The History of South Christian High School
Over the years, South Christian has been an integral part of our West Michigan community. From humble and Christ-centered beginnings to the school’s current state of robust Christian education, South Christian goes above and beyond to anchor the lives of our students, staff, faculty, and community in the teachings of Christ. Learn more about our history.
THE 1950s
1950
Men of wisdom foresaw the need for a Christian high school between the area of Godwin Heights and Moline. It was a unanimous vote, and the Association tentatively approved the name “South Kent Christian High School.”
1951
Fifteen acres were purchased on 68th Street, and the Association adopted the name “South Christian High School at Cutlerville.” Farmers seeded the property with oats, which produced a 320-bushel harvest that summer. In the fall, the property was sown with wheat.
1953
The cost of building and equipment was estimated at $125K. Baker, VanderVeen, DeYoung, and Kraker agreed to construct the building for $98K.
1954
The building was dedicated on August 27, 1954. Classes began on September 7 with a total of 109 students enrolled in grades 10 and 11.
1955
Twelfth grade was added, making this the first year as a full, three-year high school. The Association approved an auditorium/gymnasium for an estimated cost of $175K.
THE 1960s
1962
In the fall, the Association approved the third addition to the original building to cost approximately $110K.
1964
South Christian’s first football team was formed.
1966
It was predicted that the school would be close to capacity, and the long-term planning committee proposed Project 70, a three-phase expansion.
THE 1970s
1970
The first expansion included two classrooms, a music room, a science room, and a library.
1971
The second expansion included an industrial arts facility, a language laboratory, plus an expansion of the gymnasium.
1973
Plans were approved for the third and final phase of Project 70, including a new gymnasium and changing the existing gym into an auditorium.
1976
South Christian acquired the anchor from the U.S. Naval Ship, the USS Stockham.
THE 1980s & 1990s
1987
The South Christian High School Foundation was formed.
1991
An addition was built onto the school building to make room for a 9th grade class coming in 1992.
1992
South Christian added the 9th grade.
1999
South Christian purchased 130 acres on Kalamazoo Ave for athletic facilities and the long-range plan to build a new school. That same year, they also broke ground for the South Christian High School Sports Park.
1999
Groundbreaking for South Christian High School Sports Park.
THE 2000s & 2010s
2001
South Christian attendance peaked.
2016
South Christian received a pledge designated for a new facility on the Kalamazoo Ave property.
2017
South Christian broke ground for new high school on Kalamazoo Ave.
2019
South Christian dedicated the new building and welcomed students into the new facility.
THE 2020s
2020
The 43.2 million dollar building was paid off. Donations and grants were given – both environmentally and financially.
Solar panel array was added to reduce the electrical use of the building.
2021
The Equipping Hands & Hearts campaign kicked off to build a new shop class and to transform the current space into a new art room, a maker space, and a new classroom.
Faith remains at our core
South Christian’s academic program is designed to infuse faith into the curriculum, inviting students to see how what they’re learning equips them to honor God with their lives. A variety of classes are offered, allowing students to explore new things or grow in the passions God has uniquely given them. Our teaching staff is composed of committed Christians, who are dedicated to learning and growing professionally and personally so that they are equipped to teach and serve their students well.
Our students collaborated with the architect to come up with the theme of this mission piece: The Pillar of Fire. The design of the pillar starts at the base representing the Old Testament and the pillar of fire that led the Israelites out of Egypt. As the design continues, it goes into the New Testament and the tongues of fire, which represent Pentecost.
BUILT ON A FOUNDATION
of a personal relationship with Christ, we equip and inspire students as whole persons: body, mind, and spirit.
South Christian strives to be a spiritually vibrant educational community that reflects God’s Kingdom. We seek God’s leading in providing academically exceptional offerings, culturally relevant methods, and service-oriented community activities.
We will accomplish this through:
- Excellence in governance and leadership
- Attraction and retention of exceptional educators
- Innovation in educational systems and delivery
- An unbending commitment in biblical truth
Faith Integrated Academics
Equipping students to live Christ-centered lives means that faith influences everything we do, both in and out of the classroom.
Through learning students will discover how to serve God to their greatest potential.
The faculty and staff at South Christian are committed to being faithful followers of Jesus. The faculty is trained both academically and spiritually to teach, mentor, and grow students in content knowledge and in the knowledge of God.
Educational Staff
Office Staff
Maintenance Staff
SCHOOL BOARD
Our school is guided by a dedicated school board. Each member serves a 3-year term.