About Us

History


Est. 1970

Southfield Christian School began on September 9, 1970 as a ministry of the Highland Park Baptist Church.  During the first year there were 117 students in grades K-8 with six full-time teachers and one part-time teacher.  In September 1971, grade 9 was added and an additional grade was added each September until the school comprised grades K-12.

Between 1970 and 1973, all classes were held in the educational wing of the Highland Park Baptist Church in Southfield, Michigan.  On March 16, 1972, a ground-breaking ceremony marked the beginning of the Activities Building that housed the junior and senior high school.  Architect Lee Butler and Building Contractor Paul Johnson brought the building to completion for the opening of school in Sept 1972.  Grades 7-11, totaling 300 students, initially occupied this new building.
 
In the 1970’s, Southfield Christian School established academic integrity in the community. To ensure academic excellence during the building and enrollment expansion, the school pursued accreditation from the University of Michigan and from the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. In June of 1975, as the first senior class graduated from SCS, notice was received that full accreditation had been granted. 
In the 1980’s, the school concentrated on making academic enrichment, educational technology, and extra-curricular activities part of the student experience. Advanced Placement courses, computer instruction, after-school athletics and dramatics, Odyssey of the Mind teams, and an elementary school reading specialist were added to enhance our offerings. In May of 1991, the secondary school was selected as a National Exemplary School by the United States Department of Education.
 
In the 1990’s, the school continued to expand and upgrade facilities, explore technological enhancements, offer more diverse-extra-curricular activities, develop more Advanced Placement courses, and implement a long-range financial development plan. In 1995, SCS strengthened their academic standing and was granted dual accreditation by ISACS (Independent School Association of the Central States) and NCA-CASI (North Central Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement).
In the 2000’s, a High School football program was successfully launched expanding the athletic opportunities for students.  A desire also surfaced to better meet the academic, spiritual, and social needs of students through the creation of a Middle School.   In 2007-2008 the Middle School was formed and given its own distinct space and program. Research began in 2008 regarding the opening of a resale store to provide another source of income for SCS.  In May of 2010, Encore Upscale Resale, was opened.  To date, the store continues to provide funds to the school but also serves as a center for community service and for Christian ministry to all who come through the doors.

In the 2010’s the Administration focused on affirming its commitment to the mission and core values upon which SCS was founded.  A student ministries partnership between HPBC and SCS was formed with the desire to grow students in their relationship with Jesus Christ. The athletic program continued to expand and improve, resulting in increased participation in varsity sports. The Varsity Boys Basketball program experienced tremendous success, winning Class D/Division IV State Championships in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018, and 2019. In 2017 the Girls Track & Field team also won a Division IV State Championship and in 2018 and 2019 the Varsity Girls Volleyball teams competed in the State Semi-Final games. Technology was enhanced within classrooms and a 1:1 iPad program was launched for the high school.  Curriculum mapping and standards based instruction was implemented to serve as a foundation for increased academic improvement. During this same time frame, continued renovation occurred in the elementary and high school classrooms and hallways. 
 
Since 1970, Southfield Christian School has remained committed to its mission as a Christ-centered college-preparatory educational community committed to growing disciples for Jesus Christ and pursuing excellence for the glory of God.
Located in Southfield, Michigan, Southfield Christian School is a private Christian school educating young men and women in grades Preschool-12. Students benefit from a challenging, college-preparatory education grounded on the principles of the Bible, Southfield Christian School seeks to prepare young people to live full and productive lives.

A Ministry of Highland Park Baptist Church