Campus shares experiences at FC

Fresno Christian Schools has been a part of the community for over 42 years, beginning in 1970 when pastors and educational leaders within the San Joaquin Valley met with a common vision to consider the possibility of establishing a Christian school.

Seven churches in the Fresno area agreed to set aside denominational differences to support the vision for a school that would not compromise God’s word or settle for anything less than the pursuit of excellence in the classroom. This lead to classes beginning in 1977 with 135 students in grades K-6.

Silas Bartsch and Larry Ecklund, names that are imprinted in the foundations of the campus, voiced their vision to local pastors. Both men in independent situations, united by their same thoughts, were brought together with a common goal in mind.

With personal goals aside, Ecklund surrendered to the call of God. His love for kids and God motivated the growth of the seeds implanted in the hearts of these two men. He was the director of the math and science departments at Fresno Pacific University. Mr. Ecklund died June 1997 after serving the campus community for 22 years.

Bartsch was a former Fresno Pacific University professor devoted to Christian education. Similar to Ecklund, he envisioned the same idea for a school, and went to his pastor for a “Divine Conformation”. Mr. Bartsch died in October 2001, and is best remembered for his determination and commitment to making Christian education a success.

Nearly 40 years later, the school remains committed to its goals for Christian education. Providing students with all types of backgrounds can come together, and learn to better represent Christ with knowledge. 

Feather staffers prepare to cover campus and community news.

New #TheFeather staffer training during 3rd period, Aug. 9. Students look forward to informing the community and sharing the life and times of @fresnochristian. pic.twitter.com/d6H77DGiW2

— The Feather Online (@thefeather) August 9, 2018

Favorite class was hip hop jazz
Rachel Rodriguez, ’03
October 8, 2018

“After I completed middle school here in the U.S. I moved to Mexico and I started what would be my high school years. But because the education system is different there I actually had to restart junior high. When I came back to the U.S. after three years, I was supposed to be a senior in high school, but if I wanted to go to college I needed to meet the requirements to graduate in order to attend a university. When I came back I did an extra year by starting as a junior, and I experienced two years of high school and graduated at the age of nineteen. I did not mind staying back a year because I was able to experience a hip hop jazz class as one of my electives and that was a turning for point for me. Since then, I’ve been physically active and I feel great.”  

Stressing for success
Hannah Garcia, ’20
October 8, 2018

“For me a day in high school is very stressful for the amount of work and focus we put out in everyday. It’s just a lot of concentration; it’s one class after another with lots of information and knowledge packed into one class. Even though its a lot, I know it will push me to become a better student and help me in the long run.”

Friendships at FCS
Faith Monroy, ’21
October 8, 2018

“It’s overall a pretty good day because I like all my classes because I have most of my friends in them. My favorite classes are math and Christian living because of all the new things we learn. We get to build relationships with our teachers everyday, and thats one of my favorite parts about FCS.”

Volleyball team serves as second family
Rosanelli Barrios, ’20
October 14, 2018

“I’m on the varsity volleyball team which is a unique and fun team to be part of. It’s like being part of another family everyone encourages each other and there for one another. We push each other to be the better, and thats my favorite part about being on the team.” 

Academic and spiritual growth
Edward Fiske, ’22
October 8, 2018

“It’s overall an interesting day because it’s kind of fun to see what each of the classes provide. Each class is kind of separate and unique, and it’s fun to be with your friends and make new ones too. FCS is a great environment to grow in academically and spiritually, its really the best of both worlds.”

FC teachers bring out the best in students
Ethan Castiglione, ’21
October 14, 2018

“Its really cool that we can talk about God and that we have chapel, and it’s really fun especially during homecoming week. The teachers are really good and want us to do our best and really seem that they care about us. Just knowing that there is someone there for you each step of the way is really comforting.”

A small community
Angelica Escalera, ’19
October 15, 2018

“I would say a day at Fresno Christian is pretty relaxed and laid back. You go to your class, see the same people in the hallway, and go to your next class so it’s pretty much the same everyday. Even though everyday might be the same you get really close to the people around you, its just like a little family of people.”

Campus body serves as a support system
Carson Ochs, ’21
October 14, 2018

“I would describe Fresno Christian as a friendly environment. You’re surrounded by people that want to help you with whatever you need. There is always someone there that is willing to support you in your mission, in whatever it could be.”

Appreciative of the welcoming atmosphere 
Sam Swearengin, ’22
October 14, 2018

“A day at Fresno Christian is a lot different then any other school. You still go through the struggles of getting up in the morning, and it’s still hard to do schoolwork. Although it is a lot easier to get through at Fresno Christian because all of the students are really nice and accepting, and the teachers are very supportive and understanding so it’s like the perfect environment to grow in.”

Different that public education system
Jacob Scully, ’19
October 15, 2018

“I would describe a day at Fresno Christian different then any public school experience I’ve had. It’s definitely unique to see the different cultures that are here, and the similarities in religion. I’m really excited to see what this year has to offer, it’s just cool to be able to experience something way different then a public school.”

For more articles, read California water restrictions impact Central Valley agriculture. For more articles featuring campus perspectives, read Join the Discussion: Kids Day 2018.

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