|
|
|
Midland Christian School History
Several
families met throughout the mid-50’s to explore the possibility of
opening a Christian school in the Midland area. Their efforts led to
the formation of the Midland Christian School Association in 1958. In
September of 1960, Midland Christian School opened its doors at the
Church of the Brethren on the corner of Swede and Sugnet with one
teacher/principal, Marie Kroon, and seventeen students in grades K
through 3rd.
The school moved to the Church of God at the corner of Gordon and Grove
in 1964. Here, MCS expanded to two classrooms, two teachers, and
fifty-five students in grades K through sixth. The sale of the church
premises necessitated the move of the school back to the Church of the
Brethren facilities.
During the years 1969-1972, the enrollment grew to seventy-five
students taught by four teachers in
four classrooms. Grades seven and eight were added during this time.
However, it became apparent that if the Midland Christian School was
going to survive and grow further, a permanent home was necessary. So,
as a small step of faith, property on West Wackerly Road was donated to
the school and two portable classrooms were purchased and installed at
the Wackerly Road location. At that time, West Wackerly Road was a
gravel road on the outskirts of Midland.
The portable classrooms were divided to accommodate four classrooms.
Students and teachers began classes at 4417 West Wackerly Road in the
fall of 1973. At the same time, plans began in earnest to build a
suitable school building. Giant steps of faith were taken in 1973 and
1974 as building plans were approved, a mortgage loan secured, gifts
received, and finally, construction began on the new school.
Classes were held in the new building in the fall of 1974 with 102
students and five teachers. By the end of the second year in the new
building the enrollment expanded to 138 students taught by seven
teachers. The continued growth led to the construction of a
junior/senior high wing in 1976. Following the completion of this
addition, grade nine was added. A high school curriculum was developed
and instituted in the early 1980’s, which extended the educational
program from Pre-K through grade twelve. Nine students were in the
first graduating class of Midland Christian School in 1982.
Since then, many more exciting events have occurred, and are still
happening. For instance, in 1986 the MCS Boys soccer team won the
Michigan High School Athletic Association District Soccer Championship.
In 1990 MCS added the math and reading leveling program which was
developed to teach children at their ability level. In the 90’s, MCS
added a computer lab and a new heating and cooling system. In the fall
of 2000 an addition which includes a full-size gymnasium, locker rooms,
storage, three classrooms, and a cafeteria was completed. Midland
Christian School is currently working on the final stage of the 2000
addition which will be a full kitchen attached to the cafeteria.
Midland Christian School continues to exist in unity
with family and church to provide an educational environment that is
based on God’s word for maximum academic, physical, spiritual and
social growth of children, so that they will honor God with their lives.
|
|
