Fourth Baptist Christian School

Fourth Baptist Christian School is an overall excellent school. Its main strengths are its academics and music programs, however, it does not have many sports or extracurricular activities. It is a good experience until around 7th grade. The school's lack of abundance of money hinders its many capabilities. The social life could be better, and there are some issues with staff legalism, however, that has been improving. New administration and staff are helping to ease the school out of its very strict, almost stereotypical "church school" persona. It is excellent in the area of teaching kids about God and providing a good academic and musical foundation but does not have the resources to challenge all students through high school. When compared to area schools like Wayzata High School which has the highest educational, staff, and extracurricular rating available, there is much less opportunity for gifted students to be challenged, there are less extracurriculars, and comparatively less staff. My recommendation would be to attend Fourth from Kindergarten through 7th grade, transition into Wayzata Public Schools for a year of adjustment, and eventually progress to Wayzata High School.

My children began attending FBCS as junior high students. Although they were outsiders, they felt so welcomed here by the teachers, staff, and especially the students. They have now graduated and both did very well academically, receiving above average scores on the ACT, and receiving academic scholorships. They had great opportunities to excel in music and sports as well. Most of all, as a parent, I am very thankful that the teachers came alongside the family to encourage in the same Biblical principles that were taught at home. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for FBCS.
--Submitted by a parent

An excellent nurturing environment academically and spiritually. The teachers and staff see each child as unique and will work with parents on helping their child achieve to his/her highest potential. As with any educational setting, parental involvement will make a great difference in a child's success. I believe the teachers and staff at this school highly desire success academically and spiritually for each of the children in their care. I have found the teachers and staff more than willing to work alongside me in the education and nurture of my children. Probably the best review - My kids love going to school!
--Submitted by a parent

What an amazing group of people that run this school. We are from a non-denominational church and love the sweet Baptist spirit that engulfs this place. Very aggressive academics and love for my kids will keep us there until graduation
--Submitted by a parent

I wouldn't want to go anywhere else. Not only have i made lifelong friends there, but they have facilities that would rival a public school on a smaller scale. The computer lab is possibly better than that of public schools. Student involvement in extra curricular activities is high, and the instruction by teachers is at times the greatest. The faculty is concerned about every student, and will do everything they can to help them if they are struggling acedemically or emotionally.
--Submitted by a student

FBCS has had its issues over the years, but the present administrator has straightened a lot of things out, mainly due to his attentiveness to concerns and his willingness to get into the day-to-day school operation. One unfortunate trend is to hire part-time teachers (often seminary students) to teach various classes. These teachers usually have no experience teaching, and have no time to meet with parents (some haven't even bothered to show up for parent-teacher conferences), and occasionally have unrealistic expectations. I'm sure this approach saves the school money, but results in poor quality education and major frustration in some cases. If your child is below average or has special needs, he or she will fall through the cracks at this school. The emphasis at this school is affordable education, so the type of student that is self-motivated will do well here, but one that requires help won't find it.
--Submitted by a parent

The academics at Fourth are superb! I had four children attend during their primary years - and I was very pleased with the academic discipline. It was safe and sheltered environment - and affordable. As parents of children of color, in the city, it was particularly important to find a place that would see our children as capable and would set high standards for them, expecting they would achieve - and each child did, without exception - scoring in the top 5% when ranked against children nationally in all academic disciplines - the children were very well prepared for challenging academic disciplines, college entrance exams - and for college. Excellent - just excellent! I would send them again!
--Submitted by a parent