FCS Jazz Band's UK Tour: A Journey of Music & Discovery
We are thrilled to share the highlights from our FCS Jazz Band’s summer ten-day tour of the United Kingdom, an adventure that has left us all buzzing with excitement and pride! From captivating performances to cultural explorations, this tour was an unforgettable experience for our talented musicians.
Tour Highlights
- Exceptional Performances. Our jazz band delivered six remarkable performances across a variety of venues. From the serene ambiance of historic churches and grand libraries to the vibrant atmosphere of the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, each performance showcased our students’ exceptional talent and versatility. The enthusiastic reception from audiences and the opportunity to perform at such esteemed locations made every concert a unique and memorable experience.
- Masterclass at Hot House Jazz School. A standout moment of the tour was the special masterclass on traditional jazz held at the Hot House Jazz School in Derby. Led by renowned musicians, this session provided our young musicians with invaluable insights and hands-on learning experiences, deepening their understanding of jazz traditions and techniques.
- Cultural Exploration. The tour was also a journey through the rich history and culture of the UK. Our students had the chance to explore the iconic landmarks of London, delve into the musical heritage of Liverpool, and marvel at the historical splendor of Edinburgh. These cultural experiences not only enriched their appreciation of the world but also provided a deeper context for their musical expressions.
- Special Alumni Reunion. A heartwarming highlight of the trip was a surprise meetup with an FCS alum. We were delighted to reconnect with Dr. Rebekah Handran, who recently completed her doctorate in veterinary sciences at Edinburgh University. Seeing familiar faces and sharing stories from home added a personal touch to the tour and strengthened the bonds within our FCS community.
Throughout this journey, our musicians not only demonstrated their exceptional skills but also forged lasting friendships and created cherished memories. The camaraderie and teamwork displayed during the tour were truly inspiring, and we are immensely proud of how they represented FCS on an international stage. We are grateful for the support of everyone who made this tour possible and excited to see the continued impact of this extraordinary adventure on our jazz band’s future.
Better Together in 2024
In our 56th year, we are committed more than every to the idea that we are "Better Together," a concept that captures how collaboration, community, and shared experiences enhance our collective journey. At FCS, we believe that individuals and groups thrive more effectively when they work together, support one another, and build meaningful relationships. This year, we celebrate the power of unity and how our combined strengths lead to greater success and fulfillment for each student.
Our graduates often reflect on their sense of belonging and the supportive community at FCS as their most lasting takeaways. Unlike typical valedictorian speeches that focus solely on academic competition, our students celebrate the care of their teachers, the opportunities they’ve embraced, and the relationships they’ve built. On graduation day, we frequently hear from grateful parents who recognize the profound value of an FCS education.
Our recent Friendzy assessment, part of our K-12 social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum, reveals that FCS students feel deeply supported by their teachers. They recognize the value of being "Better Together" with educators dedicated to their growth and well-being.
At FCS, we emphasize the importance of mutual encouragement and love and are committed to seeing each student thrive in an environment where staff and teachers genuinely invest in their success. By celebrating achievements, supporting through challenges, and fostering a culture of unity, we help students carry these values into all areas of their lives. Our goal is to embody the love of Jesus every day, reinforcing that we are truly “Better Together.”
We’re honored that you’ve chosen to have your child join us for the 2024–2025 school year as a Fremont Christian Warrior. Thank you for your partnership in providing an education that helps your child understand their place in God’s plan and their potential to make a positive impact in the world.
Senior Spotlight: Ethan Wroten and Hannah Raboca
Fremont Christian School proudly spotlights two exceptional seniors, Ethan Wroten and Hannah Raboca, who have demonstrated remarkable dedication and passion in their academic and athletic pursuits. Their love for sports has led both students—who also happen to be close friends—to focus on kinesiology in their college careers.
Discovering a Love for New Sports
Ethan began Fremont Christian School (FCS) in 7th grade, when he transferred from Prince of Peace Christian School. His transition to FCS was marked by his immediate involvement in the school's athletic programs, beginning with baseball. Despite joining mid-season, Ethan found a welcoming environment and quickly adapted to his new team.
Baseball, a sport not offered at his previous school, was just the beginning. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges, but Ethan continued to participate in sports, highlighting his resilience and adaptability. Over the years, he discovered his true passion for volleyball and soccer, eventually choosing to focus on these sports by his sophomore year. Junior year saw Ethan balancing soccer, basketball, and volleyball, though he admitted that basketball was particularly demanding.
In his senior year, Ethan decided to concentrate on soccer and volleyball, opting to leave basketball behind due to his growing interest in other sports. Reflecting on his journey, Ethan emphasized the importance of enjoying the sports he played and the camaraderie with his teammates. "I've enjoyed every moment of it. It’s been great having great coaches and great teammates," he said, encapsulating his positive experience at FCS.
