In the World, Not of the World
Ambassadors Christian School is a small Christian day school in the Ottawa region that offers excellent education saturated by the gospel of grace. Our school is dedicated to providing a nurturing environment where students can learn and grow in their faith, academic excellence, and Christian character development.
Principal's Welcome
Welcome to Ambassadors Christian School! We are a community of like-minded believers who are passionate about providing our students with a Christ-centered education that equips them to make a positive impact on the world. At Ambassadors, we believe that every child is a unique creation of God, and we are committed to helping them discover and develop their God-given potential.
We invite you to explore our website and contact us to ask any questions or to schedule a time we can meet with you. It would be a privilege and joy to help you explore what God has on your heart for your child's education.
- Caroline Van Grootheest
Mission
The Canadian Reformed School Society of Ottawa (CRSSO) is made up of Christians who desire to educate children in light of the fact that they are, by God’s grace, included in the covenant of his grace and are thereby, children of God.
In acknowledging Jesus Christ as King over all things, the CRSSO ensures that the education it provides nurtures the whole child – head, heart and hands.
ACS meets or exceeds Ontario’s Ministry of Education guidelines and the curriculum that is taught is similar but our approach and understanding are unique. The daily instruction and mentorship that is provided is founded on the word of God in the Bible and propels each child forward in their calling in all areas of life as Prophets, Priests and Kings.
Biblically Reformed Education for Christian Families
As Reformed Christians, we do not flee from the world. We do not build Reformed Christian day schools or send our kids to one, in order to insulate them from the world. But neither do we desire the ‘ways of the world’ to win their hearts. We also ensure that we don’t compartmentalize our children’s lives into separate fields of knowledge: ‘Church-life’ vs. the ‘World’. So what do we want? Would it surprise you to know that every one of us holds at least a dual citizenship? We all hold citizenship in Canada as well in heaven. As such, we work in the world as Christians and we work in the church as Canadians. Together as Christ followers, as a body of believers in covenant with God, we have a duty to teach our children a Christ-centered worldview — a way of looking at the world — seeing Christ's glory at the center of everything. What is the best way to teach our children to be citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven and the Dominion of Canada? We place them in a school that is supported by their spiritual community: A community that understands that children are already members of the kingdom, by God’s covenant of grace, but that they need to be taught and mentored along the way, to fulfil their calling in God’s kingdom as thankful and thoughtful Prophets, Priests, and Kings. The Reformation of the church in the 16th century has taught us that all Christians are called to be Prophet, Priests, and Kings (Lord’s Day 12, Q&A 31, The Heidelberg Catechism). •Prophets, to confess Christ in all the economies of life (gaining knowledge) •Priests, to live lives of personal thankful sacrifice: publicly and privately (Christian service) •Kings, to live lives of ethical self-discipline, looking forward to the return of the Great King (living wisely) This is not only the church’s task as if a “calling” is only something that is related to "church life", separated from our life in the world. On the contrary, this is also the task of the home and of the community in covenant with God; the whole ‘body of believers. John Calvin recognized and defended the practice of education for every child of the church. And now is the time to establish and maintain a new Reformed school for the next generation growing up in the nation’s capital, in order to instruct them in all the fields and disciplines of life—science, fine arts, and the humanities — all with a view to their calling according to their talents. This journey is challenging, but our burdens are light. We look behind, and we see the Father’s immense blessings in all the diligent work that is being done and the doors he has opened for ACS. We look ahead, and see the Father’s steadfast promises and put our faith in them because his Word is unchangeable. He has promised to bless his people when we work faithfully in his Kingdom. Let’s continue to do so, by not burying our talents but by supporting one another and by using our gifts and talents to strengthen the Kingdom and its Citizens, to the glory of God our Father.
“The primary goal of Christian education is the formation of a peculiar people, a people who desire the Kingdom of God and thus undertake their life’s expression of that desire.”
- James K. A. Smith
Faculty & Staff
A child's academic, moral and character education will blossom to its full potential when their teachers’ faith, values and principles are in alignment with their parents’ beliefs and convictions.
ACS employs a caring and professional staff who all believe in Jesus Christ and are living members in good standing of a local Reformed Church in Ottawa. Our faculty and staff are passionate about providing our students with a Christ-centered education that prepares them for success in all areas of life. They are committed to helping each child reach their full potential and grow in their faith.
THE TEACHERS AND STAFF OF ACS
[As pictured left to right]
Irene Visscher
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Phys Ed
Elizabeth Smith
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Bible 5-8
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Math 6, 7, 8
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Language Arts 6, 7, 8
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Music K-2, 3-5, 6-8
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Choir 3-5, 6-8
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Science 7-8
Ria Jans
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Social Studies 3-5, 6-8
Cindy Wildeboer
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Church History
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Math 4, 5
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Language Arts 4-5
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Science 3-4, 5-6
Dr. Nancy Schriemer
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French Language
Alison Linde
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Bible K-4
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Math K, 1
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Language Arts K, 1
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Science K-2
Jodi Van Popta
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Star of the Week
Caroline Van Grootheest
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Principal
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Math 2, 3
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Language Arts 2-3
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Typing 3-5
Evelyn Nieuwenhuis
(not pictured)
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Grammar 6, 7-8
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Art 2-8
Governing
Body
ACS is operated by the Canadian Reformed School Society of Ottawa (Charitable Registration No. 88659 3995 RR0001). In order to facilitate the regular business of the school, the society has elected a board of directors who are bound by the society’s constitution to ensure that the school’s constitution, bylaws and its statement of purpose are upheld. The board also manages the finances of the society and oversees its various committees.
The school society is a member school of the League of Canadian Reformed School Societies (LCRSS).