Building Skills by Building Robots: Inside FCS’s New Robotics Program
September 29, 2025
What do teamwork, creativity, and 3D printing have in common? They’re all part of Fremont Christian School’s new robotics program—an exciting after-school opportunity that’s already making a big impact across three grade levels.
Launched this year under the guidance of Student Activities Director Jimmy Fu and Mrs. Mathews (who teaches coding, AP statistics, and AP computer science), the robotics program gives elementary, junior high, and high school students a hands-on chance to explore engineering, design, and problem-solving in a fun, collaborative setting. Whether students are assembling their first motorized car or diving into 3D modeling, the program meets them at their level — and helps them grow.
From Legos to Code: Robotics for All Ages
All students meet after school in small groups, working with kits provided through a partnership with Valley Christian School and their affiliated tech organization. While younger students follow instructor-led video lessons (think: IKEA instructions meet STEM lab), older students build more complex, tank-like machines using metal parts and real tools. High schoolers even learn 3D printing and will eventually design their own parts and mechanisms from scratch.
Each class is guided in person by Mr. Fu and Mrs. Mathews, who help facilitate and coach students while the lessons are led virtually.
Learning Through Play and Purpose
While robotics is inherently technical, the real goal this year is simpler: spark creativity and build confidence.
“We want them to have fun,” says Mr. Fu. “And we want them to learn how to be creative again.”
Students aren’t just following instructions — they’re learning to think critically and improve their designs. One student took apart and rebuilt his robot four times. Another wasn’t sure how to begin but started experimenting with suggestions. Mr. Fu sees it as a reminder that play-based learning can be one of the most powerful forms of growth.
And the lessons go beyond engineering. In the younger grades, students share kits and must learn teamwork, cooperation, and communication — skills just as vital as coding and construction.
Competitions & Cross-Curricular Connections
Although FCS’s robotics program is still in its early stages, the long-term vision includes competitive events. Each year, high school robotics teams from across the region gather for competitions featuring robots with specific tasks.
“We’re not there yet,” says Mr. Fu, “but the goal is to build up to competitions.” In the meantime, students will participate in in-class challenges, and FCS may attend events hosted by its partner school as observers or participants.
As the program develops, robotics is also paving the way for interdisciplinary learning. In high school, students will use geometry and measurement to design 3D-printable parts and potentially write analytical reflections or design proposals—touching on STEM, communication, and even entrepreneurship. For elementary and junior high, early lessons focus more on visual sequencing and spatial reasoning, but connections to science and the design process are already present.
“We’re essentially using the scientific method,” says Mr. Fu. “Hypothesis, testing, trial and error — those core principles are all there.”
A Team Effort
Mr. Fu is quick to credit his co-leader, Mrs. Matthews, as the “tech guru” of the program. While he handles hardware and building, she brings expertise in coding and digital tools, including a girls’ coding club she also leads on campus. Together, they’re modeling collaboration for their students — and learning alongside them.
He also sends weekly newsletters to parents with photos and updates, keeping families connected to the program’s progress and giving students a chance to showcase their accomplishments.
With strong student interest and support from both the school and partner organizations, the future looks bright for robotics at FCS. As more students discover the joy of building, testing, and innovating, Mr. Fu hopes the program will continue to grow — alongside the young engineers it inspires.
“This is new for all of us,” says Mr. Fu, “but I’m loving it. I’ve built plenty of Legos in my day, and now I get to help kids build something even cooler.”
Or, as the kids like to say: “The hype is real.”
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Academic Highlights
From Beijing to the FCS Stage: Jerry Yang’s Journey of Growth and Leadership
June 17, 2025
When Jerry Yang first arrived at Fremont Christian School, he was just 11 years old and shy about diving into school life. Now, as he enters his senior year, he’s thriving academically and artistically — and preparing to serve as senior class president.
Jerry came to the U.S. from Beijing, China, at the encouragement of his parents, who wanted him to experience a new culture and gain broader academic opportunities. Fremont Christian was recommended by a family friend as a welcoming community — a promise that Jerry found to be true almost immediately.
“I started in sixth grade,” Jerry says. “I didn’t make the decision — my parents wanted me to study abroad — but I’m glad they did.”
Finding His Place Through Music and Theater
One of Jerry’s earliest passions at FCS was music. He joined choir as a freshman and later advanced into Chamber Singers, the school’s elite vocal group. “I love singing, and I love my teachers and classmates,” he says. “Singing with other people is fun.”
