Admissions Process
Please feel free to contact a member of our admissions team if you have any questions.
Admissions and Enrollment Process
- Preschool and Kindergarten
- Grand Rapids Christian Elementary Schools
- Rockford Christian School
- Grand Rapids Christian Middle School
- Grand Rapids Christian High School
Preschool and Kindergarten
Preschool and Kindergarten registration for the 2025-2026 school year opens to new families on January 31, 2025. To find out more, attend our Preschool and Kindergarten Information Nights at the following campuses:
- Grand Rapids Christian Elementary, Iroquois Campus: Tuesday January 14, 2025
- Grand Rapids Christian Elementary, Evergreen Campus: Tuesday, January 21, 2025
- Rockford Christian School: Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Grand Rapids Christian Elementary Schools
Iroquois Campus
Grades Preschool — Fourth
Evergreen Campus
Grades Preschool — fifth
Application Process
1. Visit or attend an event
Optional
Click here for visit and event opportunities.
2. Complete the Inquiry Form
Required
Click here to complete the Inquiry Form.
3. Apply
Required
The link to the online application is available from the Director of Admissions after an initial inquiry.
4. Academic Records
Required
Applicants are required to complete the Grand Rapids Christian Schools Records Request Form and submit one copy to their current school and one copy to the Director of Admissions. Our Director of Admissions will provide a list of required records and a request form upon completing the Application for Admission.
5. Reading Assessment
Required
Students entering first through fifth grades must complete a reading assessment with GRCS staff. Our Director of Admissions will work with you to schedule this assessment.
6. Family Interview
Required
The family interview is the final step in the application process, following the completion of the application paperwork. Interviews are with the student, at least one parent or guardian, our Director of Admissions, and an administrator.
7. Deadlines and Decisions
Once all materials have been submitted and the family interview has taken place, the Grand Rapids Christian Elementary Schools Review Committee will review the application file, and an admissions decision will be made. Admissions notices will be sent out via email communication.
Enrollment Process
1. Applying for Variable Tuition
Optional
Because we are committed to making a Christian education accessible to families from various economic backgrounds, we offer a range of tuition rates called variable tuition. While every family is expected to contribute to the cost of tuition, variable tuition allows families to apply for a reduced tuition rate based on their family's unique financial situation. In order to apply for variable tuition, parents must submit an online application to FACTS Grant & Aid. There is a $40 fee to apply. More information, including a list of rates and a link to the application, is available at www.grcs.org/variabletuition. The application opens on December 2, 2024.
2. Continuous Enrollment Contract
Required
Once the admissions process has been completed and the applicant has been accepted, you will need to complete the Continuous Enrollment Contract. Our Director of Admissions will send you an email confirming the Application for Admission has been accepted and will include the link to the online contract. A $200 per student enrollment deposit is required for families new to Grand Rapids Christian Schools. This deposit will be applied to your 2025-2026 tuition. Learn more at www.grcs.org/continuousenrollment.
3. ParentVUE Account Set-Up
Required
We utilize Synergy's ParentVUE portal to provide parents/guardians with access to their student and school information. This tool assists parents/guardians in staying informed and connected with day-to-day insight into their student's academic experience. In addition, ParentVUE is where parent and emergency contact information are stored. Our Admissions Team will send you instructions for setting up your ParentVUE account after we have received your Continuous Enrollment Contract.
4. Blackbaud Tuition Management Account Set-Up
Required
The final step in the enrollment process is to set up your payment plan by creating your Blackbaud Tuition Management account. The applicant is not considered officially enrolled until this step has been completed.
Rockford Christian School
Rockford Christian School
Grades Preschool — eighth
Linda Vellenga
Director of Admissions
Application Process
1. Visit or attend an event
Optional
Click here for visit and event opportunities.
2. Complete the Inquiry Form
Required
Click here to complete the Inquiry Form.
3. Apply
Required
The link to the online application is available from our Director of Admissions after an initial inquiry.
4. Academic Records
Required
Applicants are required to complete the Grand Rapids Christian Schools Records Request Form and submit one copy to their current school and one copy to the Director of Admissions. Our Director of Admissions will provide a list of required records and a request form upon completing the Application for Admission.
