Frequently Asked Questions

Is ANCS an accredited school?
Yes, All Nations Community School has earned Accreditation with NCA CASI, NWAC and SACS CASI. Our accreditation is through Cognia (formerly AdvancEd).

What are your hours?
The school day begins at 8:15 am and ends at 3:15 pm. On Fridays, we dismiss at 2:45 pm.

Do you offer before- and after-school care?
Before school care starts at 7:15 am. After school care is offered from 3:20 pm-5:30 pm.

Do you offer school lunch?
We do offer a healthy hot lunch option for an additional fee. All students should also bring a healthy snack and lunch every day to school, along with a reusable water bottle, labeled with their name.

Is there a school uniform?
Yes, students must wear their school polo with khaki or navy pants, shorts, or a skirt. Jeans (even khaki/navy) are only permitted on Fridays. In cooler weather, students may wear any school-appropriate jacket or coat outside, but only official ANCS jackets/sweaters may be worn over the polo indoors.

What curriculum do you use?
As a standards-based school, we do not utilize a single set of textbooks. Rather, our curriculum is guided by internationally recognized grade-level learning standards, and we draw from a variety of textbook, digital, and other resources for our curricular materials.

What about students with learning differences?
As a small, independent school, we are limited in the resources we can provide. However, there are some accommodations we can offer for students with documented learning differences, such as extra time on tests; use of a computer/tablet for writing; or a private room for testing or work. The director and teaching staff will work together with your family to create the best plan for your child's accommodations for documented differences.

What if my child is still learning English?

We value diversity of linguistic backgrounds and accept students with beginning English language proficiency. ANCS strives for inclusion of all English Language Learners (ELLs) within its core curriculum and courses. While we do not offer a separate program for ELLs, our teachers will provide as much support as possible for ELL students to engage fully with the content of their courses. Students who need extra support to be successful may be asked to attend after-school tutorials.

Does my child need to know Spanish already? What if we parents do not know Spanish?

Our Spanish classes address all levels of previous language exposure, including beginners. Your child will be integrated into the immersion environment and supported at his or her level. Elementary school students are integrated directly into the Dual Immersion Program, while middle school students are divided into differently leveled daily immersion courses. If your family does not know any Spanish, your child will still learn and be supported in the language learning environment at school. You may be surprised at how fast they will learn even if they have never been exposed before!

How are students assessed?

Assessment is a tool that drives curriculum and instruction. This is an ongoing process that involves both the teacher and the student. At ANCS, we use a variety of assessment methods; these may include presentations, individual and group projects, formal/written tests and quizzes, open-ended tasks, and practical performances. Teachers use formative assessment methods to provide instant and frequent feedback on the learning process. Summative assessments allow the learner to demonstrate what they have learned at the culmination of the teaching or learning process.

What testing will my child take each year?

In general, we prioritize learner-centered instruction rather than standardized testing, which has limited value as an indicator of student knowledge. However, as an outside measure of student progress and growth, students will take the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) in reading, language usage, and mathematics.

Does my family need to be Christian to attend ANCS?