School Profile
Bethesda Christian Schools
School Overview
Founded in 1965, Bethesda Christian School has a rich heritage of Christ-centered education. The name Bethesda derives from the Pool of Bethesda in ancient Jerusalem, mentioned in John 5 as the site where one man experienced a life-changing encounter with Jesus. In Hebrew, the word Bethesda literally means “House of Mercy / House of Grace.” And in many ways, our school is like a house.
Just as a house is a haven that protects from external elements and threatening storms, so our House serves as a strong shelter from the howling winds of a changing culture around us that is increasingly hostile toward the things of God.
The interior of a house provides a warm and nurturing environment. Similarly, our House functions much like a greenhouse, providing a nourishing climate that is conducive for students to develop academically, athletically, creatively, socially, and spiritually. We support and challenge all our students to achieve their God-given potential.
Most of all, a house is designed for a family, and the word “family” perhaps best encapsulates what our House is all about. Strong and positive relationships are formed with peers and teachers alike. We truly strive to make our House a community of mercy and grace.
Our goal is to equip our students with sharp minds and to instill within them a biblical worldview, so that they may stand strong in the world with the truth of God’s word and may flourish in their divine purpose for this life.
School History
Since 1965, Bethesda Christian School has been a ministry of Parkside Bible Church, originally called Bethesda Baptist Church. The Lord’s hand of involvement has been evident from the beginning.
BCS HISTORY TIMELINE
1965 – Pastor Don Tyler starts Bethesda Christian School with a Kindergarten program, which was soon followed by a Preschool program.
1974 – The Elementary program, grades 1-7, is established with 400 students. All classes meet in Sunday School rooms at the church.
1975 – The Secondary program, grades 8-12, is established. In January of 1975, with no building, no blueprints, no money, no teachers, no students, and no equipment, Pastor Don Tyler embarks on an 8-month campaign of faith to raise funds and break ground. By September, a brand new 42,000-square-foot high school complex opens its doors.
1976 – BCS graduates its first senior class of 11 students.
1985 – The mortgage for the high school building is fully paid, leaving the church and school debt-free.
1988 – BCS becomes accredited by the American Association of Christian Schools (AACS).
1991 – BCS wins the AACS national basketball championship.
1998 – PK-12 enrollment reaches 520 students.
2002 – BCS begins the tradition of Senior Leadership Camp.
2003 – BCS becomes fully accredited with the Indiana Department of Education through the Indiana Freeway protocol. A new building complex for BCS upper school grades is built.
2006 – BCS starts the tradition of a senior mission trip with a focus on service. The first mission trip is to Louisiana, where the students assist local churches in helping the victims of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. BCS also joins the IHSAA this year.
2009 – BCS becomes accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
2011 – The Indiana School Choice voucher program is established.
2020 – Government regulations in response to COVID-19 cause BCS to finish its spring semester via distance learning online. PK-12 enrollment at BCS drops to a record low of 242.
2021 – Indiana passes new legislation, which greatly expands the voucher program.
2022 – BCS enrollment in PK-12 grows to 494, more than doubling what it had been two years previously.
2024 – BCS boys varsity basketball team wins the IHSAA Semi-State title. Ground is broken for the construction of a new expansion wing.
Benefits
Health Insurance Coverage at $75 a month per individual/$150 per family including $1,500/$3,000 put into an HSA account- (Please see more details here https://remodelhealth.com/bethesda/.)
A 5% contribution to a retirement plan that starts 6 months after employment, with no match required.
Optional Group Dental and Vision and Coverage
Life Insurance coverage at no cost to you
A discount for any dependent children that would attend Bethesda Christian School
8 PTO days on top of school breaks off, with consideration of time-off in the summer