We are very thankful for those that work on the “front lines” of our school. We are here to serve you and we would be more than glad to help answer your questions about FMCS. Please feel free to contact us by phone, 939-4642, email us anytime, or use the online contact form. You can also visit our school Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM. Call ahead to set up a tour or our facility.

Preschool
- Miss Amy Jean, PK3 | email: ajean@fmcs-fl.com
- Miss Angel Schreiber, PK4 | email: aschreiber@fmcs-fl.com

Elementary
- Mrs. Jody Carefoot Weber, Kindergarten | email: jweber@fmcs-fl.com
- Mrs. Gayle Shell, First Grade | email: gshell@fmcs-fl.com
- Mrs. Amy Harrington, Second Grade | email: aharrington@fmcs-fl.com
- Mrs. Donna Jennings, Second Grade | email: djennings@fmcs-fl.com
- Miss Rachel McLaughlin, Third Grade | email: rmclaughlin@fmcs-fl.com
- Mrs. Judy Sanders, Fourth Grade | email: jsanders@fmcs-fl.com | Click here for this classroom blog
- Mrs. Robin Couch, Fifth Grade | email: rcouch@fmcs-fl.com | Click here for this classroom blog

Middle School
- Mrs. Stacey Leatherman, Science | email: sleatherman@fmcs-fl.com
- Mrs. Jennifer Crouch, Language Arts | email: jcrouch@fmcs-fl.com
- Mrs. Lee Mitchell, Social Studies & Bible | email: lmitchell@fmcs-fl.com
- Mr. Jonathan Blikstad, Math | email: jblikstad@fmcs-fl.com | Click here for this classroom blog
- Mr. Tom Sinex, Computer | email: tsinex@fmcs-fl.com
- Mr. Mel Mitchell, Bible | email: mmitchell@fmcs-fl.com
- Mrs. Aileen Gonzales, Spanish | email: agonzales@fmcs-fl.com
 
Specials Teachers
- Mrs. Myra Stewart, Learning Disabilities Program | email: mstewart@fmcs-fl.com | Click here for this classroom blog
- Mrs. Dorothy Yorty, Music | email: dgulbronson@fmcs-fl.com
- Mrs. Liz Jarrett, Band | email: ljarrett@fmcs-fl.com
- Mrs. Sue Sinex, Art | email: ssinex@fmcs-fl.com
- Mr. Tom Sinex, Computer | email: tsinex@fmcs-fl.com
- Miss Jay Shrader, Library | email: jshrader@fmcs-fl.com | Click here for this classroom blog
- Mrs. Julie Hulslander, Physical Education | email: jhulslander@fmcs-fl.com
- Miss Aileen Gonzales, Spanish | email: agonzales@fmcs-fl.com

Aides/Support Staff
- Mr. John O’Brien, PE Assistant and Athletic Director | email: jobrien@fmcs-fl.com
- Miss Tina Blanden, teacher assistant  | email: TBlanden@fmcs-fl.com
- Mrs. Joyce Swearingen, PK3 aide
- Mrs. Lourdes Aldana, PK4 aide
- Mrs. Eva Edwards, playground and aftercare | email: eedwards@fmcs-fl.com

Office Staff
- Miss Tina Cesarino, Elementary School Receptionist/Purchasing | email: tcesarino@fmcs-fl.com
- Mrs. Wendy Thomas, Middle School Receptionist/Registrar | email: wthomas
- Mrs. Paula Dillon, Secretary to Principal | email: pdillon@fmcs-fl.com
- Mrs. Marilyn O’Brien, Business Manager | email: mobrien@fmcs-fl.com
- John Ryba, Public Relations | email: jryba@fmcs-fl.com@fmcs-fl.com

Administration
- Mr. Mel Mitchell, Principal | email: mmitchell@fmcs-fl.com | Click here for the Principal’s blog
- Pastor David Thomas, Associate Pastor of First Assembly | email: dthomas@famfm.com
- Pastor Dan Betzer, Senior Pastor of First Assembly of God and School President | Click here for Pastor’s blog

Phone: 239-939-4642 | Fax: 239-936-5016 | Email: info@fmcs-fl.org | Online Contact Form

Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:30PM

Middle School: 1550 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, Fl 33907

Preschool, Elementary & Aftercare: PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 4701 Summerlin Rd., Fort Myers, Fl 33919
Mailing address: 1550 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, Fl 33907

Maps and Driving Directions: Middle School | Preschool, Elementary & Aftercare

Fort Myers Christian School is a ministry of First Assembly of God.

