Calvin College - Human Resources

The Christian Learning Center (CLC), working in partnership with other organizations, provides Christ-centered education, psychological, vocational, and advocacy services for people experiencing unique needs and gifts. The mission of the CLC is to build inclusive and interdependent communities for students with special needs. In addition to providing services at a central campus, the CLC also staffs inclusive education programs and resource rooms in a network of 39 Christian schools in West Michigan and one in Wisconsin. This year the CLC will offer services to over 1400 students, working to define appropriate expectations for each student and designing curriculum accordingly.

2. Can I afford the cost of a Christian school education?

The Christian schools in West Michigan are much less expensive than typical private schools. However, sending one’s children to Christian schools does require some financial sacrifice. Calvin College recognizes the financial sacrifices faculty and their spouses must make in order to send their children to Christian schools, and it offers a program that assists faculty and staff with 20 percent of the cost of tuition. Furthermore, many local Christian Reformed congregations have generous programs of assistance for their members. If needed, additional help is available through special tuition grants.

3. How do we arrange a visit for our family with an area school or schools?

Each school has a visiting policy which you may find on its Web site. The schools welcome and encourage visits and will assist you in arranging them. It is important for you to find a school with the “right fit” for your child.

4. How should I select a school and do a comparison prior to selection? Can my children meet other students from the school?

Again the Web sites are your first resource. Check them out and determine the geographical location of your first choices. Then visit the school(s), if possible, or speak to an administrator by phone. It is wise to consider the schools that are the best for your family before you determine where to live. Location of the school is an important factor in your housing choice, particularly if transportation is an issue. Most schools offer busing, however, state cut-backs are affecting busing at the present time. As for meeting other students, some schools offer “Ambassador” or “Shadow” programs which pair new students with others who are already acclimated to the school.

5. When do I need to apply to an area Christian school?

There are limited spaces in some of the schools. The Web sites should give you admission information including Web-based applications, or, check directly with the various schools by phone or during an on-site visit.

6. Are there ever exceptions made to the Christian schooling requirement?

Some exceptions are made. There is a process to follow for requesting an exception in the Handbook for Teaching Faculty which is accessible on the Provost’s web site. It is important for faculty to support the college’s commitment to Christian schooling, but occasionally some families encounter special situations that the college can accommodate.

7. Are there ever exceptions given outside of CSI schools?

Yes. Approval has been given in the past for some area Lutheran, Baptist and Catholic schools, for area schools with specialized programs (Zoo School and Blandford Nature Center), and for home schooling, when appropriate