Christian Schools

Numerous schools in the Indianapolis area are classified as “Christian” schools. There is no unified administrative structure or common educational philosophy for these schools. Some are subsidiary to specific denominational congregations and draw on their student body and administrative personnel from the church. Others are affiliated with larger organizations, consisting of schools sharing similar theological views. Most Christian day schools in Indianapolis are guided by conservative theological precepts and follow a strict interpretation of biblical admonition. There are no boarding facilities in these schools. Some, but not all, provide student transportation.

Four Marion County schools are affiliated with the Indiana Association of Christian Schools (IACS). Baptist Academy and Suburban Baptist Schools include kindergarten through grade twelve. Eagledale Christian and Colonial Hill Christian schools, elementary institutions, are members of IACS. The association includes Independent Baptist Schools in Indiana and serves as liaison to other such institutions throughout the country.

Three schools are members of Associated Christian Schools International (ACSI), another liaison group for Independent Baptist Schools. Colonial Christian, Gray Road Christian, and Heritage Christian schools belong to ACSI.

Many other schools are truly independent. Faithway Christian School is an independent unit connected with the congregation of Faithway Baptist Church. Calvary Christian School, kindergarten through grade twelve, is affiliated with Calvary United Pentecostal Church. Westside Christian School is independent, located in facilities provided by a Church of the Nazarene. Indianapolis Baptist High School opened in 1971, is an educational adjunct to the Baptist Temple congregation and is not affiliated with other schools in the county.

Indianapolis Christian Schools are independent though closely tied to the Church of Christ. The elementary school accepts students in kindergarten through grade six and is accredited by the Indiana Department of Education. The junior-senior high school, grades seven through twelve, is not accredited by the state’s Department of Education. Indianapolis Christian Schools holds membership in the National Christian Schools Association with headquarters in York, Nebraska.

*Note: This entry is from the original print edition of the Encyclopedia of Indianapolis (1994). We seek an individual with knowledge of this topic to update this entry.