RCSG International Student Application

To see California immunization requirements for school go to https://www.shotsforschool.org/k-12/

Directions for Parent's Letter to School: Your letter is one of the most important parts of the application. Along with your child's letter, it will normally have the most influence on acceptance to Redwood Christian Schools.

Do not repeat information already provided in other sections of this application. Instead, provide more detailed and personal information that will help the school understand your child's personality, background, lifestyle and habits. We ask that you be very frank and honest in your letter and that you comment on your child's strengths and weaknesses. Remember you are writing to a school in a foreign country. Please include the type of information you would want to know if you were in the school's position.

This document is signed annually by all of Redwood's employees and board members and selected volunteers. It is provided in its entirety below for you to read.

This document incorporates many of the principles and statements found in Articles II-V of the By-laws of Redwood Christian Schools, in addition to school positions based upon Biblical Truth. In an effort to continually keep before us the goals and principles that guide Redwood, this document is required to be read and signed each year by all of Redwood's employees, selected volunteers, and board members. By so doing, each such person is declaring, in writing, his or her unconditional support for and acceptance of these principles and statements.

The mission of Redwood Christian Schools is to provide a Christ-centered education which is able to equip students for daily living and eternal life.

1. The basis of Redwood is the Word of God (Eph. 6:4, Psa. 34:11, Prov. 22:6 and Deut. 6:5-7

2. The basis is five-dimensional in that Redwood (a) honors the Bible as God's Word, (b) proclaims the relevancy of God, (c) asserts that man is a spiritual being, (d) teaches that there is absolute truth, and (e) believes that man is a sinner.

3. Redwood's philosophy for an education that is Christian starts with the belief that God is the source of all truth. Its perspective is the Biblical view of God with Christ at the center of all life and with all parts of the universe mutually related.

1. We believe the Bible to be the inspired and only infallible recorded Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17

2. We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

3. We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory.

4. We believe that for salvation of lost and sinful man, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is essential.

5. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.

6. We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost: they that are saved unto the resurrection of life, and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.

7. We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.

8. We believe that God wonderfully foreordained and immutably created each person as either male or female in conformity with his or her biological sex. These two distinct yet complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God (Genesis 1:26–27

The purpose of Redwood Christian Schools, a nonprofit institution, is to provide Christ-centered instruction of high academic quality in conformity with Article III of the By-laws. Our students are to be prepared to take their place in the home, the church, the state, and in their vocations or professions, in a manner that glorifies God.

1. to teach that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of God;

2. to teach that one can obtain eternal life only by receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior;

3. to teach that God is the creator and sustainer of the universe and of man;

4. to teach that growth in the Christian life depends upon fellowship with God through Bible reading, prayer and service;

5. to teach that the Bible is the inspired and only infallible recorded Word of God and that it is practical and essential;

6. to teach the application of Biblical principles to every part of daily life;

7. to teach academic subjects integrated with the Bible;

8. to teach the student his role in the community with non-Christians and with Christians who hold differing views;

9. to teach the urgency of world missions;

10. to teach the student to think for himself and to stand up for his personal convictions in the face of pressure;

11. to teach the student to apply himself to his work and to fulfill his various responsibilities;

12. to teach the student to work independently and cooperatively;

13. to teach the knowledge and skills required for future study or for occupational competence;

14. to teach an appreciation of the fine arts;

15. to teach and help develop a desire and a discretion for wholesome physical and mental recreation;

16. to prepare him for adult responsibilities as a Christian citizen of our nation

Accepting a paid or volunteer position at Redwood Christian Schools (RCS) is to be considered with utmost prayer and thought.

It is critical to understand that by accepting any position at RCS, regardless of title or job description, the person becomes a Christian Minister, involved in the ministry of teaching. The simplest definition of being a Christian Minister at RCS is to find a need and help to meet it with the purpose of glorifying Jesus.  Every Christian Minister at RCS is expected to teach our students what it means to be a Christian in both word and deed (James 1:22-25), through the way they glorify God by modeling Christ.

The truth of Luke 6:40 cannot be denied, when a student is fully trained, they will be like their teacher.  Christian Ministers at RCS daily model Christ to our students.  RCS desires Christian Ministers who: 1) are thoroughly committed to Jesus Christ and the truth of the Bible; 2) live out a Biblical Worldview; and 3) are wholly committed to the ministry of RCS so that they are able to train our students in the way they should go, so that when they are old, they will not depart from them (Prov. 22:6).

