School Profile
Shades Mountain Christian School
School Overview
Shades Mountain Christian School is an independent, community Christian school ministry serving grades K3 through 12. The school, founded in 1974, is fully accredited (Kindergarten through 12th grade) by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), and the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA), Class 1A. The school provides a strong academic program within the context of the Biblical worldview. The Educational Therapy program provides support programs for students with learning differences.
The school is located in Hoover, Alabama, and our students commute from all over Jefferson and Shelby counties. Our school community is made up of individuals from over 100 local churches and congregations. Students are admitted on the basis of interviews, previous school records, recommendations from teachers and pastors, and parental and student commitments. Students have the opportunity to explore and develop their talents in a variety of areas such as music, art, and athletics. On average, 95% of our graduates go on to college.
School History
In 1974, Pastor Dick Vigneulle realized his vision of establishing a Christian school as his first official act following acceptance of the full-time pastorate of Shades Mountain Independent Church. That same year the Church Board approved to spend $20,000 to start a Christian day school composed of 22 students and 2 teachers. The following year there were 80 students, 5 teachers, 1 administrator, and a volunteer bookkeeper. By 1978, we had 310 students through 6th grade. In 1980, the student body selected the "Eagle" as our mascot and we built our first athletic field. In 1981, we began our band program. Our first graduating class was in May of 1985. We completed the requirements for accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1989. In 1991, our athletic program joined the Alabama High School Athletic Association. In 2001, a new building was added which included a large band facility. In 2005, we added football to our athletic program, and in 2008 we began adding e-Instruction and clicker technology to our elementary classrooms and SMART Board technology in our upper school math and science classrooms. In 2012, we began a feasibility study with the JF Smith Group to reach out to the school community, with the hopes of building a new campus. More information to come!