5. Reading Assessment
Required
In certain circumstances, students entering first through fourth grades will be asked to complete a reading assessment with our staff. The Director of Admissions will work with you to schedule this assessment.
6. Family Interview
Required
The family interview is the final step in the application process, following the completion of the application paperwork. Interviews are with the student, at least one parent or guardian, our Director of Admissions, and an administrator.
7. Deadlines and Decisions
Once all materials have been submitted and the family interview has taken place, the Rockford Christian School Admissions Review Committee will review the application file, and an admissions decision will be made. Admissions notices will be sent out via email communication.
Enrollment Process
1. Applying for Variable Tuition
Optional
Because we are committed to making a Christian education accessible to families from various economic backgrounds, we offer a range of tuition rates called variable tuition. While every family is expected to contribute to the cost of tuition, variable tuition allows families to apply for a reduced tuition rate based on their family's unique financial situation. To apply for variable tuition, parents must submit an online application to FACTS Grant & Aid. There is a $40 fee to apply. More information, including a list of rates and a link to the application, is available at www.grcs.org/variabletuition. The application opens on December 2, 2024.
2. Continuous Enrollment Contract
Required
Once the admissions process has been completed and the applicant has been accepted, you will need to complete the Continuous Enrollment Contract. Our Director of Admissions will send you an email confirming the Application for Admission has been accepted and will include the link to the online contract. A $200 per student enrollment deposit is required for families new to Grand Rapids Christian Schools. This deposit will be applied to your 2025-2026 tuition. Learn more at www.grcs.org/continuousenrollment.
3. ParentVUE Account Set-Up
Required
We utilize Synergy's ParentVUE portal to provide parents/guardians access to student and school information. This tool assists parents/guardians in staying informed and connected with day-to-day insight into their student's academic experience. In addition, ParentVUE is where parent and emergency contact information are stored. Our Admissions Team will send you instructions for setting up your ParentVUE account after we have received your Continuous Enrollment Contract.
4. Blackbaud Tuition Management Account Set-Up
Required
The final step in the enrollment process is to set up your payment plan by creating your Blackbaud Tuition Management account. The applicant is not considered officially enrolled until this step has been completed.
Admissions Criteria
Admissions Note
We focus on attracting students prepared to thrive in a rigorous academic program designed to help every student discover and develop their God-given abilities, and interested in becoming a citizen of our school community through their development in academics, arts, athletics, leadership and spiritual life. Grand Rapids Christian Schools’ model applicant will challenge themselves to grow in all these areas.
Graduates of our school will be creative solution finders, thoughtful neighbors, communicators and collaborators, lifelong explorers, culturally competent, justice seekers, and disciples of Christ who are prepared to use their unique gifts to glorify God, pursue personal faith, and bring about shalom in the world.
Criteria
Admission to Rockford Christian School is based on many criteria including application, family meeting, student interview, the academic transcript, test scores, participation in extracurricular activities, and a visit to our campus. While each piece of the application plays an important role in assisting the admission committee in making a decision, no one piece — neither student interviews nor test scores, for example — will be the deciding factor.
We understand that every student who applies is unique and has strengths and weaknesses in many areas that are different from one student to the next. We examine the following areas when making our decision:
Academics
- The applicant has successfully completed the appropriate levels of core subjects including but not limited to English and math.
- The applicant’s academic performance including grades and standardized testing scores.
- The applicant’s ability to meet the academic rigor of Rockford Christian School.
- The applicant’s academic goals.
Integrity and Character
- The applicant’s previous conduct with regards to their previous school(s), authority figures, and/or peers.
- The applicant’s demonstrated character qualities of integrity, self-discipline and motivation, consistent effort, obedient spirit, positive attitude, and respectful behavior.
- The applicant’s stated ability to adhere to the Grand Rapids Christian Middle School Parent-Student Handbook and Code of Conduct.
Involvement and Community
- The applicant’s eagerness to fully participate in school, home, and church activities.
Statement of Faith
- The applicant and their parents stated understanding and willingness to adhere to our mission to provide students with a faith-based education and that all subjects are taught through the lens of a Christian world view.
Other
- The applicant’s previous school attendance – the applicant should have minimal tardies and/or absences on their record.