RCS believes that each Christian Minister is called by God to help raise up students in the ways of faith, modeling Christ through all that they do. The Christian Ministers at RCS are following in the footsteps of Jesus, our Savior, who was also a teacher. He gathered his disciples and others around him and taught with such conviction and truth that the "many who heard him were astonished, saying, 'Where did this man get all this? What is the wisdom given to him? What mighty works are wrought by his hand!'" (Mark 6:2). His apostles, likewise, were teachers and gave witness "with great power" through their words and deeds, and "gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all" (Acts 4:33).

The ministry of teaching at RCS obligates each Christian Minister to assist their students in understanding academic subjects, promote their social and emotional health, provide life skill guidance, and any other instruction that supports the Scripturally devoted Core Values and RCS Mission to equip students for daily living and eternal life. This applies not only to mathematics or science, but how the order and discipline of mathematics or science reveals the mind of God. It obligates one not only to instruct in geography and history, but to inculcate the faith by helping students know that God created all things for His own glory, and to learn that human discoveries, empires, conflicts, and social movements are measured by the divinely ordained order. The ministry of teaching at RCS requires one not only to help students acquire the skills in English Language Arts and Foreign Language, but to also understand that human language is a primary means by which students might communicate the Gospel of Jesus and the other truths contained within the sacred Scripture itself—all of which indirectly or directly disclose salvation history. Regardless of the subject, Christian Ministers at RCS instruct their students by helping them follow Paul's admonition:

"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you." (Phil. 4:8-9 RSV)

Christian Ministers at RCS must be ever mindful that they instruct not only through rational explanation of formal subject material, but even more powerfully through word, deed, example, and shared experience. Simply put, they teach the Christian
faith by modeling Jesus. This is why all Christian Ministers, even before their first meeting with students, must subscribe to the RCS Basis and Purpose, Statement of Faith, and the job specific Teacher (Administrator, Staff, Board, or Volunteer) at Redwood Christian Schools. This is why Christian Ministers are required to display a Godly example, both at school and away from school. Christian Ministers must teach truth and avoid falsehood. "Therefore, putting away falsehood, let everyone speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one body. ... Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for edifying, as fits the occasion, that it may impart grace to those who hear" (Ephesians 4:25, 29).

Christian Ministers model Christ to students by providing them with Biblically sound faith experiences. They lead in prayer, praise, and instruction with love and mercy. Paul urged Christians to "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander to be put away from you, with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you" (Ephesians 4:31-32). Christian Ministers also model the Christian life by being active in their own church community and by serving as an intermediary assisting their students to become active in their respective church communities so that those students might be further nurtured in faith with their family, friends and the fellowship of Christian believers around them.

We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God (Gen. 1:26-27 Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person. 

We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture (Gen. 2:18-25We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other (1 Cor. 6:18; 7:2-5; Heb. 13:4 We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. 

We believe that any form of sexual immorality (including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, and use of pornography) is sinful and offensive to God (Matt. 15:18-20; 1 Cor. 6:9-10

We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of Redwood Christian Schools as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a Biblical role model to the students and families of Redwood Christian Schools and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by Redwood Christian Schools in any capacity, and selected volunteers agree with and abide by this Statement on Marriage, Gender and Sexuality (Matt. 5:16; Phil. 2:14-16; 1 Thess. 5:22)

We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ (Acts 3:19-21; Rom. 10:9-10; 1 Cor. 6:9-11

We believe that all human life is sacred. God created mankind in His image. Human life is of inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death. We are therefore called to defend, protect and value all human life (Psa. 139:1- 18

The Redwood Christian Schools Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our beliefs. The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God, speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality and the proper conduct of mankind. The Bible is the sole and final source of all that we believe. For purposes of the faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline of Redwood Christian Schools, our School Board is the final interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application.

I have read and understood the aforementioned principles and statements. As an employee, volunteer, or board member of Redwood Christian Schools, I agree to strive to promote the Basis and Purpose of Redwood Christian Schools.

We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity (Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31 Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of Redwood Christian Schools.

Parents’/Guardians’ Pledge of Acceptance

1. We as parents or guardians who are accepting the Biblical challenge to “train up a child in the way he should go,” do state that this training will be carried on in the home. We shall place our trust in Redwood Christian Schools to be an extension of that training. (Proverbs 22:6; Luke 6:40

2. We understand that the faculty and staff of Redwood Christian Schools will teach love and respect for the Lord Jesus Christ and obedience to Him. (I Samuel 15:22; Matthew 28:20; John 14:15, 21)

3. We understand that Redwood Christian Schools is most effective in providing our child(ren) with a Christ-centered education when we as a family read the Bible, pray and attend a local church whose Statement of Faith is not inconsistent with the Statement of Faith of RCS. (Deuteronomy 6:6,7; Hebrews 10:25)

