Des Moines Christian School

Coordinates: 41°37′44″N 93°47′53″W / 41.629°N 93.798°W / 41.629; -93.798

Des Moines Christian School opened in 1948 on the campus of First Federated Church in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. In 1980, the school moved to the former Franklin Junior High School building, and in 1983 added ninth grade. In 1988, the State of Iowa granted accreditation to grades 7 through 12 (the elementary had already been accredited).

History

Conception

Des Moines Christian School was founded in June 1947 when forty-one people from various local churches in the greater Des Moines area gathered at the Des Moines YMCA to pray and consider establishing a private Christian school in the Des Moines area. It was decided to elect an evangelical school board, adopt a constitution, and formulate bylaws for a parent-inspired school. In 2006 the school moved to its current location in Urbandale, Iowa.

Early years

In 1948, classes opened in the basement of First Federated Church with fifteen students and one teacher. In 1949, expansion to Grace Baptist Church became necessary due to a need for more space. In 1951, both campuses consolidated and 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 doors for the first time with approximately 135 kindergarten through eighth grade students and seven teachers.

Expansion

In August 1980, Des Moines Christian School moved to the former Franklin Junior High School building located at 48th street and Franklin Avenue, where they rented it from First Federated Church, which was also occupying part of the building. In September, 1983, Des Moines Christian added a secondary school department, which included 9th through 12 grades. In 1987, Des Moines Christian School graduated twenty-nine students in its first senior high graduation ceremony. In January 1988, Des Moines Christian became accredited from the State of Iowa for grades 7-12 (the elementary had previously received accreditation.) In September 1995, they received accreditation from the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). In the fall of 2005, Des Moines Christian School moved out of the rented space at First Federated Church and into their own facility in Urbandale, a suburb on the west side of Des Moines.

Recent years

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.

Administration

Superintendent

The Superintendent of Des Moines Christian School is Dr. Robert Stouffer. Most recently, he has served as Principal of Urbandale High School (1992–2000) and Superintendent of Des Moines Christian School (2000 to present). Dr. Stouffer also serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Educational Leadership department at Drake University, and he has served on the Board of Directors for several area non-profit organizations.

http://www.dmcs.org/secondary-principal.aspx

Secondary Principal

The High School Principal is Jahna Duda.

Elementary Principal

Karla Lowe replaced Interim Principal Jerry Clutts.

Sports

The school's mascot is the Lions.

External links

• School website
  • Administration
  • History