Considering MCS?

At Maryville Christian School, we recognize that the education of children is extremely important. And as Christians, it is plain in scripture the education of children is the responsibility of the parents.  Deuteronomy 6: 4-7 states, “Hear O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about then when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” 

Understanding this mandate to educate children both academically and spiritually, we desire to be an extension of the Christian home.    We consider it a great privilege and trust to partner with you in the education of children that will affect all of eternity.

In looking at Christian education, there may be a number of questions in your mind. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive that will hopefully better inform you in making this important decision:

Why should we have a Christian education for our children?

There are multiple answers to this question, but simply put, we believe that God commands that the education of children needs to include the eternal truths of God. Referring again to the Deuteronomy passage above, we see that learning the ways of God is not an optional part of raising a child.  And while many could argue that this can be accomplished solely through the home and church, one has to consider that during a given school day a child will spend as many hours at school with teachers and peers who have a great influence over their thinking.  Along with this, churches only get your children around 5-6 hours each week. At school, your child will spend a minimum of 35 hours a week.  Knowing these facts, where do you want your children to be for a significant amount of their week?  What kind of adults and peers do you want your children to be around for a majority of their day?

The main purpose of a child’s education is to prepare them for adulthood. Many schools do provide fine academic preparation for success in college and career.  However, a Christian school is unique in that it also strives to develop Christian character which will serve the child far beyond the academic realm. So, while your choice may not be Maryville Christian, we encourage you to give serious consideration to an education grounded upon the eternal truths of God’s word.

Why should we consider Maryville Christian School?

Christian schools come in all varieties and many good options are available in the area. At MCS, we have developed a commitment to be a school dedicated to “cultivating a distinctive generation.”  This commitment came out of a conviction the administration and school board felt several years ago after a study of the book of I Peter.  In this book, Peter refers to Christians as “aliens and strangers,” “a people belonging to God,” “chosen people” and a “royal priesthood.”  Clearly, Peter saw followers of Christ as being distinct and different from the rest of the world.  Hence, we came to the conviction that we wanted to be involved in raising a generation of children who will leave this campus someday and be distinctive adults wherever God takes them.

So, what does it mean to be distinctive? We have found this commitment to have implications in every aspect of our school program.  First and foremost, we want to develop distinctive Christian character in our students. It is not enough that our students take Bible and go to chapel services once a week.  We want to raise young people who have a relationship with Jesus Christ and exhibit God’s love in their lives. Four years ago, a spiritual life committee was formed that meets weekly to evaluate the spiritual life of our school.  Activities such as retreats for the middle school students and high school students have resulted from this committee as we want our kids to grow closer to God and each other by having a time in the mountains each year to get away and draw near to the Savior. We have also developed a small group ministry for our upper grade students. Classes have also developed ministries in which they are involved throughout the course of the school year.  Perhaps one of the most significant changes made by the spiritual life committee has been the annual senior trip. For years, our seniors would go to the beach as a final event of their years at MCS. Two years ago, based upon the dedication to distinctiveness, the trip was changed to a mission trip.  Now our seniors top off their year by going to Costa Rica and serving the Lord in a foreign mission field.

Beyond spiritual distinctiveness, we have a commitment to being distinctive in our academic program. Being a college-prep school, we want to do all we can to prepare our students for success in higher education.  Curriculum development is on going at MCS as we strive to provide the best for our students. One example of this is our new math curriculum that was implemented in 2009.  Departing from the traditional methodology, we have adopted a curriculum that is very hands on and application oriented. Students in the elementary grades use a lot more manipulatives and real life experiences in developing their math skills.  To complement this, we have begun to utilize more technology with the addition of Promethean boards to provide more interactive learning.

In addition, we want to be distinctive in our relationships.   We take seriously the words of Jesus when he was asked about the greatest commandment. He stated: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself”.  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”  (Matt. 22: 37-40)   Truly we want to be a ministry that is dedicated to loving God and loving others. We see the students as the most important people on our campus and make their needs a high priority. The faculty understands that these kids are not only our students, but they are also our younger brothers and sisters in Christ. At the same time, we strive be proactive in our relationships with parents as we partner together to raise these children in a godly manner.  And amongst each other, we constantly seek to model positive, loving relationships as colleagues and children of God.  As a result, when you walk around the MCS campus and get to know us, you will find an atmosphere you may not find elsewhere. We are all a microcosm of the body of Christ and earnestly strive to practice the love of God.

Maryville Christian School seeks to be distinctive in every way because God has called us to be uniquely His.

What is the background behind this ministry? 

MCS began in the early 1990’s when several families in the area began to pray about their conviction of the need for a Christian school in Blount County.  Through many months of prayer and planning, the school opened officially in the Fall of 1994.  It started with grades K-5 and an enrollment of 47 students.  The school was housed in a local church. With a commitment to add a grade every year, the school grew steadily during the 90s under the guidance of Mr. Steve Orr, the first administrator. In the late 1990’s God moved in the hearts of Bill and Velma Wallace, long time residents of the county.  As a result of their generosity, a tract of 31.5 acres was donated for a permanent campus and plans began for building a facility to house the entire school. In January, 2000 the current building was completed.  Since then, a separate building for a preschool was added in 2005. In the spring of 2009, an additional building was added for an orchestra room along with science labs.

MCS received full accreditation with the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) in 2002 and in 2003, the school received an additional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).  In the spring of 2009, both accreditations were renewed for a full term of five years.

Nine senior classes totaling 119 students have graduated from Maryville Christian School. Approximately 95% of these students have attended college and they have earned almost $2 million in scholarships over the past nine years.

Maryville Christian School is governed by a board consisting currently of 9 members. These individuals are parents in the school or are parents of MCS alumni. 

The administration is led by Mr. Glenn Slater (administrator), Mrs. Robin Adams (PK-6 principal) and Mrs. Jackie Klima (7-12 principal).  Approximately 35 faculty members serve MCS.  The support staff consists of 4 office assistants and 1 maintenance supervisor.

Maryville Christian School has changed a great deal since a few parents got together and prayed in the early 1990’s.  However, one thing has remained constant.  In the tradition of the founders, the school seeks to be first and foremost a Christian school dedicated to raising young people who will serve the Lord for all eternity.  

Is MCS affiliated with any particular church? 

No, we are an independent interdenominational Christian school.  Within the school family, we have approximately 50 mainline Christian churches represented.

How can I get more information about enrolling a student at Maryville Christian School?

Please check the drop down box in regard to admissions. All pertinent information is found there and you will also be able to download all appropriate documents needed for admission.