Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

 

What is the enrollment at CKS? 

Our current enrollment is 200 preschool through 8th grade. 

 

What sets CKS apart from other schools?

Our school is rich in diversity.  We teach our students to enjoy and embrace other’s differences.  We keep our class sizes small, allowing children to be well known and individually heard. 

 

What is the Kindergarten program at CKS?

Our Kindergarten program is designed to help each child reach their full potential in an environment that is challenging, secure and nurturing.  Our program has a strong literacy focus with students receiving class and small group instruction.  A variety of instructional strategies are used to meet individual student needs.  Kindergarten students benefit from specialists teaching art, physical education, music, library and Spanish language.

 

Who is the Kindergarten teacher?

Mrs. Galvan is our Kindergarten teacher.  She received her B.A. in Sociology and K-8 Teacher Certification from Western Washington University.  She received her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction, with a focus on Literacy, from Grand Canyon University.  Mrs. Galvan has taught at Christ the King School since September, 2000.

 

What language arts programs are used in the Primary level at CKS?

CKS uses Harcourt Bruce’s award-winning Collections series.  This outstanding series is tied to the national and state reading and writing standards.  We are committed to differentiated instruction and utilize varied media to meet individual student needs:  Rainbow Reading is multi-age literature circles with extension activities.

 

Wordly Wise is the vocabulary curriculum for grades 2-8th grade.

 

Handwriting without Tears is the curriculum for preschool through first grade. 

 

Grades 1 through 8 participate in Accelerated Reader programs.

 

What math program is used at the primary level at CKS?

Our Primary level uses Houghton Mifflin Math (2007).   We recognize the importance of utilizing manipulatives during instruction and have a wide range of materials available to our students. 

What can we expect in Middle School? A strong academic program with small class sizes.  Our students consistently rank high on standardized tests when compared to Seattle and Shoreline School Districts and Independent Schools.

Specialists: Middle school students receive Spanish language instruction (3-4 times per week), lab-based science blocks, P.E. and Art.  Our students experience overnight-outdoor, environmental camps.

 

Middle School Extracurricular Activities include but are not limited to:  Drama, Speech Team, MathCounts, Band, Student Council, Youth Group, and Safety Patrol.

 

What fine arts programs are offered?

Michael Lynch is the music instructor for grades K-8th.  He is a published composer and an accomplished musician.  CKS students participate in choir, and learn to play several instruments; ukulele, recorder, tin whistle, drums and guitar.

 

Art is woven throughout the curriculum and taught within several subjects by our talented instructor, Jan Rowe; an accomplished artist in several mediums.  The children receive instruction in drawing, painting and ceramics.

 

Do you offer your students foreign language instruction?

Yes, all students in grades K-8th receive Spanish Language instruction.

 

What tutoring programs are available?

Our staff Learning Specialist works with students individually, in groups and is a resource to the teaching staff.  Our dedicated teachers are available to help students during recess, as well as before and after school.  Formal tutoring is available on a fee basis.  Keeping our class sizes small allows teachers to work with their students individually.

 

What is CKS’s record of achievement on standardized testing?

On the IOWA Test of Basic Skills our class scores are consistently 1 to 1.5 years above grade level.  CKS students consistently score in the top percentile nationally on the WASL exams.

 

What extracurricular activities does CKS offer?

CKS has the following extracurricular activities:  MathCounts, Irish Dance, Speech Team, Band, Student Leadership Council, Middle School Youth Group, Safety Patrol, Drama, and a variety of other Parent Club sponsored activities.

 

What athletic programs are offered?

The majority of our children participate in Catholic Youth Organization Sports (CYO).  Organized sports offered include soccer, basketball, cross country, track, and volleyball.

 

Do you have a hot lunch program?

We have Wednesday Subway Sandwich and Thursday Dominoes Pizza lunch options.

 

We are not Catholic.  Will our children feel comfortable in the CKS environment?

We welcome students of all faiths.  Our school is guided by the Catholic traditions of compassion, social justice and responsibility; preparing a generation of citizens to lead through their commitment to these values. 

 

What is your anti-bullying program?

The Second Step Problem Solving Program is taught in grades K-8th.  CKS is a strong community where we work together to ensure every child feels respected.

 

How does your school tuition compare to other schools?

A CKS education is an excellent value. We promote a balance of mind and heart; allowing each student to reach their full potential academically, socially and artistically. In addition to core academics, students benefit from our Spanish language program, music and art studio, outdoor education, physical education, and inter-school athletic league.  Our tuition is comparable to other Catholic Schools and less than private, independent schools.

 

 How many CKS teachers hold advanced degrees?

66% of our faculty hold advanced degrees and 3 are Gates’ Foundation recipients of technology.

 

Is after-school care available at CKS?

Yes, we have an Extended-Day Program available before school from 7:00-8:15 AM and after school from 3:00-6:00 PM.