SCHOOL HISTORY

In 1983, Flint Hills Christian School began with 35 students in a K-6 program. Each year thereafter, a grade was added to accommodate the advancing students. The first senior class graduation took place in 1988 for one student. At that time, most students and faculty were members of Living Word Church, which also served as the governing body providing facilities and a substantial subsidy for school operations.

By 1994, the student body had grown significantly and included many from other church bodies, diversifying our school community. The sole financial responsibility was becoming a substantial burden for one church alone to handle. At this time, the school chose to become a community Christian school operating independently of Living Word Church under the new name of Flint Hills Christian School. As plans were being developed, the 1995/1996 school year was spent in temporary facilities split between two local churches—elementary students at University Christian Church and 7th-12th grades at Grace Baptist Church. During this time, 15 acres of land was purchased and a 24,500 square foot building was built, which then opened in the Fall of 1996. One year later a pre-kindergarten class was added and enrollment was at 130 students from 30 area churches.

In 2000, the school received a gift of three modular buildings that were used to increase Secondary classroom spaces as well as host a special education department. Then, in 2012, the Catterson Family Science Building was opened, which greatly enhanced the science curriculum, offering new and expanded teaching and lab facilities.

Over the years, a deep desire to spend extensive time in prayer began to burn amongst school leaders to ask for direction and for student body growth. God heard those prayers and put His bold vision, now referred to as Vision 2030, on the hearts of the board and administrative members. In 2018, a strategic intent document was created and dedicated to Proverbs 16:9, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”

To reach His vision, six Initiatives were developed with much thoughtful prayer and input from constituents: Engagement Marketing, Family & Community Engagement, Facilities, Enhanced Student Experiences, Staff Development, and Investment Team. These Initiatives, also referred to as Pillars, are expected to move Flint Hills Christian School down the path to creating more Warriors for Christ and are owned by each of the six board members.

These Initiatives have been so successful that in early 2020 the Raising Warriors Capital Campaign was launched in an effort to raise funding for a new elementary wing and, for the first time in FHCS history, both a principal AND assistant principal were hired in the Summer of 2021.

Today, Flint Hills Christian School has run out of room to meet the future enrollment demands and growth trends. In fact, many of the classrooms are at maximum capacity or are experiencing a waiting list. While the school efficiently utilizes its current space and the existing land, there is significant need for expanding the facility. It is a blessing to say that ground was broken in June of 2021 to build a much need and long anticipated elementary wing!