Mission statement
FMCS works with the home and the church to academically train and spiritually nurture students to become productive citizens in society and impact others for Jesus Christ.

History
Fort Myers Christian School (FMCS) was established in 1979 by First Assembly of God in Fort Myers, Florida. This picture shows the school as seen from Colonial Boulevard in 1979.

We are very thankful for the leadership of Pastor David Deaton of First Assembly and our first Principal, Pastor Rick Heers, who had the vision to reach Southwest Florida students and families for Jesus Christ through Christian Education.

We are also very thankful for God’s blessing over the years and for all the Principals, Pastors, School Board members, faculty and staff who have dedicated their lives to lead our young people to “become productive citizens in society and impact others for Jesus Christ.”

Past Principals
All the principals of our school have been a blessing!

Past Yearbooks
For snippets of FMCS yearbooks, going all the way back to the school’s first one in 1979-80, please visit Miss Jay J. Shrader’s  30th Anniversary page.

Accreditation/Membership
Fort Myers Christian School (FMCS) was established in 1979 by First Assembly of God in Fort Myers, Florida. Since 1987, FMCS has been a FULLY ACCREDITED PK3-8th grade school through the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS), and the Florida Kindergarten Council (FKC), (www.fkconline.org) (The only other school in Fort Myers accredited with FCIS is The Canterbury School; in Naples: The Community School of Naples, Seacrest Country Day School, and Royal Pam Academy).

Today, FCIS evaluates and accredits independent schools throughout Florida. As one of the nation’s largest organizations of independent schools, it represents 73,000 students in 159 member schools. The Council assures that each school maintains high standards and independence of character without political, financial, or bureaucratic pressures. (From www.fcis.org )

In March of 2007, an accreditation team conducted their five year re-accreditation review. We are happy to announce that our school has passed and will continue accreditation through 2012!

We are also members of Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), (www.acsi.org). Currently ACSI serves over 5,300 member schools in approximately 100 countries with an enrollment of nearly 1.2 million students.

Philosophy
FMCS exists to cooperate with Christian parents to teach and train their children according to God’s Word. FMCS seeks to integrate the truth of Scripture into every aspect of the curriculum and school program and to nurture the development of Christian character in each student.

It is our goal that each student be academically and spiritually successful, and we believe this can only be fully attained through a combined effort of the home, school, and church. The personal philosophy of each family is important, as parents are encouraged to be actively involved in their child’s education. We exist to provide a Christian education for children of average and above average aptitude and ability.

FMCS embraces a traditional approach to the elementary and middle school curriculum. Strong emphasis is placed on phonics, critical thinking skills, study habits and a disciplined approach to learning.

Preschool
Our preschool program can be the foundational block upon which a child’s experience at Fort Myers Christian School is built. This is the entry level program into our school. The program structure and curriculum design set the focus towards beginning a young child’s adventure in education. Emphasis is placed on nurturing each child in all areas of his or her own progression of development. The philosophy is integrated with hands-on learning through various discovery experiences. This foundation of creative development is outlined in the theme of our pre-kindergarten, which is “Discovering God’s World.”

Elementary
First Assembly of God and Fort Myers Christian School welcomes you to our new Children’s Center building which houses grades PK-4th! We praise the Lord that your children have an opportunity to enter a building that was built debt-free (a great relief to our tuition paying parents), a place that desires to see young boys and girls grow spiritually, academically and physically. Our dedicated teachers and staff have committed their lives to the call of teaching and will do all they can to create a great atmosphere for learning. We encourage you to visit our school and take a tour. For more information, please contact us.

Middle School
Our middle school consists of students in grades 6th-8th grade. Core classes include: math (6th grade – regular math; 7th grade – math or pre-algebra; 8th grade – pre-algebra or algebra), science, language arts, history, bible, one semester of Spanish and one semester of physical education. During the last period of the day, elective period, students have been able to choose from: drama, computer, art, teacher aide, study hall, yearbook business, yearbook layout, ensemble, and science fair. Students will switch classes on a bell schedule, use lockers, and wrap the day up with homeroom. Join with us in prayer that these students will make a great transition to middle school as they enter this time of their adolescent growth! We encourage you to visit our school and take a tour. For more information, please contact us.

