In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. - Proverbs 16:9

 

Our vision is to develop a world-class, Christian high school that partners with parents and the Christian community to inspire students to excel and equip leaders to impact the world.  It would feature a college-preparatory curriculum and hold students to high standards of conduct.  Further, building on our current K-8 success, key features would include academic excellence, an integrated Biblical worldview, global/cross-cultural perspective, well-rounded experience (e.g. arts, athletics, etc.), and a focus on 21st century skills and leading edge technology. 

 

Click here to download a copy of our High School Vision

 

Using this vision, staff from the University of Southern Indiana conducted two surveys, in the fall 2009, including current ECS families as well as the community at large.  A total of 1,600 surveys were completed - significantly more than the goal set by USI.  The vast majority of the respondents (86%) felt that the School Board should seriously consider the development of a Christian high school with near unanimous support among those with children currently at ECS.  USI concluded that the survey results indicate "a significant interest and willingness to support a new Christian high school.  Further, support for such a high school is strong even among those who do not currently send their children to ECS, suggesting that there is real demand for a new Christian high school."

 

Click here to download Results of the High School Study

 

 Based on the very encouraging results of the surveys, the School Board concluded that there is strong support for the development of a Christian high school and expressed support for further investigation.  Further, the Strategic Planning Committee was charged with preparing a feasibility study and submitting a recommendation for Board action. 

 

In March 2010, Bruce Lockerbie, a leading Christian school consultant, visited our school; met with Board members, staff, and parents; and reviewed our plans regarding the potential Christian high school.  He found that ECS is:

Based on his experience, Mr. Lockerbie felt that this size community would typically have several Christian schools.  Given ECS' growth, strengths, relationships, and almost exclusive position in the area (there is no other non-denominational, Christian high school), he concluded that ECS is uniquely positioned and should give serious consideration to the addition of a Christian high school.

 

Current Status and Timing

 

The Strategic Planning Committee is working on several parts of the feasibility study, including curriculum design, market analysis, preliminary facility design (with Veazey, Parrott, & Shoulders), fundraising capacity (with Jerry Linzy), and financial projections.  We are also learning from and visiting other high quality, leading high schools and Christian schools. 

 

As we are proceeding, EVSC made the decision to divest of North High School in January 2012.  This presents an option that we are carefully evaluating as part of our analysis and we are in discussions with EVSC leadership, architects, etc.  The facility and campus present some great opportunities and have many of the features we would want in our high school. 

 

At the same time, it is a large facility and we are considering implications, such as the operating costs, condition of the facility, location/demographics, and proximity to our student body.  We are developing scenarios to build/operate a new ("greenfield") campus/facility relative to conversion/operation of North High School.  We are also considering opportunities to work with others to make efficient and effective use of the facility. 

 

As we seek the Lord's will and timing, we expect to complete most components of the study and present the results to parents in the Fall 2010.  The plan, parent input, analyses, etc. will be prayerfully considered by the Board with the expectation that a decision will be made by December 2010.  We are seeking the Lord's will and timing regarding the high school.  For planning purposes, we are using the 2012/2013 school year as the launch year (e.g. the 7th grade class in 2010/2011 would be the initial 9th grade class).  Final timing is dependent on Board approval, enrollment commitments, fundraising support, and other due diligence.

 

Click here to download a Timeline for the Potential Christian High School

 

Call to Prayer

 

As we seek to proceed in accord with God's will, with unity, and in His time.  Pray for:

1. The School Board, leadership/staff, and consultants working on the project.
2. Wisdom in decision-making, a spirit of unity, and protection from Satan's attacks.
3. Clear discernment for the analyses and results of the various studies.
4. Guidance regarding analysis of facility options, including "greenfield" building relative to North High School.
5. Clarity in developing the academic model, determining staffing, and developing financial projections.
6. Nurture fruitful discussions with others regarding opportunities to work together.

If you have any questions, please call Paul Bair at (812) 477-7777 or email to paulbair@evansvillechristian.org.