History of Winter Haven Christian School
It all began in 1965.
In 1965, First Baptist Christian Day School was founded with K -1st grades and 2 teachers. The school continued to grow under the leadership of Mary Brooks, and in 1986, the decision was made to change the name to Winter Haven Christian School and make it an independent, interdenominational school. A board was formed and in 1992, 15 acres of land was purchased at 1700 Buckeye Loop Road.
In 1999, ground was officially broken and the new campus began to take shape until Winter Haven Christian School was able to fully operate in its new campus in 2002. In 2008, Mary Brooks retired and the board brought in Headmaster Joseph Klein, who has served as a leader for Winter Haven Christian School. Winter Haven Christian School continued to grow so that in 2013 a new wing was built honoring Nancy Shytle for her 40+ years at Winter Haven Christian School.
Winter Haven Christian School celebrated its first graduating class of 5 students in 2016 and is now enrolling more than 450 students in grades Pre-K 4 through 12th grade.
God-willing, Winter Haven Christian School will to continue to grow, and one day include a separate high school building, a gymnasium, and additional facilities.
Time-line of progress:
1965: Founded as First Baptist Christian Day School
1986: Changed name to Winter Haven Christian School
1986: Became an independent, interdenominational school
1992: Purchased 15 acres on Buckeye Loop Road
1999: Ground was broken for new campus
2002: First year in the new facility.
2013: New wing to honor Nancy Shytle for her 40+ year at WHCS
2016: First graduating class
2017: New addition to accommodate additional students