Frequently Asked Questions

For Parents, Prospective Parents, and Guests

Academic Program

Are you accredited?

Yes. The Potter’s House is accredited by the Michigan Non-Public School Accrediting Association (MNSAA), in association with the National Federation of State Non-Public School Accrediting Associations. The MNSAA is a branch of the Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools.

What grades do you offer?

The Potter’s House is a prekindergarten through twelfth grade program.

Do you have a prekindergarten program?

Yes. The prekindergarten program is offered three days each week, in the morning or afternoon, to students at least four years old by November 1. For enrollment or more specific information, contact Amanda Bowerman.

How does a multiage class work?

Multiage classrooms balance students within each grade level, K/1, 2/3, 4/5 and 6/7. Grade-level standards and benchmarks are developed within thematic units. Students learn leadership, responsibility, and serving each other within the classroom. Multiage classes allow students to remain with the same teacher for at least two years (looping).

What can you tell me about the curriculum?

Our curriculum is Christ-centered and based on the Michigan State Standards. Thematic units are integrated throughout the core content areas. We provide hands-on Science labs for all students and teach Spanish beginning in prekindergarten.

Do you offer academic assistance for those who need it?

Academic support is provided in a number of ways, including small group pull-out, tutoring, and classroom accommodations to meet the needs of diverse learners. We also have a reading specialist, school social worker, and resource room specialist. We partner with Godfrey-Lee Public Schools for additional services as needed.

Do you offer music, art, computer, and PE classes?

Yes. Our students are provided quality instruction, following state standards, in creative arts, technology, and physical fitness. Our middle school students are also involved in a creative arts program networking with local colleges and fitness facilities. We have an instrumental band program beginning at fifth grade and choir for students in grades 2-12.

How do you support students who do not speak English as their primary language?

We have a number of bilingual staff members and a E.L.S. team whose primary focus is providing instruction and support to English-language learners.

Do you prepare students well for college?

Yes. Over 90% of our graduating seniors last year went on to college. In addition, 61% of our seniors received scholarships. The Potter’s House has several private scholarships to allow our graduates to further their education at local and national private and public colleges and universities.

Enrollment

Do you have a waiting list?

There is a waiting list for grades PK-7. There is no waiting list for grades 8, 10-12. If you are interested in enrolling your children at The Potter’s House, you are encouraged to submit an application form. Sometimes openings occur during the school year. You will be contacted if this happens. To receive an enrollment packet, including an application form, contact Amanda Bowerman or fill out an application online.

If I am already on the waiting list, do I need to fill out a new application each year?

No. To renew the application on file, we request that you submit a copy of your child’s year-end report card.

How do I enroll my child?

Until each of our current families have enrolled (April/May), we do not know the exact openings that we will have. Once openings have been determined, enrollment is opened to families on the waiting list (June). To receive an enrollment packet, including an application form, contact Amanda Bowerman or download an application packet here.

If my child is already a student, do I need to attend enrollment?

Yes. You do not need to reapply, but you must re-enroll each year if you plan to have your child attend The Potter’s House. For more information on enrollment, contact Amanda Bowerman.

Can foreign exchange/nonimmigrant students attend The Potter’s House?

Yes. The Potter’s House is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program for enrollment by F-1 students in any grade where there are openings.

Miscellaneous

What is the school schedule?

We make every effort to keep our schedule consistent with that of the Grand Rapids Public Schools. All days off are listed in the handbook, which is sent home with students during the fall semester. They are also noted in the Home Bulletin, which is sent home with students each Friday.

What is your average class size?

Prekindergarten is limited to 34 students, with 17 students per session. Kindergarten through 8th grade is limited to 24 students per class. High school is limited to 48 students per grade level (class sizes remain small).

Do you offer bus transportation?

No. In order to minimize our tuition costs, parents are responsible for transporting their children to the Roosevelt Park Campus or the High School Campus. A shuttle bus runs between the campuses before and after school.

Do you have a lunch program?

Yes. A hot lunch program is offered, kindergarten through 12th grade, for a minimal cost on a preorder basis. Students who qualify and sign up will receive a free or reduced lunch.

