Cedar Hills Baptist Christian School was established in 1972
by a church which saw the need to bring education back into a
Christ-centered environment. Reverend Jim Young, pastor, encouraged
the church body in its founding of a school dedicated to academic
excellence, and grounded in Godly Christian principles. Mr. Tom
McGriff, school board chairman, was an enthusiastic leader, as
he, along with other committee members, faithfully provided a
strong organizational structure upon which to grow. Mr. Dale
Young, the first principal, opened the school in August of 1972
with 250 students, adding grades 1 - 7 to the already existing
K4 and K5 program. Mr. John Ferris became principal in 1973,
followed by Mr. Wayne McClain in August, 1975. Mrs. Sue Andrews,
assistant principal, played an important transitional role in
our history, as she served acting principal from April of 1977
until June of that same year. At that time, Mr. Gary Brookshire
was hired as principal, continuing until May, 1997. Mrs. Judy
Pugh became the interim principal until she was hired as principal
in August, 1997, and continues to present day.
In the ensuing years, enrollment remained strong with excellent
academic training pivotal to the success of the school. These
years saw a deepening of spiritual commitment as students, staff,
parents, and church members established a bond built upon an
atmosphere of love and care such as characterized the life of
our Lord.
From its inception the school was a member of the Florida
Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (FACCS) adding
membership to the Florida Association of Southern Baptist Schools
and the Southern Baptist Association of Christian Schools in
the 80's. The school is currently a member of FACCS and the Association
of Christian Colleges and Schools.
Expansion marked the first part of the 90's. An 8th grade was
begun in 1976, only to be discontinued in 1978. It was added
again in 1992 and continues to the present. That same year, the
school opened a 12 month Extended Day Care Program to provide
assistance to working families. In 1989, a Pre-K3 program was
introduced to the preschool department. In 1992 the school began
a development office. During this same year, major improvements
were made to the playground area, thanks to supportive families.
The sports program took a leap of faith in 1993, moving from
class intramurals to join the Independent Middle School Conference.
The Students Overcoming Learning Difficulties (S.O.L.D.) class
was started in 1993 and that same year, a parent group, Parents
Involved in Education (P.I.E.) was organized. To keep up with
rapidly changing technology, a computer lab was added to the
school curriculum in 1994. To enhance the teaching of Christian
principles and keeping the excellent academic training foremost,
the ABEKA curriculum was fully integrated throughout the school
during 1994 as well.
The vision of our school includes the building of strong relationships
with the family, church and community based upon God's Word,
His love and compassion. We have been rewarded with outstanding
support in this area, continuing the accomplishments of those
who saw the positive impact C.H.B.C.S. would have on young lives,
and dedicating ourselves to achieving that end as well.
Our commitment as a school is to hold the ideals upon which it
was established and to accept the challenge of providing a strong
Christian academic education which will positively impact our
community, the nation: even the world for Jesus Christ.
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