Elementary & Middle

At a Glance

Mr. Nate Pettinga, Principal
BA Education, Calvin University
MA Educational Leadership, Concordia University Chicago
NPettinga@swchristian.org

Mr. Phil Siemer, Principal
BA English & German, Calvin University
MA English Composition, Purdue University Northwest
Principal Endorsement, Fort Hayes State University
PSiemer@swchristian.org

FAQ

List of 13 frequently asked questions.

  • Where is your school located?

    For Elementary and Middle School, we have two Preschool through 8th Grade campuses - one in Oak Lawn, IL and one in Tinley Park, IL.
  • How much is tuition?

    Please see our full list of tuition and fees for more detail.
  • Are you connected to a church?

    Although many of our families attend churches in the Reformed tradition, we are not affiliated with any one church. Our faculty teach from a Reformed Christian perspective. However, we welcome families from many different Christian denominations. Families at SCCS represent 20 denominations including Baptist, Non-Denominational, Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Lutheran, Christian Reformed, and more.
  • Are you recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and are you an accredited institution?

    Yes! We are registered with and recognized by ISBE. We are accredited by two organizations: AdvancED and CSI (Christian Schools International).
  • What is the student-teacher ratio?

    At our PS-8 campus in Oak Lawn, the student to teacher ratio is 9 to 1. The average class size is 22 students. At our PS-8 campus in Tinley Park, the student to teacher ratio is 10 to 1. The average class size is 21 students.
  • Is testing required for admissions?

    In order to verify accurate grade placement, testing may be required. Simply forward the most recent standardized tests and report card from your student’s current school with your application. The Admissions Office will determine if additional testing is required.
  • What support services are available?

    SCCS offers assistance through educational support specialists in our Academic Support Center (ASC). This service may include consultation, interventions, modification or accommodations to meet the student’s learning needs. We also offer social and emotional support through trained counselors.
  • Do students wear uniforms or do you have a dress code?

    Our students do not wear uniforms. Our dress code is fairly simple and is based on neatness and modesty.
  • What are school hours?

    Elementary School – 8:25am to 3:10p
    Middle School – 8:25am to 3:15pm
  • Do you offer Before & After School Care?

    We do! Before Care stats at 7:00 am and After School Care is available until 6:00 pm. Students in all grade levels can attend. Please see our full list of tuition and fees for more detail.
  • What sports and extracurricular programs do you have?

    Middle school sports include basketball, soccer, volleyball, cheerleading (Tinley Park campus only), and track and cross country. Other extracurricular programs include yearbook, a fine arts festival, math club, Lego/robotics, musicals, and plays. Options vary by grade level.
  • What is T.R.I.P.?

    T.R.I.P. is our Tuition Rebate Incentive Program. It is an opportunity for families to accumulate tuition credit by purchasing gift cards at a discounted rate. Click here for more details about how to enroll in this program.
  • What is the Pass It On Thrift Center and how does it reduce tuition?

    Pass it On Thrift Center (PIO) is a resale shop located in Crestwood, IL. PIO is run by an all-volunteer staff. Each year, PIO provides financial support to our schools for the purpose of keeping tuition costs accessible.

    For 2019-20, PIO provided the school $900,000 for tuition reduction!
     
    Would you like to see this benefit continue?  Then we need your help!  We need our families -- students, parents, grandparents -- to support PIO by volunteering at the center.  Learn more about PIO here.