Ethan was named one of FCS’s Athletes of the Year, an honor granted by the Athletic Department to athletes who best fulfill all the qualities of the Warrior Athlete. An ACSI Distinguished Christian High School Student, Ethan was named an All-League Player by the Bay Area Conference/Bay Counties League and also received the gold President’s Education Award, awarded by the U.S. Department of Education to students who maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and who score in the 85th percentile or greater in English or math on a nationally recognized test. Additionally, he is a recipient of the Vangie and Mike Lopez Scholarship, which was initiated to reward and encourage students who have been active and positive contributors to the FCS community, and the Leroy Cloud Scholarship, bestowed upon a student who best demonstrates Christ’s indwelling presence, shows spiritual maturity to the community, and plans to attend a Christian college or university.
He will be attending Westmont College in Santa Barbara, which his sister currently attends. After obtaining his degree in kinesiology, he hopes to work in physical therapy.
Balancing Athletics and Academics
Our other Athlete of the Year, Hannah has a long history with the school, having started at FCS in third grade. Her introduction to sports was influenced by her brother, leading her to start playing basketball in fourth grade. Over the years, she explored other sports such as soccer but ultimately found her first love in basketball.
Apart from sports, Hannah has a deep passion for music. She participated in the school choir and band, playing the trumpet and later the tuba. Her involvement in music provided a creative outlet and a different kind of team experience, enriching her high school journey.
In her senior year, Hannah decided to try volleyball, a sport she had previously avoided. To her surprise, she enjoyed it immensely and wished she had started earlier. Looking ahead, Hannah is committed to attending George Fox University in Oregon, where she plans to study kinesiology. Her interest in this field was sparked by her experiences in sports and her desire to help other athletes.
Hannah learned valuable lessons about teamwork, communication, and the importance of enjoying the game rather than playing for the audience. She advises younger students to "get out of your head and not play for the people in the stands," emphasizing playing for the love of the sport and for the glory of God. Expressing gratitude, Hannah thanked her family, especially her sister, who was her biggest cheerleader, and her coaches for their support and guidance throughout her athletic journey.
Hannah lettered in vocal music, basketball, soccer, and volleyball, was named an All-League Player for all three sports, and was recognized as an ACSI Distinguished Christian High School Student in academics, athletics, and Christian service.
The stories of Ethan and Hannah highlight the diverse experiences and growth that come from participating in athletics at FCS. Their dedication, resilience, and passion serve as an inspiration to their peers and future students, showcasing the profound impact of sports on their personal and academic development. Fremont Christian School celebrates these remarkable students and wishes them continued success in their future endeavors.
FCS Achieves Platinum Status on the 2023 AP School Honor Roll
Fremont Christian School is thrilled to announce it has been named to the 2023 AP School Honor Roll as a Platinum member, the highest tier! This prestigious accolade is awarded to schools that excel in both AP program participation and performance, reflecting our dedication to academic excellence and our students' commitment to achieving their highest potential.
Exceptional Student Achievement
- 88% of our seniors took at least one AP exam during their high school career.
- 66% of our seniors scored a three or higher on at least one AP exam.
- 41% of our seniors took five or more AP exams.
We also had the following AP Scholars:
- AP Scholars: 15 (2.81 average score)
- AP Scholar with Honor: 5 (3.38 average score)
- AP Scholar with Distinction: 10 (4.23 average score)
These outstanding statistics highlight how FCS exceeded the qualification requirements for Platinum status in every category, showcasing our students' academic stature and commitment.
Learn more about our 2024 graduating class here.
Comprehensive AP Program Offerings
At FCS, we believe in providing a robust and diverse AP program to cater to our students' varied interests and academic aspirations. Our AP program includes:
- 15+ AP courses offered (10 on campus and 5+ online), ensuring students have the opportunity to explore a wide range of subjects.
- 7 dedicated and highly qualified teachers who bring their expertise and passion for teaching to each AP class.
Each course is meticulously designed to challenge students and prepare them for the demands of college-level coursework.
Commitment to Academic Excellence
Achieving Platinum Status on the AP School Honor Roll is a testament to our school's unwavering commitment to academic excellence. Our dedicated teachers, supportive administration, and motivated students work collaboratively to create an environment where academic success is not only encouraged but celebrated.
“We are immensely proud of our inquisitive, reflective learners who embrace the learning opportunities carefully planned by their teachers to meet the goals of the AP program,” says Head of School Dr. Tricia Meyer. “FCS is a small community where students embrace challenging work and grow. This award is proof.”