A highlight of his musical journey was performing at Carnegie Hall in New York City with the FCS choir. “That was a huge memory for me,” Jerry says. “I’d never even been to New York before, and to perform at Carnegie was pretty cool.”
His involvement expanded to band and eventually the lead role in the school’s production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. “I really enjoy singing, and rehearsals were fun,” he says. “When I saw my scene improve after hard work, it made me really happy.”
A Growing Leader in the School Community
Jerry’s leadership on campus has also flourished. He served as an international student ambassador — helping new students from abroad feel welcome and informed — and next year will lead as senior class president. He’s also active in the United Student Body (USB), helping coordinate events and foster school spirit.
“I’m always trying to be a better person,” he says. “High school only happens once, and I want to live it to the fullest.”
His favorite memories include Spirit Week, choir and band trips, and late-night rehearsals with friends. “At first I wasn’t close to anyone, but getting involved helped me connect and make more friends,” Jerry shares.
Looking Back — and Ahead
Jerry says FCS has helped him grow in every area — academically, spiritually, and personally. “The teachers are really patient and care about our learning,” he says. “We also have Bible classes, mission trips, and chapel, which helped me experience God more.”
As he heads into his final year, Jerry is looking at University of California schools and applying for music scholarships. He’s considering switching to a business major once admitted, but for now, he’s focused on finishing strong.
His advice to younger students? “Get involved in school activities. Don’t be shy. I didn’t know how to do a lot at first, but if you keep trying, you’ll definitely get there.”
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FCS Student Spotlight
The Transformative Power of Theater: Performing in The Hunchback of Notre Dame
April 29, 2025
For the past six months, I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of Fremont Christian School’s production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, based on Victor Hugo’s novel and the Disney film of the same name. It was a return to the stage for me, after playing a small role in last year’s Little Women. What was a first for me this year was the scale of my involvement — I was playing the show’s villain, one of its main characters.
It was something that, two years ago, I would have never imagined myself doing. By the end of my sophomore year, I hadn’t been involved in the school theater department since I’d taken a one-trimester elective class in seventh grade. I had thought about joining stage crew but had never even tried to audition for a role. It was only after the encouragement of a few friends that I decided to sign up for theater class in my junior year, as well as choir.
Few things helped me grow in confidence as much as my involvement in both choir and theater did. I can’t give enough credit to my choir and theater teachers — Mr. Woll and Mrs. Woll, respectively — for what they taught me. Both have been so incredibly encouraging and supportive of me, and I’ve learned a great deal from both. It was in Mr. Woll’s choir that I learned proper singing technique for the first time, and in Mrs. Woll’s theater class that I learned how to approach character work and have a strong stage presence.
Still, it was a bit intimidating looking at how many lines I had to memorize for my part! Rehearsals were usually spent with me furiously reviewing my script any time I wasn’t acting, going over notes and trying to decide how I would express certain emotions or actions. It paid off, and I was able to focus more on character work and finding the heart behind certain lines.
For all the hard work put into the musical, I also can’t understate how much fun I had along with the other cast members. Every show, I could be found backstage lip-syncing or dancing along to one of the big musical numbers with my friends. During the long stretch of rehearsals leading up to tech week, it wasn’t uncommon for members of the cast to get boba together or pick up McDonald’s for each other. I practically lived off of McDonald’s, Subway, and coffee during the final week of rehearsals.
All the nerves, all the long days and rehearsals, all ended up paying off during opening night. There’s nothing quite like the mix of nervousness and exhilaration that you get finally performing in front of an audience. And there’s nothing quite like the joyful triumph you feel after you’ve finished your first show. It’s a feeling I’ll miss, since this was my last time on the FCS stage. I’m so incredibly grateful to have been given the opportunity to learn from the wonderful Wolls, to get to know so many of my peers so much better, and to have performed in such a wonderful show.
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Fine Arts
A Full-Circle Journey: From FCS Student to FCS Parent
March 11, 2025
When I first arrived at Fremont Christian School as a high school junior, I never imagined that one day, I’d be sending my own children here. My journey with FCS has truly come full circle — first as an international student from Hong Kong, and now as a parent watching my two kids, Olive and Elliot, thrive in the same community that once shaped me.
