A look ahead: The next five years

Eastern Christian High School was first accredited in 1923 and has maintained accreditation through the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA-CESS). In 2011 the entire Eastern Christian School system was accredited by MSA-CESS. Beginning in 2024, we will continue our MSA-CESS accreditation and will be adding a Christian Schools International joint accreditation. 

The accreditation team began work in October 2022. Led by Liesl Botbyl, the team consisted of Joyce Breur, Ryan Dykstra, Leah Genuario, Ruth Kuder, Christie McGowan, Ji Sung Rhyu, Ben Spoelstra, Debi Veenstra, and Phil Verrengia. Simultaneously, the Eastern Christian School Board of Directors, began work on a five-year strategic plan that incorporates the recommendations of the accreditation team. 

In May 2023, students, staff and parents completed surveys about all areas of school life. In September 2023, strategic planning consultants, Bruce Hekman and Glenn Vos, met with 14 different focus groups to solicit feedback regarding their hopes for the future of Eastern Christian School. The accreditation team and board committees reviewed the survey results and consultant feedback. Utilizing our core documents, including our mission, core values and graduate profile, and informed by community feedback, the strategic plan outlined below was approved by the EC Board of Directors at its January 2024 meeting and represents the school’s priorities for the next five years. 

Eastern Christian School is dedicated to providing a distinctive Christian education from a reformed perspective. Rooted in faith, excellence, and community, this five-year strategic plan outlines priorities to reinforce and enhance the school’s commitment to Christian education, ensure excellence in all areas, and embrace an expanding and diversifying school community.

Faith

Christian worldview and spiritual formation are foundational to Eastern Christian School. The board of directors, parents, staff and administrators have an unwavering commitment to a biblically-based approach to education. In support of that commitment, the school will continue to equip staff and students through instruction and curriculum that supports a biblical foundation. This will include the implementation of Teaching for Transformation, a design framework for creating authentic, learning experiences rooted in a transformational worldview. Engaging Bible instruction will be ensured through a review and enhancement of the Bible curriculum. The school will maintain its National School of Character designation through an ongoing commitment to service and character development. We will formalize advisory programs on each campus to ensure that each student has a designated caring role model.

Excellence

Our commitment to strong academics that meet the needs of diverse learners will be enhanced with the introduction of broad and challenging high school programs, including an Honors Academy, new electives, and 21st-century learning and career opportunities. Curriculum, instruction and assessment practices will be systematically reviewed and aligned to ensure that all of our students are learning to their full potential. We will continue to provide professional development to our teachers so they can meet the needs of our diverse learners. 

Facility resources will be carefully and intentionally stewarded to meet immediate and long-term needs. We will complete a six-classroom addition in Wyckoff for the 2026-2027 school year. A five-year rolling budget process will be implemented that includes recommended plant renewal replacement and special maintenance priorities. We will continue to expand extended learning programs to serve students and families with high-quality learning opportunities year-round and outside of the traditional school schedule.

Community

The school community has grown significantly over the past several years. Recognizing the need to welcome and enfold an expanding and diversifying school community, we will prioritize partnerships with parents, alumni and supporters. The PTO is a key community builder and school supporter. We will formalize and strengthen its role. We will establish a parent academy to support parent education and partnerships. The Foundation for Eastern Christian School will launch an alumni relations program. The 1892 Society will be strengthened, and annual giving will be increased. We will continue efforts to increase the diversity of staff and leadership to reflect the composition of the student body and the kingdom of God.

This plan outlines Eastern Christian School’s commitment to its mission, ensuring a strong foundation in faith, pursuit of excellence in educational programming and stewardship of finances and facilities, and fostering a diverse community. By following this roadmap, the school will not only uphold its values but also position itself for continued growth and impact in the years to come. Together, as a community, Eastern Christian School will build on its rich legacy and chart a course toward a thriving future. Detailed information on a number of these initiatives will be provided in the coming months. We continue to covet the prayers of our students, parents, staff, board and supporters as we work together to fulfill our mission.