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Admissions

Welcome to Eastern Christian School

Our deep hope for our students is that they will grow up to become world-changing Christian leaders, compassionate and respectful servants of the most high God, and excellent in whatever God calls them to do. We have been around for more than 125 years. Our impact spans generations. And we are so excited to partner with you to raise the next generation. If you are interested in exploring the school, please reach out to our admissions team today. 

If you are looking for a school where each child is important, where teachers, administrators, and staff take an active interest in their students' well being, where rigorous coursework will prepare your son or daughter for the challenges of the future, where enduring friendships are made, and where a Christ-centered education is a priority, then you must consider enrolling your child at Eastern Christian.

  • Daniel Onove
  • Parent

Daniel Onove

Parent

What do you love about EC?
Eastern Christian provides a rigorous academic environment with a caring, competent staff. It is small enough to present a family atmosphere and yet large enough to offer a full range of extra curricular activities in the areas of athletics, drama, and technology. All of the teachers, administrators, and staff knew my children by name and took an interest in their present well being and prospects for future success.

Why did you choose Eastern Christian School for your children?
We chose Eastern Christian because we were looking for a school that offered engaging educational opportunities in a Christ-centered environment. We wanted to ensure that the school they attended would prepare them for the future they envisioned. We have not been disappointed. Our older boys secured generous college scholarships and are now safely ensconced in rewarding and promising professions. All were prepared by their experience at EC for the advanced education that followed high school.

In what ways have you seen your children grow in their faith as a result of their experience at Eastern Christian School?
Through their exposure to teachers, administrators, and staff who embody Biblical values, my children were presented with Christian role models who helped guide their path. Faith-based community service and regular Bible study also led them to grow in faith and commitment.

The Eastern Christian tagline is “Engaging. Nurturing. Transforming.” How does your child experience this at EC?
Eastern Christian has so many wonderful, caring, and committed teachers, staff, and administrators. It is through their nurturing that students are motivated to get involved in activities that engage their minds and spirits. And as they become more deeply involved in studying the Scriptures, praying, and worshiping, a transformation occurs that deepens their faith and leads them into a closer, more productive relationship with our Creator, and, by extension, those within their sphere of influence.

 

What would you tell another parent to encourage them to consider enrolling their child at Eastern Christian School?
If you are looking for a school where each child is important, where teachers, administrators, and staff take an active interest in their students’ well being, where rigorous coursework will prepare your son or daughter for the challenges of the future, where enduring friendships are made, and where a Christ-centered education is a priority, then you must consider enrolling your child at Eastern Christian.

 

 

 

Our Admissions Team

Leah Genuario

Leah Genuario

Director of Enrollment

Leah GenuarioGraduate 1997

Director of Enrollment

Start Date: 2013

Education: B.A. - Communication Arts, Gordon College

Bio:

Leah was the former editor-in-chief of a leading industry trade journal, having spent 13 years in the B2B publishing industry prior to joining Eastern Christian School. A long-standing high school teacher and communications professional, she assumed a new role as Director of Enrollment Management in 2025. Leah is passionate about Christian education, recognizing its power to change lives and impact communities for God’s glory. She is married to her high school sweetheart, and they currently have two children.

Nicole Woudenberg

Nicole Woudenberg

Admissions Counselor

Nicole WoudenbergGraduate 2011

Admissions Counselor

Start Date: 2025

Education: B.S. - Business Management, William Paterson University

Bio:

Nicole is excited to be back at EC, this time as part of the admissions team. A proud alumna, she values the strong faith foundation and supportive community she experienced as a student, and she is passionate about helping new families discover the same.

Nicole is a lifelong North Haledon resident and attends Calvary Temple International. She also volunteers as a mentor at New Hope Ministries.

Outside of work, Nicole enjoys traveling, tending to her growing plant collection, and spending time with family and friends.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

View all FAQs
  • Do you have full-day or part-day child care?
    Early Education Admissions

    Eastern Christian School does not offer traditional child care. Instead, EC provides curriculum-based preschool and kindergarten programs with full-day and half-day options. Students are placed in Pre-K3, Pre-K4, Transitional Kindergarten, or Kindergarten based on their age and developmental readiness.

