Walking humbly, confident in Christ.
"I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments" ~Psalms 119:45
Academics
Our goal as a Christian school is to educate students in a Christ-centered environment. Accordingly, our staff members are all born-again believers, competent in the classes and age groups in which they serve. Our curriculum is carefully chosen to reflect the values we want to instill in our students while still maintaining a high standard of academics. We strive to provide appropriate special needs assistance and accommodations throughout our classroom settings for students with exceptionalities. We are a faith-based institution that purposes to hold God at the center of what we do. Accordingly, we operate with a Leadership Team who frequently come together with prayer, research, and vigorous discussion to reach a firm consensus when determining the best courses of action for FCS.
Karissa Costello, Principal
Karissa has been teaching since 2002 in a variety of subjects including English literature, history, biology, algebra, and electives and joined the FCS leadership team in 2013. She received her AS from Art Institute of Philadelphia and BS from Millersville University. She has been the principal at FCS since 2017.
Karen Trout, Business Manager
Karen has more than 35 years of teaching experience and 25 years of school leadership experience as head administrator. Karen studied at the University of Maryland to receive her BS in Education and earned her Master's in Special Education through Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College).
Hank Elgersma, High School Team Leader
Hank has nearly 30 years of teaching experience and continues to teach math, science, English, and French (on occasion) at FCS while functioning as the High School team leader. Hank received his BA in Chemistry and in Mathematics from The King's College and his MS in Chemical Physics from Northwestern University.
Patti Elgersma, Elementary Team Leader
Patti has been teaching 1st-3rd grade at FCS since its founding in 2000 and has an additional 16 years of teaching experience in both public and private school settings. Patti received her BS in Elementary Education from Messiah College and pursued some graduate work from McDaniel College.
Terri Elgersma
Terri is an alumnus from FCS' Class of 2007. She completed her Bachelor's of Arts from Cedarville University, graduating summa cum laude in Graphic Design with minors in Bible, Literature, Studio Art, and Web Design. She then returned to FCS where she has taught for over 10 years working with 4-12th grade students and has recently completed her Master's in Education with a concentration in history from Liberty University (magna cum laude).
Lara Wible
Lara is the newest member of the Leadership Team but comes with 3 years of experience as a teacher's aide at FCS, 10 years as our Kindergarten teacher, and since 2016, she has worked with grades 1-3, high school Spanish and Bible classes, and as an elementary music teacher. She has attended countless professional development workshops at Valley Forge Christian College and Vanguard University and has a background in ministry and missions through Christ Community School of Ministry, Global Celebration School of Supernatural Ministry, and completed her discipleship training with Youth with a Mission.
Admissions & Tuition
Our goal is to offer quality Christian education at affordable prices. We also offer discounts in tuition for multiple family members enrolled fulltime at our school. See our 2024-2025 Finance Policy & Tuition Info Sheet.
Admission of students requires the following steps to be completed:
- A completed application form with the appropriate enrollment fee received in the school office.
- An acceptance letter sent within one week of receipt of application, stating that your children have a reserved space, or if necessary placed on a waiting list.
- An entrance interview conducted between parents, student(s), and the FCS administration.
- Parents affirm that they have read the Mission Statement and Statement of Faith, and agree to have their children educated according to the spirit of these doctrines.
- The prospective student(s) take the diagnostic/aptitude tests given at FCS. Students entering grades 1-12 might not be tested if achievement test scores obtained within the last two years can be provided.
- Student(s) current immunization record and birth certificate placed on file in the school office.
Freedom Christian Academy (Online)
Available for students in grades 3-12, Freedom Christian Academy offers Christ-centered curriculum in the
five core subjects of math, Bible, language arts, history and geography, and science. Courses are
self-paced and teacher-directed make use of multi-media. All documentation of coursework is kept on file at
FCS. Students may sign up for full diploma program or supplement homeschooling with specific courses. Call or
contact us to set up appointment for demonstration.
FCS offers a full grades 3-12 online program at a cost of $500 per course. Elementary students (grades 3-6) may attend on-site music and physical education classes. All online students may attend FCS special events and participate in our weekly chapel time.
Online Academy enrollment fees must be paid and no multiple student discounts apply. Checks may be made payable to Freedom Christian Schools. Download the Online Academy Student Enrollment Application form and apply today!
For further information call Karen Trout at 717-226-0425 or email at kltrout@freedomchristianschools.org to schedule an in-home consultation.
Private Tutoring
Private tutoring sessions are offered by qualified FCS staff at a cost of $12/hr on-site or $15/hr in-home. All payments are made directly to the instructor. Contact Us for more information.