Frequently asked questions

Can I send my child to ACA if I don’t attend church or if I attend another church?

ACA supports all children by operating an open enrollment school. Students from every racial or religious background are encouraged to attend. We support families by assisting in the education of their children, from a Christian and moral worldview by using the most successful and proven curriculum available and by hiring teachers who exhibit the school's high moral standards.


Does your school force its beliefs on the students or put other religions down?

At Anchor Christian Academy, we endeavor to operate a school system that is academically excellent, safe, and happy. We accomplish this by honoring and supporting God’s established institutions (family and church) without competing with them. We strictly teach the curriculum at school, and not religion with the ultimate goal of providing a safe and healthy learning environment.


Are your teachers certified?

Not all of the teachers at Anchor Christian Academy are certified by the state of Oregon. So how do we maintain high academic results year after year? First, we select individuals with a gift and love for teaching and students. Then we send them to Pensacola Christian College in Florida. There they are trained by the publishers of our curriculum. They receive instruction in how to best use the curriculum, classroom management, daily preparations, and teaching techniques.


How does this approach effect the academic outcomes of the students attending Anchor Christian Academy? 

That question has been answered every year since 1993 by the Stanford Achievement and the Iowa Achievement tests. All of our students have taken these tests every year and the results have been amazing. Our school has averaged one to two years ahead of other U.S. students. This means that every year for 20 years, our students have received a world class education.


What curriculum do you use?

At ACA, we use Abeka Curriculum for our preschool through 8th grade. The Abeka Book approach is “cyclical learning” which keeps learning lively, interesting, and memorable. The materials reflect sensible theory that is firmly anchored to practicality and builds upon itself year after year. Please see more about our curriculum under the Academics tab on our home page.


What is the maximum class size?

Class size at ACA is restricted. In the event a student desires to enroll in a class that has reached its maximum class size, that student will be put on a waiting list and placed into the class in chronological order of their placement on the waiting list. Our classes from 1st grade to 8th grade are all combined. The benefits to doing this go hand in hand with the curriculum that we use because Abeka specifically provides curriculum for us to make the environment run smoothly and successfully.


Do you have a bus transportation system or offer carpooling options?

ACA does not transport students to and from school. For those who need help with carpooling, we offer an opportunity at our Orientation at the beginning of the school year to meet other parents from your area to arrange a carpool.


What are your security procedures?

The security of every student on our campus is our highest priority while they are here! ACA has a practical plan in place as directed by the Warrenton Fire and Police Departments for emergency situations. A list of those procedures is available in our school office. In addition, ACA is a closed campus. We also have a certified security officers on campus at various times during the week.


Do the students wear uniforms?

We do not require students to wear uniforms. It is our desire at ACA to maintain an appropriate learning environment. We do have a dress code that discourages clothing and hairstyles that distract from the educational process by causing excessive attention to individuals. Our goal is "neat, clean and modest." 


Do you have a hot lunch program?

Unfortunately, we do not. However, we do have microwaves available for 1st-8th graders. Please ensure all meals for preschool and kindergarten are ready to eat. 


How is discipline handled?

We endeavor to maintain a positive Christian atmosphere in each classroom (Romans 12:21). We do this by disciplining any student that is disruptive to themselves or other students and their learning. We also will dismiss any student that is disruptive to themselves and other students' learning and does not respond to normal classroom management. We desire for discipline to be characterized by these things:

  • Genuine love for our students
  • Firm, but fair enforcement of rules
  • Good communication between parents and teachers

Although it is necessary to have school and classroom rules, our emphasis will not be upon the absolute obedience of the do's and don'ts of school rules, but upon developing the heart of our students. It is always our first objective to work with parents.


Do you take field trips?

We take our students on several field trips a year! We encourage our teachers to supplement and enliven their subject matter with "hands on" experiences that only field trips can give. We also bring in special speakers and individuals from our community who bring a fun and refreshing twist to our curriculum in age-appropriate fashion. We also enjoy giving back to our community and do so twice a year with scheduled community service events. It has been our pleasure to work with the cities of Warrenton, Astoria, and Fort Clatsop to participate in helping them with various projects. Parents are invited to join us for our trips and community service events.


Please feel free to give us a call at (503) 994-1696 if you have other questions or would like to get more information about our school.