Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the facilities like?
All classrooms have direct access to the outdoors, which provides numerous options for both educational and recreational activities. In addition to the spacious classrooms, the facilities include

• a state-of-the-art science lab,
• a computer lab,
• a new media center,
• a fine arts room,
• a gymnasium,
• two playgrounds, and
• a full-size soccer field.

Q. How many students are enrolled?
West Bay Christian Academy is an independent Christian school of 200 students in Kindergarten through Grade 8, from over 50 area churches. The Academy offers an educational opportunity for all children without discriminating on the basis of gender, race, religion, national origin, color or handicap.

Q. What is the student/teacher ratio?
West Bay students benefit from an enviable student teacher ratio of 1:15.

Q. What are the academic standards expected at West Bay?
West Bay Christian Academy offers a challenging curriculum that prepares students for public and private high schools throughout Rhode Island. The curriculum is engaging, using exciting, thematic units in a spiraling, conceptual framework. The methodology is integrated and diverse, as well as individually adaptive. Students are challenged with high academic and moral expectations, and consistently score two to three grade levels above the national norm on standardized testing.

Q. Does West Bay have any accreditations?
In June 2001, West Bay Christian Academy received its second 10-year accreditation status with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. (NEASC) and its first time 10-year accreditation with the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). The Academy is also an active member of the Independent Schools Association of Rhode Island (ISARI) and the New England League of Middle Schools (NELMS).

Q. How can I learn more about the Academy?
You can contact Michelle McCormack, Admissions Director, by calling the school at (401) 884-3600 or by email for more information or to schedule a tour. The Academy also holds Open House events to give families an opportunity to tour our facility, meet our faculty and staff and learn more about our challenging curriculum.

Q. When are applications and registrations accepted?
Applications are accepted throughout the year. Registrations for Kindergarten are accepted at any time contingent upon a successful screening, which is held in the spring. Current families re-register in February for the upcoming school year. All new registrations for Grades 1 through 8 are officially accepted as of March 1 when classroom space for the next academic year is determined.

Q. What does the screening process involve and when does it take place?
Kindergarten and Grade 1 use basic “readiness” screenings and are arranged by appointment. Students are observed interacting with their peers, listening to directions, and identifying and/or reciting letters, shapes, colors and sounds. Gross and fine motor skill coordination is noted. Vision and hearing is observed.

Students applying for admission into Grade 2 through 8 are given standardized achievement tests in the areas of math and reading comprehension. The test administrator has the students complete a writing sample and listens to the read at grade level