Are you an alternative school?

No. We are a college preparatory program with high academic and behavior expectations.

What kind of sports program do you have?

Our high school students compete in Class D athletics. We offer the following sports:
Middle School Girls — Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, Baseball, Track and Field
Middle School Boys — Basketball, Soccer, Baseball, Track and Field
High School Girls — Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, Baseball, Bowling, Track and Field
High School Boys — Football, Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, Bowling, Track and Field

Are you affiliated with any specific denomination?

No. Our teachers and our families come from many different denominations. Our statement of faith represents the basic tenets of Christianity and encourages unity, not division, among believers, regardless of denominational affiliation.

Are all of your teachers Christian?

Yes! Each of our staff members is required to be an active member of a Christian church.

Are your teachers certified?

Yes. Because we are an accredited school, all of our teachers are required to be certified by the state of Michigan.

Policies

Is there a dress code?

In keeping with our high standards for academic performance, behavior, and appearance, The Potter’s House has adopted dress-code regulations for its students, PK-12. These regulations encourage positive values, good taste, modesty, cleanliness, and safety. A paper copy is available upon request.

What are parent service commitment hours?

At enrollment, each family makes a commitment to serve a minimum of 25 hours at the school in order to minimize tuition costs and promote parental involvement at school. Parent service hours are mandatory.

Where can I find information about your rules and policies?

Please visit The Potter’s House Parent Handbook online Parent_Handbook. A paper copy is available upon request.

Tuition

What is tuition?

For the 2011-2012 school year, tuition is as follows:
Prekindergarten – $1,125
Kindergarten – $3,600
Grades 1-5 – $5,500
Middle School – $5,600
High School – $6,450
Assistance is available for those who qualify. To see if you qualify, contact Amanda Bowerman.

Do you offer a multichild discount?

We use a tuition-calculation formula to determine the maximum tuition that each family will pay, regardless of the number of children you enroll. The minimum amount of tuition paid per family is $570. Final tuition is determined during enrollment.

Do you accept credit cards for tuition payments?

Yes. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.

Visitors

What is the mission and vision of The Potter’s House?

Mission: The Potter’s House provides a Christ-centered education to children of all ethnic heritages and income levels, equipping them to serve God and society to their fullest potential.
Vision: The Potter’s House offers an excellent academic program in an urban environment. Rooted in Biblical principles and values, The Potter’s House encourages students to reach their full potential by maintaining a healthy spiritual, physical, social, and emotional life. The Potter’s House challenges students and their families to grow in their personal relationships with Jesus Christ. The Potter’s House promotes unity and reconciliation in the Roosevelt Park Community.

Are there opportunities to volunteer at The Potter’s House?

Yes. We need tutors for all subjects, library workers, special event workers (book fairs, banquets, plays), and more! For more information, contact Linda Gordon.

What is the Partnership Program?

The Partnership Program is a good way for individuals, families, and businesses to get financially involved in the school. For a minimum annual donation, Partners are paired with a student who qualifies for tuition assistance. Contact Nanette Leegwater for more information.

Can I give used items to the school?

Yes. The Potter’s House is pleased to accept new and gently-used items that can be used by our students and families. If you have a specific donation in mind, contact Judy Beene prior to making your donation.

Are you affiliated with T.D. Jakes’s The Potter’s House churches?

No. The Potter’s House school was established in 1981 to provide a Christ-centered education to children on the Southwest side of Grand Rapids, regardless of parental income.

How do I get to the school?

Roosevelt Park Campus (PK-8th grade; Administrative Offices; Development Department):
Located at 810 Van Raalte, just north of the Clyde Park and Grandville Ave/Chicago Drive intersection. The driveway is located west of the Roosevelt Park Community Christian Reformed Church building.View map here.
High School Campus:
Located at 2500 Newport, north of 28th Street and west of Byron Center, behind the Hahn-In Christian Reformed Church building. View map here

May 11, 2012

Cinderella Ball

Second and third grade students performed folk dances as the culminating event for a Social Studies/Language Arts unit of Cinderella folktales from around the world.