    • Pre-K3 and Pre-K4: Families may choose a two-day schedule (Tuesday and Thursday), a three-day schedule (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday), or a five-day schedule. Full-day programming runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., and half-day programming runs from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
    • Transitional Kindergarten: Students attend five days per week. Families may choose either a full-day schedule from 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. or a half-day schedule from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for the entire week.
    • Kindergarten: Students attend Monday through Friday from 8:20 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Families may choose half days on Tuesday, Thursday, or both days, with half-day programming running from 8:20 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

    Before- and after-school care is available for students from preschool through grade 2. Learn more about EC’s preschool program, kindergarten program, and before- and after-school care.

  • What age does my child need to be to start preschool?
    Preschool Admissions

    Children can start preschool at Eastern Christian School as early as 2.5 years old. Age and schedule requirements vary by program:

    • Pre-K3: Children must be 2 years old by April 1 prior to the school year. Families may choose a two-day schedule (Tuesday and Thursday), a three-day schedule (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday), or a five-day schedule. Each schedule is available as either a full-day or half-day program.
    • Pre-K4: Children must be 3 years old by April 1 prior to the school year. Families may choose a two-day schedule (Tuesday and Thursday), a three-day schedule (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday), or a five-day schedule. Each schedule is available as either a full-day or half-day program.
    • Transitional Kindergarten: Children must be 4 years old by April 1 prior to the school year. Students attend five days per week, and families may choose either a full-day or half-day schedule for the entire week.
    • Program Hours: Full-day preschool runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., while half-day preschool runs from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

    Learn more about EC’s preschool programs.

  • What age does my child need to be to start Kindergarten?
    Kindergarten Admissions

    A student must be 5 years old by October 1 to enroll in kindergarten for a given school year.

    Eastern Christian’s kindergarten program meets Monday through Friday from 8:20 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Families may choose a half day on Tuesday, Thursday, or both days, with dismissal at noon. All other weekdays are full days.

    Learn more about EC’s kindergarten program.

  • Can we schedule a shadow day so our child can visit the school?
    Elementary SchoolMiddle SchoolHigh School Admissions

    We welcome your child to experience a shadow day, where they spend a half or full day alongside a current student to get a true feel for daily life here. Shadow days are open to current students in grades K-11, with visits generally available from September through June. For students entering grades 1-8, starting the application is required before scheduling. You can easily request a student shadow and choose the campus that fits your child’s grade level. We look forward to showing you our community!

  • What grade levels does the school serve, and what ages can apply?
    Admissions

    Eastern Christian School welcomes students from Preschool (starting at 2.5 years old) through Grade 12. Our campuses serve:

    • Preschool & Elementary (K-2): Focus on nurturing whole-child growth in a Christ-centered environment.
    • Upper Elementary & Middle School (Grades 3-8): Supporting academic, social, and spiritual development during these key years.
    • High School (Grades 9-12): Preparing teens for college and life with rigorous academics and leadership opportunities.

    Each stage offers age-appropriate programs designed to help your child thrive academically, socially, and spiritually. Learn more about our Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, and High School programs.

  • Is there an admissions deadline, and what if we miss it?
    Admissions

    Admissions deadlines vary by grade level and applicant type, but here’s what you need to know:

    • Priority enrollment for current families runs October 1–15.
    • Early decision for new families is available from October 16 to December 4, with admissions decisions made by January 8.
    • Rolling admissions continue after early decision until classes reach capacity.
    • International students applying should follow the specific deadlines listed here.
    • If classes or resources reach capacity, you may be placed in a wait pool or consider deferred enrollment for the next year.

    For detailed timelines and next steps, check our application timeline. We’re here to help you secure a spot!

  • Is there an application fee to be considered for enrollment?
    Admissions

    There is a one-time, non-refundable application fee of $100 per family to be considered for enrollment. This fee must be submitted with your application and is required before the application process continues. For details on the full application steps, including required forms and recommendations, you can review the apply page. This applies to all grade levels from preschool through high school.