4. We do hereby state that we have read the RCS Student Handbook pertaining to this student and have examined the school’s curriculum, statement of faith, facilities, disciplinary procedures and the Refund Policy as stated in the Tuition and Fees Schedule, and we do accept those procedures and pledge our support to the faculty and administration of RCS. (Amos 3:3; 1 Corinthians 1:10; Philippians 2:2)

5. We pledge our fullest cooperation to not make an issue of any doctrinal controversy or denominationalism. (John 17:23; I Corinthians 1:10; Ephesians 4:3-7)

6. We understand that in order for discipline to be most effective, it must be administered immediately. We hereby invest authority in Redwood Christian Schools to discipline our child as deemed necessary by the school including picking up our child from school, detention, suspension and expulsion, and agree to abide by such discipline. (Proverbs 29:15, 17; Hebrew12:11)

7. We agree that Redwood Christian Schools can suspend and/or expel, at its sole discretion, our child named on this form if it is determined by the administration of the school to be in the best interest of either our child or the school. We agree to withdraw our child if it is determined by the administration of the school to be in the best interest of either our child or the school. We understand that failure to pay tuition as it is due is grounds for expulsion of our child named on this form.

8. We understand that it is my/our responsibility to review the Annual Tuition Brochure, Basis & Purpose of RCS, Parent/Guardian's Pledge of Acceptance, Agreement with the Redwood Christian Schools Philosophy of Education, and the Student Handbook each year; and acknowledge I/we will be held to the most currently published version(s) of said publications.

9. By signing the electronic signature page, we, as parents or guardians of our child, do sincerely give our pledge that we will support and abide by all items as stated above for the entire time our child(ren) is enrolled at RCS. (Deuteronomy 23:21; Numbers 30:2)

Redwood Christian Schools (RCS) believes that a student’s home and school should have a harmonious relationship. Thus we ask the home to be in agreement with the policies, practices and philosophy stated herein on our application and on our Website. Our philosophy is based on the conviction that Bible knowledge and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ are essential to fulfill the spiritual, academic and social development of the student, and we strive to foster that philosophy in our classes, programs and curriculum to provide a Christ-centered education.

Redwood Christian Schools does not limit its enrollment to only students who have committed their lives to Jesus Christ. We welcome students of all religious backgrounds, and strongly encourage families to regularly attend church together. The total process of education at RCS includes encouraging students who have not committed their lives to Jesus Christ (unsaved) to trust in Him for their salvation, and then develop a Christian worldview by relating the whole person to God in all facets of life.

Our philosophy of Christian education recognizes the God-ordained role of parents to their child(ren In view of this relationship, Redwood Christian Schools affirms that education is primarily the parents’ responsibility. Our school functions as an extension of the home, to assist the proper relationship between the family, church and the educational process in providing a Christ-centered education to our students.

Just as parents expect RCS to support their family, it is the expectation of RCS that our families will:

• Support the school in all its efforts to provide excellent academic and spiritual training;
• Affirm the school in maintaining its educational and Biblical standards, policies and procedures;
• Support decisions and discipline made by the school as they relate to their child(ren);
• Participate, when possible, in school affairs and functions;
• Faithfully meet their financial obligations to the school;
• Resolve any issues or problems with school personnel by following the Biblical procedures stated in Matthew 18:15-17 (i.e., first go directly to those involved when there is confusion or when a misunderstanding exists);
• Read the RCS Student Handbook available at all school offices and posted on www.rcs.edu;
• Read and understand the RCS Statement of Faith;

By signing this Agreement, we pledge and agree to:

• Try our best to meet each of the expectations the school has for its families, as stated above; and
• Actively support the board, administration and faculty of Redwood Christian Schools in implementing the school’s philosophy of providing a Christ-centered education.

Redwood Christian Schools requires an Academic Reference Form to be completed for every applicant.

Please provide the name and email address for three different Administrators, Teachers, or Counselors from the current school. An electronic Academic Reference Form will be sent to them to be completed.

By providing the name and email address, as the parent or guardian, you are authorizing the release of information for the applicant as requested by Redwood Christian Schools to be filled out and submitted by the provided person with whom the reference is being sent to.

Directions for Student's Letter to School: Your letter is one of the most important parts of the application.

Most of this application has had you filling in blanks and providing short answers. Here, you will have the opportunity to reveal your true personality. Don't waste this space repeating information such as your birthplace, birth date, age, etc. You have already provided this. The school wants to know why you want to come, what you want to enjoy doing with them and the new friends you'll make, and what you are like with your family and friends in your home country. Make your letter as friendly and personal as possible.

