History and a Plan for Growth

History

Ann Arbor Christian School is the fulfillment of a dream shared by many committed parents who wanted to establish an interdenominational school in Ann Arbor. On September 23, 1986, after much discussion, research and prayerful consideration, a group of Christian families formed the Christian School Association of Ann Arbor (CSAAA). The goal of the CSAAA was to open a Christian school associated with Christian Schools International (CSI). The association faced many obstacles in achieving this goal. Finally, in September of 1990, the Board made a decision to pursue the proposal by the Ann Arbor Christian Reformed Church to place modular classrooms on their property and to open the school in the fall of 1991 with one student or more.

The blessings since that time have been tremendous. The modular was sited, a successful pledge drive was launched, and a capable and loving teacher was hired. Ann Arbor Christian School opened its doors in September of 1991 with seven students. By January of 1992, there were 10 students from five churches.

With more than 100 students enrolled in grades K-6 in fall 2002, it was clear we had reached the physical limits of our original facility. The steady demand for Christian education in our area encouraged us to build a new 32,000-square-foot facility at our current location and to add a middle school. The site is within the Ann Arbor Public Schools district, which allows students who live there to be bused in the morning. Most families have chosen to transport their own children or share in one of our numerous carpools.

To build our current facility, we turned to families, charitable foundations, members of local churches, individual churches, businesses, and alumni families. Through our capital campaign, we secured pledges of $3 million, and are financing the remainder of the cost with a $1 million loan. Nearly 75 percent of the donations came from school parents.

Classes began in our current facility in February 2003. In 2004, we became a K-8 school. In the fall of 2009, we opened our preschool program.

A Plan for Growth

Ann Arbor Christian School approached its ambitious plans to build its current facility with prayer and careful planning. Looking back, we see God’s guidance in establishing this school as a strong, prospering presence in the community. Looking ahead, we see God continuing to lead and mold this school into a place where academic excellence and the integration of faith with learning combine to prepare future generations for service in His world.

This year, Ann Arbor Christian School is hitting a milestone. As Ann Arbor Christian enters its 20th year of God’s faithfulness, it is a special time to recognize the heartfelt investment of the many who have given generously to make the school a reality. These pioneering individuals and families heard God’s calling to start AACS and gave sacrificially to begin the school that hundreds of students have been touched by. Twenty years later, many of those founding individuals and families are still very much part of the life of the school, and they have been joined by the current staff and families in continuing His work.