Construction of High School
Southfield Christian School began on September 9, 1970 as a ministry of the Highland Park Baptist Church. During the first year there were 117 students in grades K-8 with six full-time teachers and one part-time teacher. In September 1971, grade 9 was added and an additional grade was added each September until the school comprised grades K-12.
Between 1970 and 1973, all classes were held in the educational wing of the Highland Park Baptist Church in Southfield, Michigan. On March 16, 1972, a ground-breaking ceremony marked the beginning of the Activities Building that housed the junior and senior high school. Architect Lee Butler and Building Contractor Paul Johnson brought the building to completion for the opening of school in Sept 1972. Grades 7-11, totaling 300 students, initially occupied this new building.
The most significant milestone in the progress of the school during the ‘70s was the pursuit of accreditation from the University of Michigan and North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Meeting the conditions for accreditation required painstaking work on the part of the faculty and administration, a broadening of the curriculum, and a deepening of commitment to the service of Christ. In June 1975, notice was received that full accreditation had been granted. During the same month, the first senior class graduated from Southfield Christian School. Enrollment between 1976 and 1988 grew from 680 to nearly 800 students. In 1976 the elementary library was relocated and enlarged, and the administrative structure of the school was expanded to include a secondary principal along with the superintendent, elementary principal, and a business manager.
During the 1980s, several supplemental activities were added to the elementary school such as a full-time reading service, Odyssey of the Mind, Picture lady Program, French language instruction, and athletic activities. A third section of grade 6 was added in 1981, and two portable classrooms were installed on-site to accommodate the increased enrollment. Video and computer instruction became a regular feature for grades K-12. During this decade, the requirements for graduation were upgraded, Advanced Placement courses were added to the secondary curriculum, guidance and other support services were computerized, and membership was granted in the Michigan Independent Schools Athletic Conference. The interior of the secondary school was renovated and both the elementary and secondary school offices were remodeled.
The focus of the ‘90s was one of construction and renovation of the existing facilities. In the fall of 1991, construction of the elementary gymnasium and kindergarten classrooms was completed. The elementary library was again moved to a larger area, and an art room was provided. Two of the three secondary science rooms were also upgraded and remodeled. May of 1991 marked the secondary school’s selection and recognition by the State of Michigan as an exemplary school. Major school improvement plans were initiated and completed during this time including major renovations of the elementary and secondary school buildings, extensive upgrading of the school’s computer curriculum, the school’s accreditation by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States, and the upgrading of our North Central status to the college preparatory category. The goal was reached of $1,000,000 as an enduring principal in the Endowment Fund.
There were four major developments in the school’s progress between 2000 and 2010. The first was the 2000 opening of what is called the “connector building.” This additional space provided classrooms on most of the second floor while additional classrooms, offices and large-group meeting rooms occupy the first floor.
The second major development was the formation of a middle school. During 2006, two faculty members were assigned the task of researching and developing a plan to create a separate school for grades 6-8. Formerly, the elementary school comprised grades K-6 and the secondary school, 7-12. The opportunity presented itself to expand into three divisions. After review by the administration and adoption by the school board, the plan for the middle school was implemented in the fall of 2007. With a principal, a counselor, and six full-time and three part-time faculty members, the middle school was a welcome addition to the services provided by Southfield Christian School.Inaugurated in the fall of 2009, a preschool program represents the third major initiative of the decade. The preschool shows promise in serving the community and as a feeder system for the kindergarten classes, thereby helping to begin a restoration of the enrollment.
The fourth milestone was the development of a set of standards and benchmarks identifying what students should know and be able to do upon completing each grade level. As this decade closes, teachers are being trained in curriculum mapping which involves taking the entire PK-12 curriculum and outlining and analyzing individual teaching units to assure that our actual instruction aligns with our published curriculum. Curriculum mapping allows us to continually evaluate the continuity and consistency of our instruction as it applies to the teaching of our academic standards, benchmarks, school mission statement, and other curricular matters such as assessments and learning activities. The entire project is web-based and will be accessible for teachers, administrators, and parents.
History is already being written for the 2010′s. We are entrenched in a 1:1 Technology program, enjoying the inaugural years of our resale shop, Encore Upscale Resale and enjoying God’s blessings on our community.
