By Kelli J. Cook

"If you build it, they will come." Sound familiar? While Kevin Costner is speaking of a baseball field in the movie Field of Dreams, Middle Georgia Christian School is bringing to reality a much greater vision—a new school facility on Thomaston Road, expected to open for the 2001/2002 school year. This phenomenal growth serves as a witness to the tremendous commitment, determination, and faith of MGCS’s students, parents, faculty, school board, and its governing church, Southside Church of Christ.

And when you realize that this school began educating children with a mere 24 five-year-old students in 1975, the scope of this endeavor is even more impressive. Slow, consistent growth attained by conservative and sound planning has led this school to where it is today. Southside Church purchased the 57 acres on Thomaston Road in 1984 with the initial vision of future relocation of the Church and MGCS. The school attained accreditation by the Georgia Accrediting Commission in 1994 and graduated its first high school class in 1995. With these two goals achieved, their third goal—a new facility, has taken center stage, with construction currently underway.

Throughout this change, however, education is still the top priority. Under the direction of Principal Gayle Van Etten, students at MGCS are required to take daily Bible classes and volunteer in the community, in addition to typical educational course requirements. The ABEKA phonics-based curriculum is used for preschool and elementary grades, while Bob Jones and Saxon Math are implemented in the middle and high school levels. Extracurricular activities include yearbook, travel club, beta club, cheerleading, junior varsity and varsity basketball, with more sports and clubs to be added once they have moved into their new location.

Though their school’s appearance is making a drastic change, Middle Georgia Christian School’s founding ideals remain solidly intact—to provide a quality education in a safe Christian environment at a cost that is within the reach of most families. Through sound fiscal management they are able to offer the lowest private school tuition in the area. Racially and economically diverse, MGCS strives to provide understanding of Christ’s teachings and create good contributing citizens. This is a truly a small school with great faith.

For Admissions Information contact: Middle Georgia Christian School

1686 Williamson Road (thru May 31^st)
5859 Thomaston Road (after June 1^st)
Macon, GA 31210
478/788-8465