Hutt Valley Christian School

What is an independent Christian School?

Independent Christian schools have unique missions and are each privately supported by tuition fees, charitable donations, and endowments from estates. We are not integrated with the state and while this means our support from government is minimal, it does mean we can develop and provide a curriculum fully in harmony with our Christian faith without needing to compromise to meet requirements imposed by the politically influenced Ministry of Education.

How are you governed?

We, like many other non-profit organisations, are governed by a self-perpetuating Board comprised of parents and other supporters who are members of the Christian School Association (Wellington District) or CSAWD.

What is unique about Hutt Valley Christian School?

We exist to aid parents in the training of their children in the nurture and admonition (the Greek word ‘paideia’) of the Lord. This means we aim to develop Christian youth to be citizens first and foremost of the City of God, as well as to be useful and productive members of the community. We have a lot of flexibility so teachers can encourage students to reach their full God-given potential. Scripture is our foundation everywhere possible.

Who can come to Hutt Valley Christian School?

Hutt Valley Christian School is open to students from homes where at least one parent is a confessing Bible-believing Christian. We welcome families who wish to provide their children with a specifically Christian education. We believe it to be our Christian duty and privileges to assist Christian parents fulfil their duty in this matter; we accept enrolments from families who are of-the same view.

What type of teachers do you have at Hutt Valley Christian School?

We employ teachers who are personally committed to the Scripture as the Word of God as understood from a Reformed or Calvinistic perspective which we believe to be the most biblically consistent one. As a minimum we expect our teachers to be communicant members in good standing of a church that holds to the Reformed faith. In addition they must be experts in their chosen fields with, as a minimum, the same academic qualifications you would find in other schools. Our teachers provide individualised attention and work closely with students to ensure they achieve their best as a Christian student should.

What is a biblical worldview?

A biblical worldview is the proper goal of a genuine Christian education. It is ‘intellectual sanctification’, the ‘with all your heart and with all your soul’ part of Deut. 6:5. We want our students to think God’s thoughts after Him, to dedicate the universe to its Maker, and to be the vice-regent of the Ruler of all things: this is mankind’s task. Man is prophet, priest, and king. Christian education is that which is involved in and demanded by the idea of creation.

What if my child’s previous schooling hasn’t been in a school that uses the classical education model?

To get the full benefit of our classical Trivium approach, students should begin at Hutt Valley Christian School as soon as they can. However, because our approach is to work with, not against, the natural inclination of students at each year level, it will not be a disadvantage to your child to move to the School from another institution.

Do you have a mailing list for interested people?

Yes, we will place your name on our ‘Friends of Hutt Valley Christian School’ mailing list. This is particularly suited for people who want to support the work of biblical Christian education but are not parents nor members of the CSAWD. You will receive the occasional mail-out; we hope you will consider making donations to help our work.

Is the Christian Schools Association (Wellington District) a charitable, non-profit organisation?

Yes. Any surplus is returned and used to benefit students, both present and future. We are a registered charitable organisation. Donations of any amount are welcomed for either general or a specified purpose. Any donation is tax-deductible over $5 (please indicate if a receipt is required).

What kind of sporting and other-extracurricular opportunities are available to students?

Debating, sports teams, ‘Mathswell’ competitions have featured annually. Others will be adopted as resources and interest permit.

At present, due to our size, the opportunities for sports teams are limited. However, we have had several netball teams represent the School in the local competitions at college grades. Our students are welcome to join teams associated with Wainuiomata High School.

We seek to involve our students in some form of cultural activity such as choral work or minor dramatic activities. Our school House competition is the vehicle used to encourage students to excel in the performing arts.

We also encourage and facilitate the pursuit of the many sporting and cultural activities available to students out in the community.

Does Hutt Valley Christian School offer externally-recognised qualifications?

The school offers courses in selected Cambridge International Examination subjects at IGCSE and AS level. Students can also access NCEA subjects where desired through the Correspondence School.

Are your teachers qualified and registered? How experienced are they?

Our policy is to employ qualified and registered teachers where required. All of our fulltime teaching staff are registered with the New Zealand Teachers Council and are as qualified as would be found in most New Zealand schools. In specialist subjects such as Bible, we may employ a minister of one of the Reformed Churches.

As an independent school, what processes do you have in place to control the quality of your education?

We have a self-review process being implemented. Our Board members carry out a school visit once each term. Our staff members are subject to peer review and appraisal processes at least annually. The Education Review Office also visits our schools once every three years and makes a publicly available report which can be viewed on their website at www.ero.govt.nz.

How much are your fees? Are there any extra costs?

Our fees are quite modest for an independent school. Our current schedule of fees is available [here]. For larger families, a discount is available. School fees include all stationery which is issued to students at school when required. Our Board is willing to discuss finances with prospective families.

There is a bus fee for those students who use this service. Parents are expected to meet any additional costs such as examination fees or technology activity fees, etc. where applicable.

Do you have a uniform?

Currently we do not have a uniform. Students are expected to wear the school PE uniform when required. Those involved in debating or other activities where they represent the school may be required to wear a school tie and a white shirt. The tie will be supplied on loan.

How do students travel to and from school? Is there a bus service?

Parents are responsible to get their children to and from the school. Currently there is a bus service provided which runs each day between 8 Blue Mountains Road, Silverstream, Upper Hutt and Hutt Valley Christian School at 106 Mohaka Street, Wainuiomata. This bus can pick up and drop students en route as requested.