While Faith Zone may sound like any other after-school program, it is unique in that the students are encouraged to connect with those in other grades to help each other, work on projects together, and serve the school.

Faith Zone is Faith Christian School’s after school program for Lower School students. Their parent(s) may be working late or have an appointment that does not allow the child to be picked up during Lower School dismissal time. There is an ebb and flow to Faith Zone since the number of students, the grades/ages and the pick up time vary daily. The schedule allows flexibility based on the amount of homework the students have and different after school activities such as sports, Cavatina, or Orff ensemble.  

While Faith Zone may sound like any other after-school program, it is unique in that the students are not separated by their age or grade level. The school’s motto, “A Heart for Christ,” encourages students to sit together and help each other during homework time or to find an activity to do together while others need extra homework time. If one student wants to read a lit log book, an older student will sit with him/her, listen, and give gentle reminders when the younger student needs help with reading. In addition, all ages are welcome to participate in each playtime activity.

If one child is filled with excitement to be in Faith Zone or another is a little sad about not being picked up during dismissal, other students gather around to cheer on the joy or encourage the unhappy friend. Students exemplify part of the school’s motto, “A Will to Serve,” by working together to leave the classroom or playground better than they found it. They do this by picking up their trash, sweeping, wiping tables, stacking chairs, or changing the trash bag. I want the students to learn to do life together and become more mature each year.

My desire for Faith Zone is for the students to feel happy, loved, and cared for while having fun in a safe environment. After dismissal, the students can experience a different side of school where they can be silly and have less structure. They can ask questions like “Are we the only ones here?” or “Why do I have to learn this Bible verse again?” By asking these and other great questions, they develop to “A Mind for Truth,” which is another part of the school mission statement.

- By Michelle Carpenter