We value diversity and nurture the lives of a spiritually, culturally, and economically diverse student body of over 2200 students. Enrollment at GRCS is open to all families who desire a comprehensive Christian education for their children, regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, family structure, or denominational affiliation, and agree to have their children educated according to our Statement of Faith.
Grand Rapids Christian Middle School
Grand Rapids Christian Middle School
Grades fifth — eIGHTH
Linda Vellenga
Director of Admissions
Application Process
1. Visit or attend an event
Optional
Click here for visit and event opportunities.
2. Complete the Inquiry Form
Required
Click here to complete the Inquiry Form.
3. Apply
Required
The link to the online application is available from our Director of Admissions after an initial inquiry.
4. Academic Records
Required
Applicants are required to complete the Grand Rapids Christian Schools Records Request Form and submit one copy to their current school and one copy to the Director of Admissions. Our Director of Admissions will provide a list of required records and a request form upon completing the Application for Admission.
5. Educator's Evaluation
Required
Applicants will be asked to complete the Educator Evaluation Request and provide contact information for three current teachers or administrators to complete the Confidential Student Evaluation Form.
6. Family Interview
Required
The family interview is the final step in the application process, following the completion of the application paperwork. Interviews are with the student, at least one parent or guardian, our Director of Admissions, and an administrator.
7. Deadlines and Decisions
Once all materials have been submitted and the family interview has taken place, our Admissions Review Committee will review the application file, and an admissions decision will be made. Admissions notices will be sent out via email communication.
Enrollment Process
1. Course Registration
Required
Course registration will take place at a later date once the applicant has been accepted as a new student at our middle school. Our staff will contact the applicant’s family after acceptance to schedule courses.
2. Applying for Variable Tuition
Optional
We are committed to making a Christian education accessible to families from various economic backgrounds, and we offer a range of tuition rates called variable tuition. While every family is expected to contribute to the cost of tuition, variable tuition allows families to apply for a reduced tuition rate based on their family's unique financial situation. To apply for variable tuition, parents must submit an online application to FACTS Grant & Aid. There is a $40 fee to apply. More information, including a list of rates and a link to the application, is available at www.grcs.org/variabletuition. The application opens on December 2, 2024.
3. Continuous Enrollment Contract
Required
Once the admissions process has been completed and the applicant has been accepted, you will need to complete the Continuous Enrollment Contract. The Director of Admissions will send you an email confirming the Application for Admission has been accepted and will include the link to the online contract. A $200 per student enrollment deposit is required for families new to Grand Rapids Christian Schools. This deposit will be applied to your 2025-2026 tuition. Learn more at www.grcs.org/continuousenrollment.
4. ParentVUE Account Set-Up
Required
We utilize Synergy's ParentVUE portal to provide parents/guardians with access to their student and school information. This tool assists parents/guardians in staying informed and connected with day-to-day insight into their student's academic experience. In addition, ParentVUE is where parent and emergency contact information are stored. Our Admissions Team will send you instructions for setting up your ParentVUE account after we have received your Continuous Enrollment Contract.
5. Blackbaud Tuition Management Account Set-Up
Required
The final step in the enrollment process is to set up your payment plan by creating your Blackbaud Tuition Management account. The applicant will not be considered officially enrolled until this step has been completed.
6. Fall Open House and New Student Orientation
Over the summer, students will receive a packet by mail with important school information. Inside, there will also be details about the Fall Open House and New Student Orientation, which will take place before the start of the school year.
Admissions Criteria
Admissions Note
Grand Rapids Christian Schools focuses on attracting students prepared to thrive in a rigorous academic program designed to help every student discover and develop their God-given abilities, and interested in becoming a citizen of our school community through their development in academics, arts, athletics, leadership and spiritual life. Grand Rapids Christian Schools’ model applicant will challenge themselves to grow in all these areas.
Graduates of Grand Rapids Christian Schools will be creative solution finders, thoughtful neighbors, communicators and collaborators, lifelong explorers, culturally competent, justice seekers, and disciples of Christ who are prepared to use their unique gifts to glorify God, pursue personal faith, and bring about shalom in the world.
