Celebrating a century of Christ-filled and personalized education, Bishop Christian Elementary School, is expanding its 2007-08 school year enrollment.

The K-8 school, located in northeastern California, is starting its second century next year, and hiring a second teacher for lower grades in order to accomodate more students. The three-room school will have two full-time teachers, several part-time teacher aids and a supportive core of church members and parent volunteers.

"Who says there isn't prayer in school? We're praying more than twice a day," said Jeff Jackson, 26, who is looking forward to his third year as the school's principal and serving as one of the two teachers. "Although we've been here in Bishop since 1906, not many locals know much about us. So this spring we're inviting local parents to tour our school."

The school board is actively promoting the elementary school's assets to the local community, targeting their efforts on parents from local Christian churches. "Our neighboring pastors have been very receptive because they agree with our moral mission," added Jackson.

Choosing the Right School

Jackson believes that parents are facing a real dilemma. "Parents are concerned about the killing, crime and immoral behavior being reported in schools across the country. The nightly news is truly alarming," he said. "Parents realize that teaching Christian values in education matters. In these troubled times Christian education is more important than ever. America's 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt, said, ‘To educate a child in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.' Consider the tragedies in Columbine and Virginia Tech, and it's clear, Christian values learned from the Bible are an important part of education."

Karen Nelson, who teaches a close-knit group of five first-graders and one kindergartener, believes there are unbeatable benefits to a small class. "The small numbers gives me a chance to spend much more time with each child." said Nelson. "And we have time for many extras that larger classes can't accommodate."

Teacher's aid Nancy Routt brings her own Christian experience to her students in a personal way. Along with learning how to read, spell and count, the students learn Bible stories and how to pray.

Church Members' #1 Mission

"It is our belief that true education develops the spiritual, mental and physical powers of each student," said Michael Wolford, pastor of the Bishop church. "We're preparing them for the joy of service in this life and for the joy of the life to come. Our church members believe local Christian education is their number one mission. The church subsidizes about half of the actual costs. We want to show parents that tuition is a great investment — it is really priceless."

Wolford explained that the heart of their mission is helping young people find a personal relationship with Jesus Christ — "to find that special friendship that will last an eternity. Our goal isn't to convert students to a religion," he said. "We truly want to show children Jesus."

Fifteen of the 17 elementary school students are not Adventists. However, all are Christians — some brand new Christians.

Dustin and Corrie del Giudice, non-Adventist parents of a current student, say they love the Bishop school for their daughter in first grade. "We couldn't be more pleased with the loving family environment and education," said Corrie. "We look forward to sending our next three kids there. If more families knew about this school, I know they would send their children here, too. It is exactly how we want our children raised."

Faith in Academics and Activities

At Bishop Christian Elementary, hands-on learning is a priority. This year, the kindergarten/first grade class has taken 10 local field trips and has several more to look forward to. "We've discovered tufas at Mono Lake, toured a hydroelectric plant, hunted fossils and explored the lava tubes," says Nelson. "We've toured local businesses and shared our love for Jesus with the folks at the nursing home who loved the choir chimes and songs the children performed. Our science class is not only hands-on, but closely incorporates Bible teachings related to each topic — an element I love in the Christian school environment."

In addition to the typical academic subjects, the school offers fascinating guest speakers presenting topics on health, nature and science, many hands-on classroom projects, lots of educational field trips, classroom music, plus a creative slate of seasonal plays and performances. Parents are also invited to join in the weekly winter skiing/snowboard trips to nearby Mammoth Mountain.

The official 100-year school celebration will take place at noon, June 1, at the Bishop campus on Home Street. The ceremony is open to the public and will include current students and teachers, alumni, local dignitaries, neighbors, media and a special guest from the Nevada-Utah Conference.