Frequently Asked Questions

Do you use Christian textbooks?

Yes. Faculty committees review the best Christian textbooks available for curriculum revisions. If quality Christian texts cannot be secured, teachers will use a secular text and develop Christian perspective into units. A majority of teachers at Unity have received B.A. degrees from Christian colleges that train teachers in bringing Christian perspective into their classroom and instruction. Many textbooks used throughout the grades are published by a variety of quality Christian publishers.

How much is tuition?

Please check the Admissions section of our web site for the current tuition schedule.

Do you provide tuition assistance?

Yes. If a family is unsure of its ability to pay the full amount of tuition, a financial aid form is completed and sent to an independent tuition aid agency for a minimal fee. Results of this needs assessment provides the Tuition Assistance Committee with recommendations for tuition assistance.

What is your curriculum?

Our curriculum is based on Biblical principles. The preschool uses a curriculum published by Christian Schools International based in Grand Rapids, MI. Elementary and secondary subjects include Bible, phonics, art, science, math, English, social studies, physical education, accounting, calculus, Spanish, music, chemistry, physics, biology, consumer education, computer science, British literature, journalism, advanced composition, ethics, geometry, apologetics, geography, sociology, and many other subjects. Over 90% of Unity graduates continue in higher education upon graduation.

What do you provide for extracurricular opportunities?

In the upper elementary grades, students may choose to participate in area sports programs sported by Fulton and Clinton youth sports leagues. Unity has organized its own youth soccer and baseball programs for these young students. In the junior high students can compete in IHSA-sanctioned (Illinois High School Association) sports programs in volleyball and basketball. Unity also has organized fall and spring soccer teams for independent area young leagues. In the senior high JV and varsity students participate in IHSA-sanctioned soccer, volleyball, basketball, and baseball program. Unity students at the elementary, and junior and senior high level are active participants in IMEA (Illinois Music Educators Association) programs, affording finalists the opportunity to perform at both district and state-level competitions. Our students regularly represent Unity in All-State and Honors Choir, Band, and Orchestra festivals. Unity's band and choir perform in several concerts throughout the school year. The Concert Choir (high school) has also toured different parts of the country giving performances at nursing and retired homes, schools, homeless facilities, churches, and our nation's captital. Junior and senior high students are able to participate in conference academic bowls annually. Recently, Unity sent one of its junior high students to Washington, D.C., to the National Spelling Bee. Students also participate in the Annual Geography Bee sponsored by the National Geographic Society.

Are your teachers certified?

Unity requires a minimum of a B.A. degree for its teachers, full and part time. Certification from a state is also a requirement and must be kept current. Several of Unity's faculty have Master's degrees in their field of expertise.

What support services do you provide for the students who have learning disabilities or other problems?

K-6 students have ready access to our resource room teacher who provides services similar to Title I teachers. This teacher works closely with classroom teachers in identifying problem areas and designing individual improvement programs in consultation with the classroom teacher and the parents. 7-12 students have access to our Academic Support Center (ASC) with tailored classes and resource help. Unity also receives support from Bi-county Educational Services from the Regional Office of Education in speech, learning disabilities, physical and occupational therapy. Social and psychological consultation services are also provided on an as-needed basis.

Can I pay tuition on a monthly basis?

You can be invoiced for a $60 fee or have your tuition debited from your bank account for a $30 fee. The monthly payment fees will be added to your first invoice.

Do students go on field trips?

Yes. Musicals, museums, on the farm, homeless shelters, to name a few. Classes attend field trips both near and far as teachers design lesson units that are relevant and meaningful to every child.

Are you a parochial or private school?

Private. Parochial schools are extensions of independent churches. Unity Christian School is governed by representation from its parents, not a church. As such, tuition dollars come primarily from parents, not a church, although a few area churches do provide financial support to the school. Unity Christian School is a member of Christian Schools International. Please check the CSI website.

How is your school's instruction different from the public school?

All values taught in and out of the classroom are based on the Bible. Students are taught how to use the Scriptures to discern the truth in the world and apply these truths in lessons and in living. Discipline is also rooted in Biblical principles. Every thought is held under the light of God's Word and Biblical teaching.

Can parents help in the classroom?

Yes. Volunteers are used in the classroom under teacher supervision and direction.

Will my child get help when he or she needs it?

At Unity, teachers provide personal attention to each student, regardless of ability. Whenever specific student needs arise, teachers contact the parent or guardian to coordinate efforts in achieving necessary results. Weekly progress reports can be used to help monitor a student's progress. These reports require signatures from every teacher and the parent. Junior high students are required to use an assignment notebook to record daily assignments. If a student has organizational or learning problems, the teacher will set up a conference with the parent or guardian. Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled for all parents regularly in the fall and as needed in the spring to help keep communication avenues open. Unity's teachers have been very successful in helping students achieve levels they had not imagined. Personal attention and a strong relationship with the home have been key ingredients in these achievements. Unity also emphasizes the importance of daily devotions, weekly, active participation in a local Christian church, and modeling Christian principles in the home. Spiritual nurturing is a critical ingredient in a child's development.

What is your discipline policy?

Discipline policies are explained in the school's handbooks (see link under Admissions). Unity expects the best in student behavior with regard to respect for God, parents, the church, the Bible, authority, others, and property. Honesty and integrity are expected of every individual in the school.

What is your policy with families that home school their children?

Junior and senior high students may attend one or more classes at a prorated tuition fee. Senior high students desiring to participate in interscholastic activities must attend at least four classes at Unity. Parents desiring standardized testing for their children can contact the school office. Unity encourages home-schooling families to contact the superintendent's office to explore ways to attend one or more classes while continuing work at home. Unity Christian School commends home-schooling parents in their endeavor in taking primary responsibility in teaching their own children. If Unity can help provide support in certain areas, please contact the superintendent.

Is Christian education worth all the money?

It depends. What are your goals for your child? If you want to realize Jesus as Lord of ALL of life, if you want to instill countless Biblical values and principles in your child's life, if it's important for you to be able to discuss any topic or issue in light of what God has to say about it, if you want your child to test and approve what God's will is for his or her life, if you want your child to have a teacher that shares your Christian beliefs, if you value the freedom our country presently affords us to openly praise God and develop our talents to the fullest extent under His loving banner, then, yes, Christian education IS worth it!