The
very existence of Shoreline Christian School is testimony to the
understanding the 'all things are possible through Christ.'
A School
is born
In
early 1994, several Christian families believed God was calling
them to start a Christian school on the shoreline. They wanted to
found a school that promoted high academic, spiritual and moral
standards and which would equip children to become godly leaders
in their communities. They believed the need for such a school was
great since area parochial had large classes and waiting lists and
there were no other Christian schools within a 30-to-40-mile radius.
After
an initial meeting attended by 20-25 families, a steering/planning
committee was formed to research starting a school. God continually
answered prayers and met needs as people donated their time and
money to get the school started.After
searching long and hard for a building to rent, Christ Chapel in
North Madison graciously offered the fledgling school a very low
rent and wonderful prayer support.
While
developing the school, the founders sought out other Christian schools
for advice and information. Based on their findings, they decided
that SCS should not be a part of any church or denomination and
that the student body would not be limited to believers only. In
addition, they decided to make it a parent-run school by giving
parents the privilege of electing board members and approving the
annual budget. From the outset, the parents – and even grandparents
– of the students have played an active role in the school, providing
many of the extracurricular activities. The Parent-Teacher Fellowship
supports the school in many ways such including fundraising and
a weekly hot lunch program.
In
the fall of 1994, Shoreline Christian School opened its doors with
two teachers and 15 children enrolled in kindergarten through third
grade. Each year the school has grown as the Lord has provided for
our needs by bringing us committed families and dedicated staff.
Today,
with more than 70 students in kindergarten through grade seven,
13 teachers and staff, and a new building, it is fun to look back
at our beginnings. At one early board meeting, the five members
were trying to decide on a name for the school, but there were no
strong preferences. After names like "Lighthouse Christian School"
and "Coastline Academy" were discussed, "The Shoreline Christian
School, Inc." was selected. It wasn’t until much later that someone
noticed that it is interesting to see how the name breaks down.
Twelve characters from the start and twelve characters from the
end is Christ’s name: The Shoreline Christian School,
Inc. God does have a sense of humor! Our desire from the very beginning
has been that Jesus be the center of everything we do at SCS – and
that is obviously His desire also.
|