Here is a link to the RCS MSHS Student Handbook. 

Redwood Christian Schools is committed to providing a safe, secure, loving environment for all of our students. This can best be done when all involved are committed to the same guidelines.

Redwood Christian Schools International Student Program (I-20 Program) is open to students from around the world whose countries may not have the same legal and cultural guidelines that are expected of all students.

Redwood Christian Schools is not a school for adults, regardless of the age of the student. We are a school for students who, regardless of their age, are willing to follow all of the guidelines that other students follow. All students are held to the same standards of conduct, regardless of whether or not they are international (I-20) students or American-born students. Because of the number of documents involved in the application process, this form is a collection of topics that could be confusing or overlooked elsewhere, so they have been brought together to ensure understanding by everyone involved.

International student applicants, their parents and guardians in the US should read the following and ask for clarification prior to signing. Signatures are required by the student, his/her parents and US guardian prior to attending classes or within ten days if already attending Redwood Christian Schools.

Many of the following topics are duplications from elsewhere in the student application. Please read the following very carefully and initial as indicated below. The statements are written for the student, his/her family and US guardian.

• I understand that Redwood Christian Schools is granting me special permission to attend their school as long as I abide by certain expectations. NO FEES OR TUITION WILL BE REFUNDED FOR THE ENTIRE SCHOOL YEAR IF I AM DISMISSED or WITHDRAW FROM SCHOOL. No refunds of fees or tuition will be granted on request by the student or their parent/guardian/agent. Tuition refunds only with visa denial two times. Verification required.
• I understand that special consideration is being given to me to attend or to continue to attend Redwood Christian Schools. Attendance at Redwood Christian Schools is a privilege.
• I understand that regardless of my age, I must obey all the rules of a minor (under 18).
• I understand that I am to live at the address listed on the I-20 for the entire time I attend Redwood Christian Schools unless a move is approved and documented by the school.
• I understand that I may not live alone, that I must live with a host family, and there must be an adult over the age of thirty-five in the home.
• I agree to voluntarily submit to the authority of my host family and voluntarily be involved in the activities of the family, including attending church, if requested, having meals together and spending time with the family, as requested, so that I can improve my English and learn more about the American family.
• I understand that drinking alcohol, using drugs illegally, and sexual immorality are grounds for immediate dismissal from this school. Moral misconduct, includes, but is not limited to, promiscuity, homosexual behavior or any other violation of the unique roles of male and female. (Rom. 1:21-27; I Cor. 6:9-20). Redwood Christian Schools believes that biblical marriage is limited to a covenant relationship between a man and a woman.
• I will be a good example in behavior and in speech.
• I understand that if I have a bad attitude toward any teacher, class, or the school, I will be asked to leave with no recourse.
• I will not smoke.
• I will obey the dress code.
• I will attend class (unless sick or excused), listen, participate, and do my own homework, and turn it in at the required time.
• I will produce my own academic work and not to copy the work of anyone else.
• I will be on time to school and my classes, and participate in school activities such as class activities and other student activities, such as class and school-wide socials.
• I understand that I must be respectful during the pledge, prayer, Bible class, etc.
• I understand that I must attend chapel each week and be respectful.
• I understand that I may not drive unless I have a California Driver’s License, insurance and written permission on file at the School from both my parents and host family.
• I understand that I may not go on unchaperoned overnight trips (a chaperone is an adult who is more than thirty-five years of age and has been approved by student’s guardian).
• I understand that I must take a full load schedule of classes to remain in SEVP status.
• I understand that I must arrange my travel to NOT miss school when it is in session. I will NOT leave early for vacations, and I will return from any vacations before the first day school reconvenes. I will also be present for all end-of-school activities, including, if a senior, graduation.
• I understand that my tuition is due in full for the year prior to beginning school and that tuition is non-refundable. No tuition refunds will be granted on request by the student or their parent/guardian/agent. Refunds only with visa denial two (2) times. Verification is required.
• I understand that attending Redwood Christian Schools is a privilege, and I agree to obey all the rules and be a good example to the other International Students.

The electronic signatures below and their related fields are treated by Redwood Christian School like a physical handwritten signature on a paper form. 

My signature below affirms that all of the information contained in this application is correct, complete, and honestly presented. I understand that withholding or misrepresenting information in this application may jeopardize my child's admission. Furthermore, my digital signature below serves as my expressed consent to conduct this transaction electronically. During the final step to acceptance RCS will require both parents/guardians to physically sign the application packet. If this is not possible, a written explanation will be required.