  • What paperwork or documents do we need to apply?
    Admissions

    Applying to Eastern Christian School starts with an application form that will take approximately 10 minutes. After you’ve paid the application fee, a parent portal will open up for you to track your application.

    A completed application includes:

    -Birth certificate
    -School recommendation form (you will be prompted to provide a school admin name and email address)
    -Pastor recommendation form (one per family; You will be prompted to provide a pastor name and email address)
    -Two years of report cards or progress reports, Recent standardized test scores, IEP or 504 plans if applicable (these pieces of information are dependent on age of child and prior schooling background)

    For international applicants, additional documents are required to complete the application:
    - I-20 Information Form, Student Questionnaire, Essay, Financial Form
    - English Teacher and School Recommendation Forms
    - Official School Transcript (translated into English)
    - Copy of Passport and Immunization Record
    - One English proficiency test score (TOEFL, iTEP, SSAT, or Duolingo)

    All forms must be in English to avoid delays. For more information, you can review the apply page.

  • Do new students need to take a placement test or academic evaluation?
    Elementary SchoolMiddle SchoolHigh School Admissions

    New students at Eastern Christian School take placement tests or academic evaluations tailored to their grade level to ensure the best fit and support:

    • Preschool: No formal placement test, but early learning is assessed through developmentally appropriate activities.
    • Elementary School: Kindergarten applicants take a placement assessment with no prep needed. Older elementary students are also assessed in a slightly less structured format.
    • Middle & High School: Placement testing or assessments may be required if standardized test scores aren’t available. High school students complete math placement tests and writing essays after enrollment.

    These steps help us understand your child’s strengths and needs for a successful start. Learn more about applying to EC.

  • When will we hear if our student is accepted?
    Admissions

    Once we have received all documents, forms, and fees, the school will contact you with an admissions decision or to schedule an interview. The interview will be conducted in person at Eastern Christian School with the student and at least one parent attending.

    If all admissions requirements are satisfied, the EC Admissions Office will notify the parent that the student has been accepted as a new student!

    For early decision applicants (those applying before December 4), decisions are typically sent by January 8. International students who submit priority applications by February 1 and complete their interview usually receive decisions by March 1. In some cases, if space is limited, decisions may be deferred until April 15. Once accepted, enrollment is finalized upon receipt of the enrollment fee.

    For more information, you can review the apply page.

  • Do siblings of current students get priority in admissions?
    Admissions

    The application window for siblings of current students and staff families open first during Priority Enrollment from October 1-15. This priority applies from preschool through grade 12, helping families keep their children together in a supportive community. Completing the full admissions process by the deadlines ensures timely decisions. For full details on the enrollment timeline and process, see our application timeline and admissions process.

  • What payments are due to confirm our child's enrollment?
    Admissions

    To confirm your child's enrollment, the required payments for most families include:

    • A one-time $100 application fee submitted with the application.
    • A $500 deposit toward the first month's tuition due at contract signing.
    • A $1,000 Capital Improvement Fee for new families with students entering grades 6-12.

    For details on tuition amounts and payment deadlines, please see our tuition information and our application checklist. If you have questions, our enrollment team is happy to assist you.

    Looking for international student information? [Learn more here] (https://www.easternchristian.org/international-programs/admissions/tuition-information/)

  • What should parents expect during registration and orientation?
    Admissions

    During registration and orientation, parents can expect to complete enrollment by submitting necessary forms, signing the financial contract, and paying the tuition deposit. Families work closely with the enrollment department to ensure all documents are completed and are guided through required campus forms by the office manager of their specific campus.

    For preschool families, there is a Parents Night serving as an orientation where parents meet their child’s teacher and explore the classroom, along with a daytime meet-and-greet event for students to familiarize themselves with the environment. Elementary families attend a New Family Meet & Greet to meet teachers and explore classrooms and campus. Upper elementary and middle school families participate in a new family orientation to become familiar with the campus, processes, and staff. High School families have course scheduling meetings and orientation sessions for both students and parents to learn about the campus and available programs. Explore registration and orientation details here.