Finding My Way at FCS
Transferring to FCS from a large public high school with more than 4,000 students was a significant change for me. Suddenly, I was in a much smaller, close-knit environment where teachers knew each student by name, and personal connections were at the heart of the school experience.
As an international student adjusting to a new culture, I appreciated the individualized attention and the sense of belonging that FCS fostered. Teachers were always available to help, not just academically but also in making sure students felt supported in every way. I have fond memories of my Bible and public speaking teacher, Mr. Pierce, whose classroom became a welcoming space where I could ask questions, study, and receive encouragement.
While I wasn’t the most involved student at the time, looking back, I can see how FCS provided a strong foundation for personal growth. The emphasis on character, responsibility, and a nurturing environment left a lasting impression — one that ultimately influenced my decision to send my own children here.
Choosing FCS for My Children
Decades later, when it came time to choose a school for my own kids, I knew FCS was the right choice. We even purchased our home specifically because of its proximity to the school. My husband and I both attended public and private schools, so we understood the difference. We wanted a school that not only focused on academics but also instilled strong values and provided a nurturing environment.
From the beginning, we knew we wanted our children to have a Christ-centered education. But beyond that, we saw how FCS balanced academic rigor with personal attention, character development, and opportunities for students to participate in multiple activities. While some families prioritize sending their children to large, highly competitive schools, we asked ourselves: How many opportunities would our kids really have in a school of 4,000 students?
At FCS, students aren’t just another number. They have the chance to be involved in sports, music, and leadership programs that they might not be able to access in a larger school with more competition. For example, my daughter Olive is in multiple school bands, competes in swimming, and maintains excellent grades — all because she’s in an environment where she can truly thrive.
The Growth and Evolution of FCS
FCS has changed in so many ways since I was a student. The facilities are newer and more advanced, and the school has adapted to shifting demographics. When I attended, international students were rare, and teachers were still figuring out how to support students from different backgrounds. Today, FCS actively embraces diversity and works hard to create an inclusive environment.
One thing that remains the same, however, is the school’s dedication to knowing and supporting each student. The teachers don’t just focus on academics — they look at the whole person. They see my daughter’s potential and challenges and provide guidance that goes beyond the classroom. They communicate with me regularly, ensuring that I’m part of her academic and personal growth.
More Than Just Academics
One of the biggest reasons I chose FCS for my children is the emphasis on discipline, self-control, and making good choices. Even in preschool, students are taught the importance of decision-making. These lessons extend far beyond the classroom.
Because of this foundation, my children are incredibly disciplined. Olive, for example, juggles a rigorous academic schedule, multiple extracurriculars, and competitive swimming — all while making time for family, faith, and personal growth. She has learned to manage her time wisely, set priorities, and make responsible choices. Even simple things, like resisting social media distractions or making healthful food choices, stem from the values she has learned at FCS.
My son Elliot, though younger, is also learning these important life skills. The school reinforces accountability and personal responsibility, which I know will serve both of my children well in the future.
Why FCS Stands Out
As a parent, I’ve also had the opportunity to compare FCS to other private schools in the area. Many families leave FCS in search of “bigger and better” schools with more academic options or sports teams. But I always ask: Are those opportunities truly available to every student?
At FCS, students don’t have to compete with thousands of others for a spot on a sports team or a leadership role. They can actually participate, gain experience, and develop skills that will benefit them in college and beyond.
Academically, FCS offers plenty of advanced courses, including 17 AP classes. That’s more than enough for students who want to challenge themselves. But beyond academics, the school fosters a well-rounded education that emphasizes wisdom over mere knowledge — something that will be even more crucial in a world where AI and technology continue to evolve.
Advice for Parents Considering FCS
Choosing the right school is about finding the best fit. Some kids thrive in large, high-pressure environments, while others excel in a close-knit community. It’s important to align your family’s values with the school’s mission.
For our family, FCS provides the perfect balance of academic challenge, personal attention, and character development. We’d rather invest in our children’s early education, ensuring they build a strong foundation of faith, discipline, and responsibility, rather than rely on external factors to shape them later in life.
For parents considering FCS, my advice is this: Look beyond rankings and statistics. Focus on what truly matters — your child’s growth, happiness, and future success. At FCS, my children are not just getting a great education — they’re becoming well-rounded, confident individuals prepared to make a meaningful impact in the world.
And as a former student myself, I couldn’t ask for more.
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FCS Stories