Specials
We are very blessed to have teachers that help our students to grow in many different ways at our school. “Specials” include Physical Education, Spanish, Music, Computer and Art. K-5th students visit these teachers once a week. Our 6-8 grade students have an opportunity to choose teachers for special electives during their last class period of the day. These electives include: Computer Webpage Design, Computer Eagles News Team, Art, Teacher Aide, Yearbook Publishing, Yearbook Business, Drama, Science Fair, and Study Hall.

Aftercare

As a service to its families, Fort Myers Christian School (FMCS) operates a before and after school program to supervise the children of parents whose employment goes beyond normal school hours. We encourage you to visit our school and take a tour. For more information, please contact us.

Morning care starts at 7:00 am in the Children’s Center cafeteria and runs until 8:00 am. (Middle School students, 6th-8th, are taken to the MS cafeteria at 7:30 am). In the afternoon, aftercare begins at 3:00 for grades Pk-5th. 6th -8th grade begins at 3:15. The aftercare program ends at 6:00 pm.

► PRICES:
Before  school program: 7:00 am to 8:00 am or any portion thereof = $3.00
After  school program: 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm or any portion thereof = $3.00 per hour

► HALF-DAYS Aftercare:
On half-days aftercare will be available for grades PK-6. The charge is as follows:
12:15 PM to 6:00 PM or any portion thereof = $20.00
Please note: Lunch will NOT be provided on Half Days. If your child will be attending Aftercare on a Half Day, they will need to bring a lunch.

► NO SCHOOL/HOLIDAY Aftercare:
Aftercare is available for grades PK-6 on certain days when there is NO SCHOOL during the normal school year. The charges for the day are as follows:
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM or any portion thereof $20.00
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM or any portion thereof $35.00
Please note: Lunch will NOT be provided on these days. If your child will be attending Aftercare during No School/Holiday, they will need to bring a lunch.

Administration
We are very thankful for those that work on the “front lines” of our school. We are here to serve you and we would be more than glad to help answer your questions about FMCS. Please feel free to contact us by phone, 939-4642, email us anytime, or use the online contact form. You can also visit our school Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Call ahead to set up a tour or our facility.

An important note to our parents and families:
In compliance with the Florida Department of Education guidelines, the care and concern of our students is a priority for our administration. Please make sure that if there is any situation that affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student as a result of misconduct by instructional personnel or administration, the school leadership should be contacted: Fort Myers Christian School, First Assembly of God and/or our School Board Members.

Parent Praise, March 2010 – Mrs. Jenna Billman

Why FMCS? Well, since this is our family’s 19^th year here, I guess I should know! All three of our boys attended FMCS PreK-8. Our oldest just recently graduated from college, our middle son is in his second year, and Brett will graduate from FMCS in May. It will be a bittersweet time for our family.

I think we can all agree that middle school is not what it was when we were growing up. The peer pressure and influences that used to develop in high school are now effecting our middle schoolers. I read once that if you really want to know what a school is like, look at the middle schoolers. Are they respectful to their teachers and to the little kids and in their appearance? Are they studious, but also animated and fun? Are they challenged to be Christian leaders? In all honesty, I’d have to answer yes and that. in itself, says a lot about our school.

Your child is a vital part of the FMCS family. The class sizes are small, our teachers show love and concern on a daily basis, they pray for your child, and christian values taught at home are reinforced at school….that’s something you won’t get in public school!  It’s a good feeling to know that our school has your child’s best interest at heart. When I drop off my son, I know I am leaving him in a safe place. As sad as it is, that’s important in the world we live in.

I have commented on our teachers but I can’t let you leave here tonight without hearing about our principal. I have known Mel Mitchell for many years, in fact, he’s been here longer than we have! FMCS is blessed to have him as our principal. He is here for the students and he leads with a Godly example. It’s sometimes hard to find him in his office because he’s walking around campus or talking with students. You will see him most mornings when you drop off your student and then again in the afternoon when you pick them up. When our students are off campus whether be for field trips or serving the community, many times they are complimented on their character, attitudes, and behavior.   I believe this is a reflection of Mr. Mitchell’s leadership.

Now, what about the cost? Of course, there is the cost of tuition. Having had three children here, we know about the cost of tuition! It can be a sacrifice, and the only way I know to look at it is an investment. Does having your child attend a Christian school guarantee they will “walk the walk” for the rest of their lives? No, we all know there are no guarantees in life and that applies to how our children will turn out as well. I do know what the word says, though: Proverbs 22:6  “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. “ Would I do it differently if I had to do it all over? No, the morals, values, and Christ-like character Ft Myers Christian School has helped to instill in our children, while teaching them the 3R’s; will last a lifetime and that is a great return on our investment.

