Highly visible Christian school keeps low profile
‘We’re a hidden gem in the area,’ superintendent says.
MIDDLETOWN — It’s easily Butler County’s most visible school — perched high atop a hill next to Interstate 75 just south of the Middletown interchange — but for many the Christian school remains a yet undiscovered educational option.
Middletown Christian Schools is one of the largest non-Catholic, Christian pre-K through 12th grade schools in the region and the only one in Butler County directly affiliated with a church.
Founded in 1972 as part of Grace Baptist Church, Middletown Christian sits on the same 32-acre campus just east of I-75.
“In many ways we’re a hidden gem in the area,” said Middletown Christian Schools Superintendent Brian Williams as the private school readies for a Nov. 11 open house to introduce more families to its “Christ-centered education.”
The school, which is accredited by the state and is being certified by the Association of Christian Schools International, touts that 87 percent of its most recent graduates have gone on to college, while earning $1.49 million in scholarships.
The Bible-based curricula taught to its 507 students includes short prayer sessions to start each class in an 88,000-square-foot, two-story school that also features a full gym, prep sports teams, computer lab and school spirit shop.
Officials said they are discussing further possible expansion to accommodate more growth.
School parents, students and graduates credit the school’s emphasis on developing the whole student beyond academics.
“We have a biblical world view and we have a staff that shows the love of Christ to each and every student and that is different from most schools around,” said Williams. “We really make it a point ... to be gospel-centered in everything we do.”
Students do not have to be members of the Grace Baptist Church to attend Middletown Christian. Students come from families who attend 95 area churches.
Notable Middletown Christian Schools graduates include Middletown Police Chief Rodney Muterspaw, who credits the school with much of his success through its mission of individualized learning via smaller class sizes of the school.
“I really enjoyed the camaraderie and closeness of the students and staff,” he said. “My coaches were huge role models and influences on my life, even today. I still stay in touch with some of them.
He said Middletown Christian is “excellent for those who want something different,” but still want to stay in the city.
Andrea Flannagan, who has two children enrolled, said she sends her children there because the school “lines up with the same beliefs” of her family.
“The academics are very strong here and I feel my kids will be ready for college,” she said. “The teachers are so caring and compassionate ... and teaching is a ministry to them. And that helps my children with their world view.”