nursery, pre-school, or introductory level classes, but all other students pour into the halls and (with a bit of supervision for the younger students) find their way to their next classes.  Period 2 begins immediately and the learning continues.

2:30 Between Periods 2 and 3 we all gather in the common room downstairs.  This is time for corporate prayer, announcements, and learning/rehearsing our timeline.  Each year the timeline is built upon from the year before.  We begin with Creation and recite the major events of the world up to the date that we are studying on this particular week.  It is not mandatory that newer students go back and memorize all of the previous years' materials, but they certainly benefit from hearing the context of events.

After timeline students move quickly to their Period 3 classes and have a few minutes for (non-messy) snacks, drinks, bathroom breaks, and informal chatter. Lessons resume at 2:40 with casual discussions over the last remaining snacks.

3:25 is the beginning of Period 4, the last class of the day.

4:10 is the official end of the FAITH day.  Teacher aides and clean-up volunteers help to put the classrooms back in order while students busily chatter with friends in the common-room and parking lot.

It is always a busy day, as is evident by the amount of materials that moms try to juggle as they usher their families back to the car.  Costumes, crafts, bags, and papers are tossed into the trunk as final good-byes are waved to friends.  Most of our preschoolers sleep on the drive home, and a few of the moms wish they could join in.

So, in short, it looks like this:

PERIOD 1

1:00-1:45

PERIOD 2

1:45-2:30

Break

2:30-2:40

PERIOD 3

2:40-3:25

PERIOD 4

3:25-4:10

Where your child is in the building for each period is determined by their level, and will be explained in detail on Orientation day.  Check this year's schedule for more information.

Class Cancellation Policy

Winter Weather Closure Policy

In case of inclement weather, FAITH will follow the Manchester school system closings. We will announce closings by email by 10:00am of the class day in question.

Morning delays will generally not affect us, however, if the weather clears and afternoon classes can be held, you will be notified by e-mail. 

Class Cancellations

Classes may be cancelled at any time at the leadership team’s discretion. If class is cancelled due to teacher's absence, children will be directed to an alternate appropriate activity.  In the event of class cancellation/teacher absence, reasonable effort will be made to notify parents prior to class time. Teachers work many hours outside the classroom; therefore, if classes are cancelled, tuition will not be refunded but every effort to schedule a make-up class will be made.

Supervision

All parents are required to stay at the FAITH program every week.

Dropping off your children or sending them with another family on a regular basis is not permitted.  If you have special circumstances that need to be considered, please feel free to approach the Leadership team with your concerns. 

Remain within the designated program boundaries of the church. Please DO NOT use areas of the church that Southside Bible Fellowship has not invited FAITH to use.

Registration

Registration for FAITH is simple.  Just print the document below and return it to the address listed at the bottom of the site along with your registration fee before May 31, 2013.

But I missed the cut off date! How do I get involved?

In order to best serve our students, classes are intentionally kept small.  Acceptance is first come-first served but may vary depending upon the ages of students/availability of space.  A waiting list is held in case space opens up during the course of the year, so feel free to apply at any time.  Simply fill out the form below and submit it to the address listed at the bottom of the site.  Kristina will then contact you to let you know about availability and any applicable registration costs.

3rd Year - FAITH Final 2013-2014 Registration Form With Volunteer Page 97 2003

Registration Procedures for 2013 – 2014

Please check off the following items to ensure that you complete registration thoroughly and accurately:

____ 1) Read the entire registration packet to determine whether FAITH is a good fit for your family.

____ 2) Complete and sign the Registration Contract. The contract must be signed by the parents, and any students born prior to 5/31/03.

____ 3) Complete a Registration Form.

____ 4) Write a check for $50 made payable to FAITH Fine Arts Program, to hold your spot for next year. (The balance of $85 will be due on or before 5/31/2013) The registration fee of $135 is non-refundable.  These funds are used to cover the liability policy, building use offering and materials for the year.

____5)  Make arrangements for how tuition will be paid by 5/31/2013.  (At one time or monthly)

____ 6) Make a photocopy of the registration contract for your records.

____ 7) Deliver to Kristina Mitchell or mail to: 

FAITH Fine Arts Program 

197 East Road Weare, NH 03281.

**Please understand that all tuition and fees are non-refundable. This includes all tuition and fees that you pay over the summer and tuition that you choose to pay ahead during the school year.**

FAITH Arts Program Tuition Policies & Payment Schedule

The co-op bases its annual budget on the number of students enrolled in the program. Therefore, we ask that parents commit to pay for their children for the entire school year (Sept – Apr.).  You will be held liable for payment for the full year once the program has begun. Students dismissed from the program for any reason during the year are still held liable for the full amount of tuition due.

Exceptions to this policy include:

1. Death of a parent 
2. Moving more than 30 miles from location 
3. Parent becoming unemployed

No exceptions are given for the following reasons:

1. Child re-enrolled in school
2. Child is tired of the program
3. Child has too many other activities
4. Leaving the program due to disagreement or conflict

Tuition Payment OptionsTuition may be paid in full up front or monthly. Payment for the 2013 / 2014 academic year will be $325/family.  If you choose monthly payments they are $46.43 and will be collected on the first meeting of the month.  For more than 4 children add $25/child.

Tuition Due Dates: May 31, 2013 – balance of registration due

 September 10, 2013

October 1, 2013

November 5, 2013

December 3, 2013 

January 7, 2014

February 4, 2014

March 4, 2014

Just a Friendly Reminder:
1. Tuition and fees for classes are non-refundable, including tuition paid in advance of the
scheduled due date.
2. Checks are to be made payable to the instructor and given to the Treasurer on time. You
may drop the checks into the Treasurer’s file box. Please do not give checks directly to the instructor.
3. Instructors rely on their tuition. Please do not be late. If you miss a payment date, please drop it in the mail. Payments more than a week late will be considered grounds for suspension.

