The "Board Room"
This page outlines the governing structure at Heritage Christian Online School
Heritage Christian Online School has three main governing structures. Each authority brings a different level of accountability to our school. We are also a member school of the Associated Christian Schools International (ACSI) and the Federation of Independent Schools (FISA).
The Ministry of Education, Independent School Branch - The government defines our role and authority through the Independent School Act of 19. It is through this legislation that British Columbia allows religious education to receive partial funding (one half of public school funding). The Distance Learning Program, known as Distributed Electronic Learning (D.E.L.) in the public system, has only recently been allowed in Independent Schools. Our school answers directly to the Office of the Inspector of Independent Schools and is evaluated and inspected more frequently than public schools. HCOS receives a funding amount of $2760 per student which covers the costs of teachers, administration and curriculum.
Kelowna Christian Center Society - KCC is a church ministry and society dedicated to the great commission mandate: "...make disciples of all the nations..." Matthew 28:19. HCOS is the newest part of the educational Ministries of Kelowna Christian Center. KCC started in 1982 and has launched multiple discipleship programs, service/humanitarian ministries and placed missionaries around the world. The educational ministries of the KCC Society include:
| Heritage Christian Preschool - a creative, fun environment for children ages 3 to 5; for the little learners to begin their growth and development in Christ. HCP is located in the KCC facilities. | |
| Heritage Christian School - This is our Kelowna Campus for grades Kindergarten through twelve. Started in 1986, HCS has grown to almost 300 students. HCS's vision is to provide "Quality Education with Christian Values." We have a vibrant Elementary program known for its safe, loving environment and quality music program. The Middle School has active sports, outdoor education, drama and music programs. The High School maintains a strong academic program that enables entrance to all of BC's post-secondary institutions. The High School also has established a strong electives' program in the areas of drama, computer commerce, visual media arts, woodworking and construction. Our basketball and volleyball teams have distinguished themselves in our province, competing within the BC School Sport's system. Our emphasis on Calling and Providential Purpose (CAPP) gives our students a sense of God's direction for their lives after Heritage. | |
| The Ministry Training Institute - MTI was established in 1988 as a one year discipleship training school. Students devote themselves to the study of the Scriptures, character development, Christian service and onsite mission's training. We intersperse the academic program with three mission trips, local, provincial and international, to such places as Russia, Mexico, Taiwan, and England. In recent years we have added a second year mentoring program designed for students with a calling in church leadership and ministry. MTI courses are accepted for degree and diploma status through the Wagner Institute. |
Kelowna Christian Center Society is considered the "Board Authority" for HCOS. It has appointed Greg Bitgood as Pastor of Christian Education who serves as the Superintendent of all the Heritage Schools and MTI. It has delegated the policy and procedural aspects of HCS and HCOS to the Online School Committee.
Online School Committee - This is the governing body that decides specific policy and procedures for HCOS. This committee reviews the hiring of staff, the enrolment policies, program and curriculum development and advises administration on the overall direction of the school. It answers directly to the Board of KCC. The committee is represented by:
- The Pastor of Christian Education
- The HCOS School Administrator
- Several Committed Parents who are participating in HCOS
It is to this committee that all relevant concerns for school policy are forwarded and appeals (in writing) of school decisions are heard and arbitrated. Note: when the decisions of administration or staff who are part of the committee are being mediated they will remove themselves from the arbitration process. Heritage Christian Online School subscribes to the principles outlined in the Procedure Fairness: Best Practices Guidelines for Independent Schools. 
