In the decades since Calvary Christian School opened its doors in 1978, the small private school has seen many changes, but perhaps none so great as what they’re experiencing now.
During the last two years, their enrollment has almost doubled and, to accommodate, they finally have the first of at least three new buildings under construction.
With over 400 students registered for the 2022-23 school year, which begins Monday, Sept. 12, the current collection of classrooms and learning annexes at 1140 Rush Ave., Bellefontaine, are bursting at the seams.
By comparison, they had about 220 students in 2020. Unfortunately, the new building won’t be ready for at least a couple months.
“We initially targeted the beginning of September,” Ryan Hyde, CCS principal, said, “but we had delays and a thousand hoops to jump through. Now we’re looking at November, though there’s still plenty of opportunity for something else to go wrong.”
Still, when it comes to the future of CCS, Hyde is much more optimistic. Though the new structure will initially hold classrooms for first-through third-grade, along with some office space, it will eventually serve as their administrative building. That’s after they add an elementary and a high school with enough combined space for over 800 students.
This year’s increased enrollment also brings 51 staff members, including Tony Carter, the new athletic director and dean of students, as well as Ben Moore, admissions and marketing director.
What some people might not know is CCS has been fully accredited since May 2020.
“When we finished our accreditation that opened many doors for us that have benefitted our families,” Hyde said, “like bus transportation, after-school tutoring and scholarships to make tuition more doable.”
Those scholarships include EdChoice and Jon Peterson Special Needs scholarships. The latter go to students with an IEP (Individualized Education Program). This has opened up new opportunities for those who require added help with speech and occupational therapy.
As for the new campus, Calvary Baptist Church purchased a strip of land off County Road 9 in 2010 to serve as a future driveway, then bought the 105 acre-site.
About 40 of those acres, in the back section, has been designated for the school buildings and an athletic facility with a football stadium. But first they’re working on funding for the 34,500 square-foot elementary/middle school building.
“This all opens doors for those concerned with what worldview is being taught at public schools,” Hyde concluded. “We hope it’s a more attractive option for parents, and those who value a Christian worldview.”
Calvary Christian School hosts a Back-to-School Bash on Friday, Sept. 16, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Calvary Fields off U.S. Route 68, just north of U.S. Route 33. The fun-for-the-whole-family event will include games, bounce houses, food trucks and a petting zoo plus time for praise and worship.
To find out more about the school — or to donate to the building fund — visit their website at ccsspartans.com or contact Principal Ryan Hyde at [email protected]. You can also reach the school at (937) 599-6847.