03/28/2024
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By Cara Beth Lewis

A new school for Bladen County and the surrounding area is in the works. Parents, teachers, and concerned members of the community are excited to be creating a new place of learning that will offer in-person, hands-on education, founded on Christian principles and agriculturally based activities. Officially registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State as Homestead Christian School, the school plans to open its doors in the fall of 2022.

President of the Board, Ivey King, believes that there is a need for a Christian school in the local community that offers smaller class sizes and high academic standards, coupled with agricultural activities that can be utilized to reinforce science lessons, students’ sense of responsibility and stronger work ethics. She stated, “Our country is hurting.  At some point, as parents and grandparents, we have to put our foot down and say enough is enough.  Change starts with our children… in our local communities.  They are the up and coming generations that will have the power to make or break our country.  This is where we, as a community, have the power to come together and make a difference.” She also believes that she is not the only person who feels this way. King explained, “Once we put this out in the community, I can’t imagine the response being anything but overwhelming enthusiasm.”

The goal of Homestead Christian School is this: “To emphasize academic excellence, meeting and even exceeding accreditation requirements; all while excelling in terms of quality relationships, independent thinking, problem-solving skills, and most- importantly… Godly character.”

The curriculum at HCS will focus on proven, long-standing Christian curriculums and STEM education-based projects. Peggy Hester, the School Administrator for HCS (not the same as Dr. Peggy Hester who is the Principle at West Bladen High school), emphasized the importance of having qualified teachers who have a genuine love of teaching and view teaching as their calling.

Hester indicated, at least for the first year, that the school plans to set an admissions cap of approximately 30 students; emphasizing that their goal is to provide a quality education- “Our focus is on quality over quantity.” Grade levels offered will range from K-5 all the way through 12th grade, with interaction among various grade levels for agricultural activities encouraged to promote improved social skills.

The group behind this new school is actively searching for a piece of land, approximately 5-acres in size, to either purchase or receive as a tax-deductible donation, or possibly a vacant building in the community that could be refurbished for such a purpose.

In regard to the need for land, King stated, “We are still somewhat ‘homeless,’ but we know the Lord did not bring us this far, or provide the provisions that He has so readily, without having a home planned for this school in our community. We know the perfect piece of land and/or building is out there; we feel it in our bones, so we are moving forward with making our preparations.”

King and Hester guarantee that the school will begin daily operations and educating students in the fall of 2022. Pre-registration is offered at this time for those who are interested in having a child, or children, attend. There is an application process, but Hester emphasized, “This is open to everyone. We will talk with every interested parent.”

King added, “We are so very excited to be moving forward with this mission. People within our community, and even some from other states, have already started to reach out and offer support.  God is opening doors almost faster than we can move through them! At every step, He has continually reassured us that we are moving in accordance with His will.”

For more information, to make a donation, or to obtain an application,
contact (910)549-8317.

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