Grand Rapids Christian Schools
As the largest private school association in Michigan, Grand Rapids Christian Schools is committed to providing a quality, faith-based education to students in preschool through 12th grade. With four campuses throughout Grand Rapids and Rockford and over 2200 students annually, Grand Rapids Christian Schools nurtures the lives of a spiritually, culturally and economically diverse student body, preparing them to be effective servants of Christ in contemporary society. We hold ourselves to the highest standards as we strive for excellence in education, based on a foundation of faith, a tradition of excellence, and a legacy of success.
Foundation of Faith
At Grand Rapids Christian Schools, we are dedicated to educating and inspiring students in a faith-based environment. We believe your child’s potential is God-given and infinite. With dedicated teachers, a caring staff, challenging curricula, wholesome athletics and arts, and high expectations, we let the Spirit work through us to help students achieve their greatest potential.
Our Mission
Preparing students to be effective servants of Christ in contemporary society.
Our Core Values
Students, parents, and staff are made in the image of God and, as a learning community, are committed to fully developing students' gifts in ways that affirm and celebrate each person.Our school environment conveys God's love and motivates students to understand and delight in God's universe, exploring old and new questions, from a Biblical perspective. In and outside of the classroom, what we teach and how we teach focuses on understanding our God, the breadth of creation, and how we must respond to God. Our Christian learning community is committed to excellence, and all students are challenged to develop and use their God-given gifts. Students are prepared to seek to reclaim God's world through work and service.
Our Statement of Faith
Grand Rapids Christian Schools subscribe to a faith in the triune God--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe that God has revealed himself in the Bible as a loving God, actively in control of human lives and history.
Our Faith Perspective
“Our World Belongs to God: A Contemporary Testimony” (shared with permission by the Christian Reformed Church in North America) is the Christian perspective that guides Grand Rapids Christian Schools. The Contemporary Testimony provides biblical perspective for the entire curriculum, not just in religion courses. It also affirms that the purpose of education is to enable students to become spiritually wise, world-engaging citizens of God’s Kingdom, not just successful income-earners and good citizens.
For a more detailed explanation of the perspective found in “Our World Belongs to God: A Contemporary Testimony”, click here.
Tradition of Excellence
We serve over 2200 preschool through high school students in the metropolitan Grand Rapids area. Our campuses extend throughout the city and north into Rockford. Grand Rapids Christian Schools also offers a variety of Early Childhood Development options, including full-and half-day preschool for three- and four-year-olds, Transitions for young 5’s and Kindergarten.
What follows is a brief description of the GRCS school programs. More detailed information can be found under the Schools tab.
Early Childhood Development (Preschool and Transitions)
We offer a wonder-filled time of faith and focused play customized for three to five-year-olds as they begin their journey of interactive learning. Our teachers are fully certified, and our preschool, located at our new state-of-the-art campus, offers a range of scheduling options as well as Spanish Immersion classes.
Elementary Schools
Our elementary program is designed to lay the foundation for life-long learning. Within a challenging curriculum, we integrate Christian teachings through traditional and differentiated instruction. Our curriculum is enriched with fine arts, physical education and technology, and our teachers are experienced and dedicated. Our three campuses are conveniently located throughout Grand Rapids and Rockford. Our Evergreen Program offers an alternative environment of inquiry-based learning and a balanced calendar.
Middle Schools
We offer a faith-based, liberal arts education that focuses on academic excellence and fine arts experiences. Students at both campuses can participate in unique, hands-on learning experiences - a National Science Academy at both middle schools and a 6th grade environmental science program at Rockford Christian. In addition to our focused academic programs, we also offer a variety of sports, including intramurals for sixth graders, no-cut sports for 7th graders and a variety of competitive athletics for 8th graders.
High School
Grand Rapids Christian High School provides students in grades nine through twelve with a rigorous academic environment that encourages intellectual, physical and spiritual growth. GRCHS teachers create dynamic classes that invite inquiry, nurture creative thinking and meet the needs of students with different learning styles. A growing list of Advanced Placement and honors classes gives students the opportunity to excel. GRCHS offers more than 25 competitive sports and an array of extra-curricular activities for students to explore. Our programs and facilities expand students’ opportunities to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength:
Beginning in January 2013, Winterim will engage students in a two-week amplified learning experience, allowing them to choose their own courses of interest including unique on-campus courses, domestic and international travel, and professional internships throughout the community.
The DeVos Center for Arts and Worship offers hands-on experiences in Fine Arts, both on stage and behind the scenes.
Our beautifully renovated Eagles Stadium boasts synthetic turf, new and expanded bleacher seating, full concessions, home and visiting team locker and coach rooms in a premier facility that supports track and field, youth and high school football programs, Lacrosse, and many community-wide events.
The Quest Center, our new indoor athletic facility, features a state-of-the-art weight and fitness/training room, indoor track, locker rooms, and full-size courts to support boys and girls indoor sports and intramural programs.
Administration
As an independent, nonprofit school system, Grand Rapids Christian Schools is operated by an Association whose membership consists of parents, staff, donors, and alumni. The Superintendent is the chief administrator of Grand Rapids Christian Schools. We are governed by an elected Board of Trustees. Grand Rapids Christian Schools is a member of Christian Schools International, an association of Christian schools in the evangelical, reformed tradition.
Teachers, Counselors and Staff
Teachers, counselors and staff at Grand Rapids Christian Schools (GRCS) integrate faith and knowledge everyday in our classrooms. Our teaching community is centered around demonstrating the nurturing love of God within an environment that is passionate for excellence and the achievement of each child.
Legacy of Success
Grand Rapids Christian Schools’ tradition of excellence in education began in 1969 when eight area Christian schools (Creston, East Paris, GRCHS, Mayfield, Millbrook, Seymour, Sylvan, and Oakdale) formed the Grand Rapids Christian School Association. While conforming to the high standards and guiding principles set forth by the Association, the schools have kept the unique characteristics that made them outstanding neighborhood schools. Forty years later, GRCS consists of two elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school.
Of the Class of 2012, 94% went on to attend college. Our graduates are among the best in their fields and have used their education to make positive contributions to their communities, professions and churches. Our loyal alumni remain active in GRCS activities and sustain us with their generous contributions and unwavering support.
As we have grown and changed, Grand Rapids Christian Schools’ love for the Lord, commitment to diversity and tradition of excellence has remained. It is a tradition built on a foundation of faith and the knowledge that all of life and learning belongs to our Lord and Savior.
Our mission to equip students to be effective servants of Christ continues to guide our work as we build on our rich heritage and continue to look toward a bright future together.