Dear Friends of South Christian High School,

As you may be aware, South Christian has commenced work to design and construct a new high school on Kalamazoo Avenue slated to open in Winter 2018. But we need your help.

To date, SCHS donors have pledged approximately 77% of the total anticipated cost. Thank you! However, we are committed to completing the project debt-free and are fundraising an additional $8 million.

Here’s how you can help. In October we will be sharing with you the future vision for SCHS, details of the building project, and how the new campus will impact generations to come.

We are asking that you begin to pray for this project as we move forward and consider your year-end gift to help fund the remaining $8 million.

The opportunity for South Christian is great; so is the need. Thank you in advance for your support.

Board decisions:

    At the April 25th Board meeting the following motions were passed:

  • Dan Vos Construction was selected as the construction management firm for the building project;
  • AMDG was selected as the architect for the building project;
  • The Board approved moving ahead with the site and building design with the firm’s noted above.
  • Currently the board has authorized spending money to design the building so that we best know what our costs will be and can spend as wisely as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What work has been accomplished?

On May 11, the building site on Kalamazoo Avenue was walked extensively with the architect, construction manager, and engineer. Also focus groups have toured a variety of facilities gleaning ideas for the site layout and building design. Soil samples were collected the week of May 23 and again in late August. Trees and shrubs have been removed from the building site and we are currently in the design development phase.

What is the overall cost of a new building?

The cost of a new school, which includes an auditorium, competition gym, and full-size auxiliary gym is approximately $37,000,000. Currently $29,000,000 has been raised in cash and pledges leaving a funding gap of $8,000,000. The funds raised to date do not include the sale of the current facility. When that occurs the proceeds of the sale will help fund the new facility on Kalamazoo Avenue.

When will ground-breaking occur?

We anticipate breaking ground spring of 2017.

When would we move into the new facility?

Based on the current timeline, we anticipate occupancy in November/December of 2018.

What will happen to the building/property on 68th Street?

At this time several options are being explored. We have time to consider various possibilities while we utilize this building for the next several years during the construction of the new facility. The proceeds from the sale of the building will help fund the new facility on Kalamazoo Avenue.

Will tuition increase due to a new building?

No. We are committed to raising adequate funds to endow the new facility. These funds would offset any potential increase in operating expenses. Also a more energy efficient building could reduce the facility operating expenses.

Will there be a football stadium and track?

Once the needed funds are raised to cover construction and endowment of the new facility, fundraising will be considered for the construction and endowment of a football/soccer stadium and track.

How can the SCHS community participate?

We celebrate the incredible gifts received to date for this project and invite the entire SCHS community to prayerfully and financially support the building project. Please consider how you can be involved with your time, talent, and treasure – a major strength of this community. Please contact Sandy Dobbs at sdobbs@schs.com or 616-455-3210 to discuss how you can be involved.