Algoma Christian School opened its doors in 1981 on Thirteen Mile Road, near Grange Avenue, with just 43 students. The next year Durward Reichelt donated a five acre parcel on Sparta Avenue, which is the current location of the school. The leadership then purchased an eight classroom modular facility. The school existed on two campuses for several years, bussing students between campuses until 1990. At that time, a permanent building was constructed, which became six secondary classrooms, an office and a lunchroom. The Thirteen Mile campus was closed in the fall of 1990, and the land was sold.
In 1994 the building continued, with the addition of more classrooms, offices and a gymnasium. In 1998 construction began on a new building that would become the elementary wing. With the completion of that project, we were blessed to have all our students under one roof. In 1999 we constructed the science and English classrooms and upgraded the secondary wing. As a part of this upgrade, restrooms were added and other facilities were renovated and enlarged.
In 2000, a Fine Arts wing was added to the school and included a large chapel/music room as well as two rooms for our art program. Enough funding came in to not only build the Fine Arts wing but also to begin construction on locker rooms. We advanced the locker room construction as funds became available, and the locker rooms were completed in 2007.
Founding Principles
It is important for us to have some guiding principles as we continue to build ACS. To insure that we always keep in mind the reasons for our existence, we have defined the following principles, which prompted our school to be formed:
- Christ and His truth must be central in all areas of education and student life.
- Christian education should be available to everyone and the school should strive to not exclude anyone who truly wants Christian education for their children.
- Quality education at the least possible cost should be available.
- Parents have the God-given right to determine what is best for their children. Therefore, the parents must have a choice as to where their children will be educated.
- A disciplined atmosphere is a key to effective teaching and a disciplined student is a key to effective education. Therefore, the discipline policy of the school will be strictly enforced.
- Christian education is not the right of any given denomination and therefore, the school must strive to be Christian in the truest biblical sense, but non-denominational in its approach to those doctrines that separate fundamental denominations.
- Patriotism is teaching our children the scriptural truth that government is established by God and that the believer is responsible to obey it (Romans 13:1-7, Titus 3:1, Peter 2:13-14) except in extreme circumstances. (Acts 5:29) This is best accomplished by emphasizing the positive aspects of our nation and the opportunities and freedoms it gives all believers.
Algoma Christian School opened its doors in 1981 on Thirteen Mile Road, near Grange Avenue, with just 43 students. The next year Durward Reichelt donated a five acre parcel on Sparta Avenue, which is the current location of the school. The leadership then purchased an eight classroom modular facility. The school existed on two campuses for several years, bussing students between campuses until 1990. At that time, a permanent building was constructed, which became six secondary classrooms, an office and a lunchroom. The Thirteen Mile campus was closed in the fall of 1990, and the land was sold.
In 1994 the building continued, with the addition of more classrooms, offices and a gymnasium. In 1998 construction began on a new building that would become the elementary wing. With the completion of that project, we were blessed to have all our students under one roof. In 1999 we constructed the science and English classrooms and upgraded the secondary wing. As a part of this upgrade, restrooms were added and other facilities were renovated and enlarged.
In 2000, a Fine Arts wing was added to the school and included a large chapel/music room as well as two rooms for our art program. Enough funding came in to not only build the Fine Arts wing but also to begin construction on locker rooms. We advanced the locker room construction as funds became available, and the locker rooms were completed in 2007.
Founding Principles
It is important for us to have some guiding principles as we continue to build ACS. To insure that we always keep in mind the reasons for our existence, we have defined the following principles, which prompted our school to be formed:
- Christ and His truth must be central in all areas of education and student life.
- Christian education should be available to everyone and the school should strive to not exclude anyone who truly wants Christian education for their children.
- Quality education at the least possible cost should be available.
- Parents have the God-given right to determine what is best for their children. Therefore, the parents must have a choice as to where their children will be educated.
- A disciplined atmosphere is a key to effective teaching and a disciplined student is a key to effective education. Therefore, the discipline policy of the school will be strictly enforced.
- Christian education is not the right of any given denomination and therefore, the school must strive to be Christian in the truest biblical sense, but non-denominational in its approach to those doctrines that separate fundamental denominations.
- Patriotism is teaching our children the scriptural truth that government is established by God and that the believer is responsible to obey it (Romans 13:1-7, Titus 3:1, Peter 2:13-14) except in extreme circumstances. (Acts 5:29) This is best accomplished by emphasizing the positive aspects of our nation and the opportunities and freedoms it gives all believers.