FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions / Preguntas Frecuentes

Does FGCS follow the district school calendar?

With a few notable exceptions, FGCS follows the district calendar, including the first full day of school, Spring Break, Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break and state and federal holidays (Presidents' Day, Veterans Day, etc.). Our parent-student conferences often do not fall on the same days as other schools. Please refer to the FGCS calendar here.

Can my child take medications at school?

All medications, including over-the-counter remedies, taken by students during the school day must be administered by trained staff or by a parent. Medications must be brought to school by a parent or guardian, not the student, and must be in their original containers. Parents must fill out and sign a form giving trained staff permission to administer medications. Students may not carry their own medications, including cough drops, with the exception of prescription inhalers if the student has doctor and parent permission. Please contact the school office at 503-359-4600 to make arrangements. .

Can my child participate in district sports or music programs?

FGCS students may participate in sports programs at Neil Armstrong Middle School or music programs at K-8 schools on the same basis as other District students. Parents should be aware that schedules for sports and music programs may conflict with the FGCS school day. Please contact the district school at which the program takes place for details about schedules, registration and fees. A list of district schools with contact information is available at www.fgsd.k12.or.us.

How does FGCS handle weather-related school closures or delayed starts?

FGCS follows the direction of the Forest Grove School District regarding weather-related closures and delayed starts. We send out an all-school email and post information to our website and Facebook page whenever we are notified of a closure or delay. Parents may also check local broadcasts or the District website for closure/delay information. An announcement that 'all Forest Grove schools' are closed or will start late includes FGCS. You may also get text and email messages about District closures/delays at FlashAlert. Click here to register.

Does FGCS charge tuition?

No. FGCS is a free public school supported by tax dollars, grants and donations. As at other public schools, we ask parents to help pay for some activities, such as field trips and Outdoor School, but we provide scholarships whenever possible.

Do I have to live in Forest Grove to attend FGCS?

FGCS is part of the Forest Grove School District. Any student living within the district's boundaries, including Cornelius and rural Washington County, may attend. Students residing outside the district may attend on a space-available basis but FGCS is required to give priority to students residing within the Forest Grove district.

What grades are served at FGCS?

FGCS enrolls students in grades 1st-8th in multi-age classrooms. Level 1 classrooms have students in 1st and 2nd grades; Level 2 has students in 3rd and 4th grades; Level 3 has students in 5th and 6th grades; and Level 4 has students in 7th and 8th grades.

Is FGCS right for all students?

While we believe that many different kinds of students can be successful at FGCS, no school is right for every child. We encourage parents to learn as much as possible about FGCS to determine whether our program appears to be a good fit for their child. Some things to keep in mind about FGCS: Our program seeks to develop students who are active participants in their own learning. While our curriculum is project based and experiential, students also receive specific skills instruction in math, reading and writing. Our Out & About program takes students out into the community regularly and we are frequently outdoors. Our program seeks to foster stewardship (care for the environment and others) and citizenship (care for the community and others) as well as scholarship (academic learning).

Does FGCS have a school counselor ?

Yes. The school counselor at FGCS provide supports for students who may be struggling with anxiety, disruptive behavior or other issues impacting them at school. The counselor does not provide individual mental health therapy but can help parents access community-based resources.

Does FGCS provide special education services?

Special education services are provided to eligible students at FGCS but, under state law, the school district retains responsibility for providing these services. Please click here for more information.

Where is the school located?

The school is located in the heart of downtown Forest Grove, at 1914 Pacific Avenue, just a few blocks away from the city library, Pacific University and local parks.

Does FGCS have a lunch program?

Yes. We serve hot lunch every school day. Students who order lunch will receive a cold sack lunch on days when their classes will be off campus over the lunch hour. Students who qualify may receive lunch for free or at a reduced price. Full price for lunch, including milk, is $3.00/day (reduced price: 40 cents/day). More information about the lunch program is posted on the School Lunch Program page.