Quick summary of key school information
School details
| Number of students |
240 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
Five |
| Most common nationality |
Peruvian |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
20:1 |
| Native English and Spanish speaking teachers |
The majority are, if not, they pass our test of fluency. |
| Language support for students not fluent in English and Spanish |
No, but we can put the family in contact with tutors they could hire. |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
Spanish - Primary and Secondary and French in Secondary |
| Max. number of students per class |
22 |
| Average number of students per class |
17 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Classrooms are equipped with a computer and large screen TV. Chromebooks are available at teachers' requests for other activities. |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes, we are prepared to offer classes virtually. |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
The school's sponsor is the Baptist Church of Monterrico. Families of all faiths are welcome. Please note that all of our courses are taught from a Christian viewpoint, as taught in the Bible. |
| How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion? |
They are treated respectfully. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
TOEFL |
| Results in these examinations |
Very positive |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes, but at the current time, it is mostly classwork during the independent work time. Screen time is limited. |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
When classes are not online due to the pandemic: Lower Primary - 30 minutes, Upper Primary - 60 minutes, Secondary - up to 90 minutes |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
98% |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
We have a small department in charge of that, and several teachers with specialized training. |
| Learning support offered |
MCS works together with the parents, any therapists the students have, and our teachers to provide the support students need. If the learning difficulty is severe, parents are asked to provide a shadow. |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
We have a high percentage in this category, and the teachers are accustomed to providing challenges and making extra activities available. |
| Student access to education psychologist |
Yes |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes - students are evaluated in English, Spanish, and Mathematics. |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
There is a pre-interview for students who do not come from bilingual schools. If they pass the pre-interview, then they are tested in the three areas. |
| Waiting list |
Yes, in some grades, but not all. |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
Registration usually occurs in January. for the March-December school year. If there is a vacancy, new students may enter any time until the fourth quarter (early October). |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes, if there is a vacancy. |
| School start time |
Primary and Secondary 7:50am
|
| School finish time |
Early Years at 1pm, Primary at 3:15, and Secondary at 3:45. |
| Supervised care before/after school |
We do for a brief time in the mornings. |
| School bus service available |
No, we do not. However, most of our students come in carpools with a driver hired by the parents who live near each other. |
| School provided lunches |
A hot lunch service is provided. Families pay ahead of time for daily service or specific days. |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Parents can arrange this with the chef. |
| Uniform required |
Yes |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
None at the current time |
| Sports activities included |
Physical education classes three days per week and two recesses per day. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
We were participating in city-wide competitions prior to the pandemic. |
| Facilities at the school |
MCS has a science laboratory, two auditoriums, and a library. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
We have three different courts were students can play soccer, volleyball, basketball, or other activities. There is a small "Kids' Gym" where the Early Years students have their gross motor skills class. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Monterrico Christian School offers English immersion in Early Years and Primary, and a bilingual approach in Secondary. Families can opt for their secondary age children to participate in a Dual Diploma program, permitting students to take virtual classes and graduate with a diploma from a school in the USA in addition to the MCS diploma. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
Monterrico Christian School exists to glorify God by offering a solid education in all subject areas with a biblical worldview. The Bible is key; the word of God is profitable for teaching, discipline, correction and instruction in righteousness. Our five core principles are: loving God and all others, respect for authority, responsibility, integrity, and a thirst for knowledge. MCS believes that following Christian principles brings the most satisfaction and true success in life, so we cooperate with the parents to help the students develop as people of integrity, capable of facing the challenges of today and the future. A variety of methodologies are used in classes, as there is no one perfect method. |