Rock Valley Christian School: Providing Christ-Centered, Biblically-Based Education for Over 100 Years
Rock Valley Christian School continues to serve God's covenant children through distinctly Christian education.
We seek to nurture the Christian faith that proclaims Christ as Creator, Redeemer, and Lord of all. Since the day the school began, it has been the wish of the society, teachers, and supporters that the school's graduates come to understand God's power in His world, that they get to know that the Creator of the universe is their God and Savior, that He rules the world, and that He has touched their own hearts and lives with His love.
A history of faithfulness by God and His people has been shown over and over, God has been faithful through the generations. In faith, we began.
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A School Society was organized with 48 charter members on February 1, 1911. Seven board members were selected and efforts were made to obtain teachers and open the school in the fall of 1911, but this was not successful so the official opening of the school was delayed until September 5, 1912. There were 28 pupils this first year for grades 1-8.
An old church building served as the school building from 1912 to 1919. In September 1917 the School Society decided to build a new and more permanent school and in December of 1919, the students moved into this new building.
The early forties saw the organization of an active Alumni Society who assisted in the school becoming debt free by 1944. With enrollment increasing during this time, a two-room addition was built. Grades nine and ten were also being taught at this time.
In the 1950's another two-room building was erected for the use of grades one and two. In 1958, the school became an eight-grade elementary school. Ora Et Labora, (2018 became ARROWS) a women's group, was established to be wholly dedicated to the service of God. The group strived to promote a better relationship between home and school and work for the advancement of Rock Valley Christian School. The group fundraises to raise money for the enhancement of education.
Another addition was completed that housed two classrooms, gymnasium, supply room, bathroom, and kitchen. Full-term kindergarten was added in 1963. Departmentalizing Junior High also had its beginning in 1963. A Remedial Reading Program began in 1965.
Enrollment reached 300 and extra-curricular activities increased and an Intramural Program was started, the Hot Lunch program began, and the first Winter Festival was held.
In 1998, RVCS expanded again and the "west wing" was built. This wing included a large music room, art room, and three classrooms. This expansion allowed for the beginning of our Preschool Program, a computer lab, and larger staff room and office space. The Scrip program was born in 1999. This program allows participants to use pre-paid cards or Scrip money to reduce tuition costs.
In 2000, RVCS started its own preschool and students meeting 4 days/week, expending to a morning and afternoon session. Yearly themes were put in place in 2005. Peer groups were established during this decade. Kindergarten was moved to 4 days/week (2020) the first semester and full-time during the second semester. RVCS partnered with Dordt University (then Dordt College) to become a Professional Development School, employed the Christian Learning Center to provide resources and help for our students. In 2010, the "east wing" was build and houses four classrooms, two conference rooms, and bathrooms.
In 2016, the Society voted on expanding the school by approving plans for a new gym addition. Construction finished in 2018. The gym is used for school activities such as chapels, Winter Festival auction, assemblies and graduation; school and community sporting events, and other events.
The "old gym" was turned into a cafeteria and a lobby for the new gym.
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Faithfulness
Now it's up to us to remember those who sacrificed through faith yesterday so that children today can experience a Christian education that has a Biblical worldview and is rooted in God's Word. As believers in Christian education, let's commit today to ensure that this Christian school is sustainable for generations to come.
God has been faithful. Enrollment is currently over 230 students. After 109 years of service, RVCS is continuing to develop and expand to meet the growing needs of our students.
The Reformed perspective still remains strong in our school, and we find ourselves well-supported through prayer, service, and finances by parents and other school supporters. Even through hard times, our Society and other supporters have chosen to keep the school open in an effort to further God's kingdom with His covenant children. These supporters are willing to make sacrifices and investments for Christian education, which is a huge blessing to RVCS.
God continues to be faithful. We continue to be able to provide more specialized services and activities to meet the needs of our current student body because of our strong support base. We press forward with our goal of providing a Christ-centered education for all learners. Rock Valley Christian School is committed to meeting the challenges and needs of each generation.
As we look at the generations of faithfulness to Rock Valley Christian Schools, we can only praise God and thank Him for the blessings He has bestowed on us. To God be the glory!
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