A Journey Through Our School’s History
Discover the inspiring story of Great River Christian School’s growth and spiritual foundation, guided by faith and community.
1997
Founding Year
Great River Christian School began with humble prayer meetings in a local park, marking the start of our faith-driven educational mission.
84
Student Body Size
We now serve a vibrant community of students from pre-K through 12th grade, fostering academic and spiritual growth.
28
Years of Service
Over three decades of dedicated Christian education, nurturing students in knowledge and faith.
History of GRCS
From A Thought Came A School
Great River Christian School was born out of the desire to teach children the Good News of God’s Word. We believe God has called us here to fulfill His commission.
GRCS began in a park the summer of 1997. Parents and grandparents met together for prayer at picnic tables while their children played nearby. Many weeks they met and prayed for wisdom and guidance to begin the work laying heavy on their hearts. Every step was bathed in prayer. Paperwork sent to the state was expected to take a year to accomplish. It was finished and returned in just two weeks.
Prayer meetings concentrated on asking God for the building He wanted us in. Burlington Medical Center (now Great River Medical Center) had purchased the former St. Paul School building and planned to use the gymnasium to construct mock-up rooms for their staff to evaluate for use in the new facility. There were two weeks of August left when BMC rentend us use of the building (except for the gym) for $1.00 per year!
Several parents became the construction and maintenance crew, furniture scouts and negotiators for the school during BMC discussions and agreements. We received special deliveries several times a week. We never knew what would show up next. Everything that came through the door was cause for thanksgiving. We were walking on air! Our unofficial motto became “We don’t turn down anything!” All of the items came to us as donations or were bought for pennies on the dollar.
Our Plan, Realized
School started the day after Labor Day, just three short months after its conception in the park. There were five teachers and a secretary. The “Prayer in the Park” group decided if we had thirty students then the school could make it! GOD SENT 60 STUDENTS! We were off and running for grades Pre-K through 8. In the fall of 2001, we were able to add ninth grade, and we added on each grade through 12th in subsequent years.
A Bigger Building, To Meet Growth
In the summer of 2004, we were able to purchase the former Prospect Hill school building from the public school district. Many hours of painting and remodeling were put in to get the building in ship shape! God has continued to meet our every need in good times and in lean times. He continues to prepare a bright future for GRCS. We may feel unsure when we catch a small glimpse of His direction….but like Peter, our job is not to see the storm around us but to step out with our eyes fastened on our God who leads us one step at a time with His wisdom, power and love! We don’t know what the future holds, but we know Who holds the future!
Come join us! Pray with us! Let us serve you as we serve our Lord Jesus Christ!