Location

FAITH meets at Southside Bible Fellowship

200 South Jewett Street
Manchester, NH 03103-3856

You can view a link in mapquest here: Mapquest Map

Directions From East

Take Route 101W.  In Manchester, merge to Route I-293N/101W via Exit 7 (towards Manchester/Bedford/Airport).  Take Exit 1 (South Willow Street). Bear right on the ramp to South Willow Street.  Continue north on South Willow Street through several traffic lights.  Immediately after passing Circuit City/Mobil Gas Station on the right, take the right onto Weston Road.  At the first intersection, take the left onto South Jewett Street.  Go approximately 1/4 mile, (just after Southside Middle School), Southside Bible Fellowship is the next driveway on the right.  

Directions From North

Take Route I-93 South. After the Hooksett tolls, bear right at split (Route 93 South continues).  In Manchester merge onto Route I-293 North/Route 101 West via Exit 7 (towards Manchester/Bedford/Airport).  Take Exit 1 (South Willow Street).  Bear right on the ramp to South Willow Street.  Continue north on South Willow Street through several traffic lights.  Immediately after passing Circuit City/Mobil Gas Station on the right, take the right onto Weston Road.  At the first intersection, take the left onto South Jewett Street.  Go approximately 1/4 mile, (just after Southside Middle School), Southside Bible Fellowship is the next driveway on the right.

Directions From West

Take Route 101 East. Take Exit 1 (South Willow Street). Bear left on ramp to South Willow Street.  Continue north on South Willow Street through several traffic lights.  Immediately after passing Circuit City/Mobil Gas Station on the right, take the right onto Weston Road.  At the first intersection, take the left onto South Jewett Street.  Go approximately 1/4 mile, (just after Southside Middle School), Southside Bible Fellowship is the next driveway on the right.

Directions From South (Via Route 3/Everett Turnpike)

Take Route 3 North (Everett Turnpike).  After the Bedford tolls, merge right to Route I-293 South/Route 101 East.  Take Exit 1 (South Willow Street).  Bear left on the ramp to South Willow Street.  Continue north on South Willow Street through several traffic lights.  Immediately after passing Circuit City/Mobil Gas Station on the right, take the right onto Weston Road.  At the first intersection, take the left onto South Jewett Street.  Go approximately 1/4 mile, (just after Southside Middle School), Southside Bible Fellowship is the next driveway on the right.

Directions From South (Via Route 93)

Take Route 93 North.  Approaching Manchester merge left to Route I-293 North/Route 101 West.  Take Exit 1 (South Willow Street). Bear right on the ramp to South Willow Street.  Continue north on South Willow Street through several traffic lights.  Immediately after passing Circuit City/Mobil Gas Station on the right, take the right onto Weston Road.  At the first intersection, take the left onto South Jewett Street.  Go approximately 1/4 mile, (just after Southside Middle School), Southside Bible Fellowship is the next driveway on the right.

Statement of Faith

FAITH is a Christian program and all classes are taught from a Biblical worldview.  While no one specific denomination's doctrine is taught, parents should understand that classes will be taught by Protestant Christian teachers.  

A complete copy of our statement of faith is available upon request.  

Student Levels

FAITH is a homeschool fine arts program specifically designed for K-12th grade students.  

We have 5 different student levels, however the exact ages/grades of the children who participate in each level is not an exact science.  Leadership works hard to adjust class assignments each year to best fit the changing needs of individual students.  

Student Levels

• Introduction Level (Treasure Hunters) - This class is specifically designed for our youngest elementary students.  They are allowed time for gross motor play and have the advantage of consistent teachers throughout their entire class time. They work on lessons related to the same time period studied by older students, but have the advantage of fewer time (class period) restrictions which allows teachers to follow the students lead when a particular project captures their imagination (or doesn't).

• Exposure, Level 1 (Explorers)- Students are exposed to music, art, and drama from a historical perspective.  These are foundational classes that teach introductory level skills and terminology.  Hands-on projects, games, songs, and stories are the focus of class time.  

• Exposure, Level 2 (Trail Blazers) - Children is this level continue to learn through the use of hands-on projects, games, songs, and stories,  Their focus is on applying the basic principles of music, art, drama, and history that they have been learning.  They are encouraged to explore unfamiliar ideas, techniques and mediums.

• Analysis, Level 3 (Path Finders) -  Analysis level students begin to critique information in their classes.  There is much more conversation and scrutiny of information as opposed to the lower two levels.  Visual and performing arts classes are more in depth, and students begin to explore the relationship between subjects.

• Analysis, Level 4 (Navigators) - Our oldest students are encouraged to apply knowledge gained throughout the previous 3 levels as they develop their own world view.  Advanced principals are taught in the areas of music, art, drama, and history.  Students are challenged to research and discuss what they are being taught, and to share their own discoveries. 

In addition, we have care available for children who accompany older students and their parents to FAITH.  This is divided into two levels.

• Nursery - These are our youngest (and arguably most adorable) members.  Play, rest, and snacks are supervised by loving caregivers.  

• Pre-school - Children who have not yet reached the stage of formal schooling, but are ready to move out of the nursery, participate in a fun hands-on program.  They do not switch classes, but instead have a consistent team of teachers who lead them through art projects, singing time, bible stories, play time, and basic academic lessons.