DES MOINES CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

History  1948 - 2004

By Staff

   In June, 1947, forty-one persons from various churches gathered at the Des Moines YMCA to prayerfully consider establishing a Christian school in Des Moines. The challenge was accepted to elect an evangelical school board, adopt a constitution, and formulate bylaws for a parent-inspired school. Many considered this period of time, the late 40's to mid 60's, to be the zenith in American education. Remember the problems in American schools then: running in the halls, chewing gum, and throwing paper. Understandably, these parents were not against public education nor were they fleeing problems. They were seeking to provide for their children something government-funded education could not--strong academics in an environment that supported the Christian values and a world view they desired to instill in their children.

  The following year, 1948, classes opened in the basement of First Federated Church at Beaver and Adams with fifteen students and one teacher. In 1949, expansion to Grace Baptist Church became necessary. The two centers consolidated in 1951. The parents decided to purchase a full city block (2.5 acres) at 62nd and Franklin Avenue, and erect a school building. In September, 1955, Des Moines Christian School opened its new doors with approximately 135 kindergarten through eighth grade students and seven teachers.

   In August 1980, Des Moines Christian School moved to the former Franklin Junior High School building located at 48th and Franklin Avenue.  The building had been purchased by First Federated Church.

   September of 1983 marked the addition of the ninth grade to the School. In 1987, Des Moines Christian School graduated twenty-nine students in its first senior high graduation ceremony.

   In January 1988, accreditation from the State of Iowa was granted to Des Moines Christian School for grades 7-12.  The elementary had previously received accreditation.  In September 1995, accreditation from Association of Christians School International (ACSI) was granted.

   Today, over 100 different churches are represented in the School's Preschool through twelfth grade.  The enrollment of Des Moines Christian School is over 600 students in grades K-12. In addition, over 200 children are enrolled in the preschool and day care program. The School employs approximately 90 full time and part time teaching and support staff who are born-again and whose hearts and minds have been won by the Lord, Jesus Christ.

   For over fifty years, Des Moines Christian has been assisting Christian families in the education and training of their children. Over the years nearly, 7,000 young people have benefited from the foundational strength added to their lives by DMCS.