Parent Praise: For the Learning Resource Program
I just wanted to take a moment to say how much the learning resource center has helped my child. We feel that the level of instruction has helped in so many ways. First, in a small setting the teacher can really know the child and how he or she learns best. That alone has helped a great deal. Second the communication between the other teacher and the LRC teacher has been key. The teachers let her know what they are teaching and what to review. In turn, the LRC teacher lets us; the parents know what needs work and what is improving. Third, being a smaller setting takes away the overwhelming feeling for our child. She is more comfortable asking for help. If you are not sure if you should do it ask yourself this- what would you want for yourself if you were the child that needed extra help? Go for it, you (and your child) will be glad you did!

• Mild Learning Disabilities

• Dyslexia

•ADD/ADHD with academic difficulties

We understand that children have different learning styles, strengths and weaknesses which can inhibit their best efforts to succeed academically. The Learning Resource Program will be a place students can get specific help in math, reading, spelling, language, writing and study skills as well as address certain processing problems that may block optimum achievement through explicit, systematic and researched based teaching strategies and materials.

For more information, click on our brochure: learningresourcebrochure_final

The Bible is completely adequate by itself to serve as the guide for our beliefs and way to living. This paraphrased version of the Statement of Fundamental Truths is intended only to make the official Statement more readily understood. The primary Statement, as it appears in the Constitution of the Assemblies of God, is intended to be the common basis for our fellowship and unity, or as the Bible recommends, that we may live with one another so as to avoid divisions because of disagreement on what we believe (1 Corinthians 1:10 and Acts 2:42). There is no claim that the wording of this statement is divinely inspired (as is the Bible), but the truth it sets forth is felt to be essential to a full-gospel, Bible-based ministry. Furthermore, there is no pretense that this statement contains all of the Bible’s truths. It merely covers some basic teaching thought to be vital to successful Christian living.

Click on a Fundamental Truth below and it will take you to the www.ag.org website.
1. The Bible is Inspired
2. One True God
3. Christ Jesus is Fully God
4. The Fall of Mankind
5. The Salvation of Mankind
6. The Ordinances of the Church
7. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit
8. The Initial Physical Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
9. Sanctification
10. The Church and Its Mission
11. Ministry
12. Divine Healing
13. The Blessed Hope
14. The Millennial Reign of Christ
15. The Final Judgment
16. The New Heavens and The New Earth

For additional Scripture reference for each doctrine – click here.

Fort Myers Christian School (FMCS) was established in 1979 by First Assembly of God in Fort Myers, Florida. Since 1987, FMCS has been a FULLY ACCREDITED PK3-8th grade school through the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS), and the Florida Kindergarten Council (FKC), (www.fkconline.org) (The only other school in Fort Myers accredited with FCIS is The Canterbury School; in Naples: The Community School of Naples, Seacrest Country Day School, and Royal Pam Academy).

Today, FCIS evaluates and accredits independent schools throughout Florida. As one of the nation’s largest organizations of independent schools, it represents 73,000 students in 159 member schools. The Council assures that each school maintains high standards and independence of character without political, financial, or bureaucratic pressures. (From www.fcis.org )

In March of 2007, an accreditation team conducted their five year re-accreditation review. We are happy to announce that our school has passed and will continue accreditation through 2012!

We are also members of Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), (www.acsi.org). Currently ACSI serves over 5,300 member schools in approximately 100 countries with an enrollment of nearly 1.2 million students.

Click here to view a video presentation of our school.

Mission statement
FMCS works with the home and the church to academically train and spiritually nurture students to become productive citizens in society and impact others for Jesus Christ.

Philosophy
FMCS exists to cooperate with Christian parents to teach and train their children according to God’s Word. FMCS seeks to integrate the truth of Scripture into every aspect of the curriculum and school program and to nurture the development of Christian character in each student.

It is our goal that each student be academically and spiritually successful, and we believe this can only be fully attained through a combined effort of the home, school, and church. The personal philosophy of each family is important, as parents are encouraged to be actively involved in their child’s education. We exist to provide a Christian education for children of average and above average aptitude and ability.

FMCS embraces a traditional approach to the elementary and middle school curriculum. Strong emphasis is placed on phonics, critical thinking skills, study habits and a disciplined approach to learning.