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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. It is expected to be completed by the fall of 2006.
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. |