School Profile
Jubilee Christian School
School Overview
Jubilee is a K-8th grade school whose mission is to provide students with an exemplary education and enduring values rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The hallmark of our school is an integrated curriculum that is centered around God as Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer. Each class, in grades K-5, has a monthly unit theme that is integrated across the various subject areas. These monthly unit themes often focus on science, social studies, and language arts.
In grades 6-8, the monthly unit approach used in the early grades gives way to an in-depth study of subject areas that often happens over a period of several months. Middle school teachers continue to make the connection of concepts across various disciplines – for example, during a historical study of early American Puritanism, students read works of both fiction and non-fiction within the discipline of literature which bring that period of history to life. Where content integration opportunities are limited, there is a continual conceptual integration that allows enduring ideas to be addressed regardless of the specific discipline at hand. This provides the occasion for a concept, such as freedom or justice, to be examined from every angle.
Monthly educational field experiences and hands-on unit projects promote inquiry-based learning both in, and outside, the classroom.
Jubilee is an independent, inter-denominational Christian school. We maintain facility partnerships with Mt. Lebanon Evangelical Presbyterian Church for our Lower Campus (Grades K-4); and North Way Christian Community -- Dormont for our Upper Campus (Grades 5-8). Lower and Upper Campuses are located less than 1 mile apart in the heart of the South Hills of Pittsburgh.
School History
In 1986, a handful of individuals gathered to discuss the possibility of forming a new Christian school in the South Hills. Their goal was to have a parent-run school that would build life-long learners using an integrated curriculum taught from a Christian worldview.
In September of 1987, one teacher – Mrs. Mary Wolling – and five Kindergartners met in a classroom of the Beverly Heights Presbyterian Church in Mt. Lebanon. With little equipment, but much love and educational experience, the families began to talk to other families about the success of the integrated curriculum both academically and spiritually, and its ability to instill a love of learning in youngsters.
Over the next six years a grade level was added each year as needed to provide for the increased enrollment in the school. Mrs. Wolling served as both principal and a teacher during those years. Her background as an educator and mother of three served her well to guide Jubilee through the early years.
In September of 1998, after eleven blessed years of slow and steady growth, our administrator, five teachers, and 52 students began meeting in a building on the campus of the DePaul Institute in Mt. Lebanon. This enabled combined classes to be split into two separate classes and units.
In September of 2002, Jubilee moved to facilities in the education wing of Mt. Lebanon United Presbyterian Church and increased staff to support a growing student population and expanded curriculum. Our Kindergarten program was expanded to a morning and afternoon session, Mrs. Wolling moved into the principal’s position full time, and curriculum was expanded to offer Spanish to all students Grade K-6.
During the 2012-2013 school year, Jubilee Christian celebrated God’s faithfulness over the previous 25 years. In early 2013, after much prayer and consideration, the Jubilee board of trustees decided the time was right
to expand the school’s Kindergarten through 6th grade program to include 7th and 8th grades. During the 2013-2014
school year 7th grade was added. The following year, the addition of 8th grade completed the middle school program. In the 2014-15 school year, an Upper Campus was added to facilitate this growth.
Under God’s guidance, Jubilee has continued to grow, offering a comprehensive, engaging, integrated educational experience for students. Jubilee also provides extracurricular basketball and volleyball team sports; art, music and technological integration; as well as before- and after-school care. We anticipate His goodness and continued gracious hand as we journey together!