School Profile
Creekside Christian School
School Overview
Creekside Christian School is a private Christian school that operates as a ministry of Open Bible Christian Center (Rapid City, SD) a member of Open Bible Churches (Des Moines, IO). It was founded in 2006 and opened its doors on September 5, 2007. The Board of Directors, then as now, focused on three crucial elements for the school: one, that all subjects taught must be in conformity to the standards and principles of the Bible; two, that every teacher must be a born-again christian with an on-going, mature walk with Christ; three, that the academic training provided by the school would be of high quality. Beginning with the 2015/2016 school year, an additional focus of leadership development was added.
The school is very supportive of parents and realizes that in the area of character, they are the primary instructors. In order for the school to do its job well, we select families that have the same goals for their children as the school. In that way we can be mutually supportive and hence effectively. We consider the supervision of children and parental involvement with the school as essential ingredients as his/her success.
The school has obtained accreditation through the National Association of Private Schools, a consortium of Christian Educators and Private School Administrators from across the United States and Canada. The school will being the accreditation process with ACSI in Fall 2016. Bible Christian Center is a member of the Open Bible Churches a Pentecostal denomination.
Creekside Christian School is a K-5 school with 2015/2016 enrollment of 52 children and employees an Administrator and five teachers. While building upon a foundation of our mission, core principles, and historical strengths, we must also seek to improve and respond to changing needs and circumstances that are part of a 21st century school. We will be more purpose driven, more intentional in all decisions and actions, more unified in our operations, programs, and approach, and more mission focused including clearly defined goals and measures of success.
Core Principles of Creekside Christian School
Biblical Worldview
Students will learn to apply the truth of scripture in all that they do for the glory of God and the benefit of all.
Leading by Integrity
Students are prepared to be a positive moral influence to others through a focused study on the character of God.
Excellence in Education
Creekside Christian School teaches the A Beka curriculum. It is a challenging and rewarding faith-based program
proven to get result.
Servant Attitude
Students are taught to focus on the needs and growth of others while modeling the spirit and attitude of Christ.
Mission of Creekside Christian School
We provide an outstanding spiritual and educational environment, where all students are prepared to become godly leaders and fulfill God's purpose for their lives. In preparation to influence the word for Christ, students will develop critical leadership skills, thinking skills and a Biblical worldview using God's word as the foundation of every subject taught.
School History
Creekside Christian School (formerly known as Open Bible Christian School) has had a long-standing interest in Christian Education. Many of our students have attended other church and interdenominational sponsored schools in the area. For some time Open Bible Christian Center had considered having a school of their own in order to assure the development of certain academic, spiritual, and social characteristics in the children of our families. Open Bible Christian Center also believed that a school can greatly enhance the making of disciples.
The Pastors, Board of Elders, and Board of Directors of Open Bible Christian Center unanimously believed that starting a school would be a great way to allow Open Bible Christian Center to partner with families at a much deeper level. The Pastors and Boards strongly believe that providing our children with critical thinking skills and a biblical worldview will allow them to enter their chosen fields or post-secondary studies with many advantages over peers. To that end, two town meetings were held and subsequently a partnership meeting scheduled to determine if the entire Open Bible Christian Center partnership was in agreement with beginning our own Christian school.
On December 3, 2006, a Partnership meeting was held to vote on opening a Christian School using the School of Tomorrow® Accelerated Christian Education self-paced curriculum, starting in the school year 2007-2008. The vote passed and preparation for starting the school began in earnest.
On September 5, 2007, school opened its doors as Open Bible Christian School and welcomed 44 students and seven staff members. It was an exciting day! A day we will never forget.
In September 2009, the school made a transition and implemented A Beka Book as the school-wide curriculum and began traditional classroom instruction. Other curriculum was used to supplement additional areas of study.
In March, 2011, Open Bible Christian School made a hard financial decision and cut the school to a K-6 elementary school by discontinuing gades 7-12.
In 2012, Open Bible Christian School decided to reduce to K-5 elementary school to align with middle schools that start at grade six.
In October 2014, Pastor Chuck Loftis assumed the role of Senior Pastor at Open Bible Christian Center and began dialogue with the school and church leadership to consider changing the strategic plan of the school to align with the overall goal of developing strong Godly leaders.
In May 2015, the school became officially known as Creekside Christian School.