Criteria
Admission to Grand Rapids Christian Middle School is based on many criteria including application, family meeting, student interview, the academic transcript, test scores, participation in extracurricular activities, and a visit to our middle school campus. While each piece of the application plays an important role in assisting the admission committee in making a decision, no one piece will be the deciding factor.
We understand that every student who applies is unique and has strengths and weaknesses in many areas that are different from one student to the next. We examine the following areas when making our decision:
Academics
- The applicant has successfully completed the appropriate levels of core subjects including but not limited to English and math.
- The applicant’s academic performance including grades and standardized testing scores.
- The applicant’s ability to meet the academic rigor of Grand Rapids Christian Middle School.
- The applicant’s academic goals.
Integrity and Character
- The applicant’s previous conduct with regards to their previous school(s), authority figures, and/or peers.
- The applicant’s demonstrated character qualities of integrity, self-discipline and motivation, consistent effort, obedient spirit, positive attitude, and respectful behavior.
- The applicant’s stated ability to adhere to the Grand Rapids Christian Middle School Parent-Student Handbook and Code of Conduct.
Involvement and Community
- The applicant’s eagerness to fully participate in school, home, and church activities.
Statement of Faith
- The applicant and their parents stated understanding and willingness to adhere to the Grand Rapids Christian Schools’ mission to provide students with a faith-based education and that all subjects are taught through the lens of a Christian world view.
Other
- The applicant’s previous school attendance – the applicant should have minimal tardies and/or absences on their record.
We value diversity and nurture the lives of a spiritually, culturally, and economically diverse student body of over 2200 students. Enrollment at GRCS is open to all families who desire a comprehensive Christian education for their children, regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, family structure, or denominational affiliation, and agree to have their children educated according to GRCS’ Statement of Faith.
Grand Rapids Christian High School
Grand Rapids Christian High School
Grades 9 — 12
For information on our International Student Program, contact Joelle Williams, 616.574.5652.
Vickie Fischer
Director of Admissions
Application Process
PLEASE NOTE:
Students from Grand Rapids Christian Middle, Rockford Christian, Ada Christian and West Side Christian Schools do not need to complete the Application for Admission or subsequent application materials. Students must attend their school specific course scheduling night with counselors beginning in January. However, if we are not able to access student records, parents from these schools may be asked to complete step four below.
1. Visit or attend an event
Optional
Click here for visit and event opportunities.
2. Complete the Inquiry Form
Required
Click here to complete the Inquiry Form.
3. Apply
Required
The link to the online application is available from the Director of Admissions after an initial inquiry.
4. Academic Records
Required
Applicants are required to complete the Grand Rapids Christian Schools Records Request Form and submit one copy to their current school and one copy to the Director of Admissions. Our Director of Admissions will provide a list of required records and a request form upon completing the Application for Admission.
5. Educator's Evaluation
Required
Applicants will be asked to complete the Educator Evaluation Request and provide contact information for three current teachers or administrators to complete the Confidential Student Evaluation Form.
6. Student Admissions Questionnaire
Required
Applicants will be sent a link to the online Student Admissions Questionnaire for completion by the student applicant.
7. Standardized Testing
Required
All new incoming ninth graders are required to have current (most recent school year) NWEA-MAP testing scores. New incoming 10-12 graders may use PSAT, SAT, or ACT testing results instead. If the applicant's current school does not administer the NWEA test, they will be required to take the test through Grand Rapids Christian High School and be assessed a $15 testing fee. Tests will be offered in March, April, May and July.
8. Family Interview
Required
The family interview is the final step in the application process, following the completion of the application paperwork. Interviews are with the student, at least one parent or guardian, our Director of Admissions, and an administrator.
9. Deadlines and Decisions
All materials (application, records, test scores, questionnaire, etc.) must be submitted by one of five application deadlines. Once all items have been received, our High School Admissions Review Committee will review the complete application file and make an admissions decision. Admissions notices will be sent out via email communication.
Enrollment Process
1. Course Registration
Required
Course registration takes place once the applicant has been accepted as a new student to Grand Rapids Christian High School. Registering for classes early ensures that your child will have first pick of the classes they desire. It does not cost anything to register for classes and does NOT serve as a commitment to send your child to Grand Rapids Christian Schools.
