OUTDOOR
EDUCATION
SPANISH
IMMERSION
MANDARIN
IMMERSION
INCLUSIVE
EDUCATION
About Elementary at ZCS
Elementary is an exciting and robust experience. Children are known, seen, cared for, and supported by their teacher and our large support team. Relationship-building amongst our kids, both within and across classrooms and grade levels, is an intentional priority. Daily “circle questions” help create connections and belonging within the classroom community. Grade-level worship unites kids with their grade level peers. Family Groups (1st-5th) and mixed-class specials’ groups (4th-5th) ensure opportunities for kids to form bonds across language programs, classes and grade levels.
Elementary Highlights
Specials Classes
Students participate in a variety of specials including Art, Music, World Language (Spanish or Mandarin), Nature-Rich Learning, Technology, Library, and Gym, broadening their skillsets and encouraging well-rounded development.
Student Life
Our students enjoy a vibrant school life, participating in activities like All School Chapel, Family Groups, Running Club, 5th Grade Band, and programs such as Odyssey of the Mind, Lego Robotics, and Dutch Dance. There’s something for everyone, whether it’s worship, creativity, or physical activities.
Family Groups
An integral part of building community at Zeeland Christian School is being part of a Family Group. Students are all assigned a Family Group in First Grade. They stay with their Family Group all the way through ZCS. Each Family Group has 2-3 students from every grade level. The older students are responsible for the younger students.
Together, they study the Bible, they work on service projects and sometimes, they just hang out and have fun! The Zeeland Christian community is stronger because of these multi-age relationships and the mentoring that takes place within the Family Groups.
Distinctly ZCS
Highlights
Each grade level has a unique faith formation focus word, such as joy, kindness, faithfulness, or community. These words are not just concepts—they are values that we weave into the daily lives of our students, helping them to grow as compassionate, thoughtful individuals rooted in Christ-like principles.
Each focus word serves as a guiding theme throughout the school year, enriching the hearts and minds of our students. Whether it's celebrating the joy of learning, fostering a spirit of kindness, deepening their understanding of faithfulness, or building a strong sense of community, these words help our students connect their learning to their faith in meaningful ways.
The linguistic and cultural diversity of our staff, educational programs, and school community inspires ZCS students in all of our programs to learn about and value God’s people around the world. This commitment broadens their understanding and equips them to engage the world with awareness and a readiness to serve others.
Inclusive education is at the heart of what we do at Zeeland Christian. Not only do those receiving support benefit by being fully included in ZCS life, but it also provides their peers with an opportunity to witness the beauty of all of God’s children by learning with and from individuals with a variety of learning needs.
Students at all grade levels engage in project-based learning, where they explore real-world problems and questions. This hands-on approach helps develop critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication skills. Each project culminates in a public presentation or product, allowing students to showcase their learning to a real audience.
Teachers spark curiosity by guiding students toward discovering answers through inquiry-based learning. This approach enhances motivation and promotes deeper understanding.
Our teachers and staff focus on building trusted relationships with students, creating an environment where children feel confident to explore and ask questions.
Teachers meet each student where he or she is academically and determine areas to nurture growth.
Interested in Learning More About ZCS?
We believe the best way to learn about a school is to see it firsthand. Complete our inquiry form to schedule a personal tour around our campus.