2. Applying for Variable Tuition
Optional
Because we are committed to making a Christian education accessible to families from various economic backgrounds, we offer a range of tuition rates called variable tuition. While every family is expected to contribute to the cost of tuition, variable tuition allows families to apply for a reduced tuition rate based on their family's unique financial situation. To apply for variable tuition, parents must submit an online application to FACTS Grant & Aid. There is a $40 fee to apply. More information, including a list of rates and a link to the application, is available at www.grcs.org/variabletuition. The application opens on December 2, 2024.
3. High School Assessment Fee
Required
This annual $250 fee covers the costs associated with textbooks, laptop insurance, parking, student admission to regular-season home athletic events, and admission to student theater productions at the Center for Arts and Worship. The fee is automatically charged to your Blackbaud Tuition Management account.
4. Continuous Enrollment Contract
Required
Once the admissions process has been completed and the applicant has been accepted, you will need to complete the Continuous Enrollment Contract. Our Director of Admissions will send you an email confirming the Application for Admission has been accepted and will include the link to the online contract. A $200 per student enrollment deposit is required for families new to Grand Rapids Christian Schools. This deposit will be applied to your 2025-2026 tuition. Learn more at www.grcs.org/continuousenrollment.
5. ParentVUE Account Set-Up
Required
We utilize Synergy's ParentVUE portal to provide parents/guardians with access to their student and school information. This tool assists parents/guardians in staying informed and connected with day-to-day insight into their student's academic experience. In addition, ParentVUE is where parent and emergency contact information are stored. Our Admissions Team will send you instructions for setting up your ParentVUE account after we have received your Continuous Enrollment Contract.
6. Blackbaud Tuition Management Account Set-Up
Required
The final step in the enrollment process is to set up your payment plan by creating your Blackbaud Tuition Management account. The applicant will not be considered officially enrolled until this step has been completed.
7. High School Orientation
Required
Over the summer, you will receive information about the orientation dates, along with other important school information.
Admissions Criteria
Admissions Note
We focus on attracting students prepared to thrive in a rigorous academic program designed to help every student discover and develop their God-given abilities, and interested in becoming a citizen of our school community through their development in academics, arts, athletics, leadership and spiritual life. Our model applicant will challenge themselves to grow in all these areas.
Graduates of our school will be creative solution finders, thoughtful neighbors, communicators and collaborators, lifelong explorers, culturally competent, justice seekers, and disciples of Christ who are prepared to use their unique gifts to glorify God, pursue personal faith, and bring about shalom in the world.
Criteria
Admission to Grand Rapids Christian High School is based on many criteria including application, family meeting, student interview, the academic transcript, test scores, participation in extracurricular activities, and a visit to our high school campus. While each piece of the application plays an important role in assisting the admission committee in making a decision, no one piece — neither student interviews nor test scores, for example — will be the deciding factor.
We understand that every student who applies is unique and has strengths and weaknesses in many areas that are different from one student to the next. We examine the following areas when making our decision:
Academics
- The applicant has successfully completed the appropriate levels of core subjects including but not limited to English and math.
- The applicant’s academic performance including grades and standardized testing scores.
- The applicant’s ability to meet the academic rigor of Grand Rapids Christian High School.
- The applicant’s academic goals.
Integrity and Character
- The applicant’s previous conduct with regards to his or her previous school(s), authority figures, and/or peers.
- The applicant’s emotional stability and behavior record.
- The applicant’s demonstrated character qualities of integrity, self-discipline and motivation, consistent effort, obedient spirit, positive attitude, and respectful behavior.
- The applicant’s stated ability to adhere to the Grand Rapids Christian High School Parent-Student Handbook & Code of Conduct.
Involvement and Community
- The applicant’s eagerness to fully participate in school, home, and church activities.
Statement of Faith
- The applicant and their parents stated understanding and willingness to adhere to our mission to provide students with a faith-based education and that all subjects are taught through the lens of a Christian world view.
Other
- The applicant’s previous school attendance – the applicant should have minimal tardies and/or absences on their record.
We value diversity and nurture the lives of a spiritually, culturally, and economically diverse student body of over 2200 students. Enrollment at GRCS is open to all families who desire a comprehensive Christian education for their children, regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, family structure, or denominational affiliation, and agree to have their children educated according to our Statement of Faith.