Western Michigan Christian High School

Infobox School
name = Western Michigan Christian High School


imagesize = 200px| image caption = School logo
motto = "Rise Up"
established = 1948
schooltype = Private high school
grades = 9-12
principal = David VerMerris
address = 455 E. Ellis Road
city = Muskegon
state = Michigan
zipcode = 49441
country = USA
information = 231-799-9644
campus type = Central City
campus size =
enrollment = 210 (as of 2008-09)
faculty = 24
ratio = 12
mascot = Warriors
mascot

colors =
homepage = [http://www.wmchs.net/] | Western Michigan Christian High School (commonly Western Michigan Christian, WMCHS, or WMC) is a Calvinist coeducational private secondary school in Muskegon, Michigan, United States, serving students in grades 9–12. Western Michigan Christian High School is accredited by the Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools, and is a member of Christian Schools International (CSI). [cite web |url=http://www.privateschoolreview.com/school_ov/school_id/14650#Editor |title= Private School Review |accessdate=2008-04-03 |format= HTML |publisher= Private School Review LLC|pages= 1 |quote= Western Michigan Christian High School was established in 1948 and is owned and operated by the parents and friends whom it serves. WMC's mission is to educate with excellence, integrate faith with knowledge, and equip students to work and serve Christ in their communities. In a rigious academic setting and in extracurricular activities, we are committed to teaching Christian beliefs, values and morals.]

History

Founded in 1948, the school is owned by the parents of the students it serves. In addition to charging tuition, the school operates fundraising campaigns to support ongoing operations and expansion projects, and receives endowments. In addition to the usual academic graduation requirements, students are also required to perform 50 hours of community service over four years.

WMCHS has had 20 National Merit Finalists in 25 years.

As of the 2007-08 school year, the school had an enrollment of 212 students and 17.7 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student-teacher ratio of 12:1. The full-time professional staff consists of 24, 60% of which have at least one master’s degree and all are certified in their respective areas of teaching. [cite web |url=http://www.wmchs.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19&Itemid=31 |title= School Website |accessdate=2008-04-03 |format= HTML |publisher= Western Michigan Christian High School |pages= 1]

Academics

At Western Michigan Christian High School, the school year is divided into equal trimesters - three terms of 12 weeks each. Classes meet daily for 68 minutes, except Vocational classes which meet daily in a three-hour block. WMCHS offers 59 subjects on campus, plus numerous courses through the Career Tech Center. In addition, Christian Learning Center support is available for students with learning disabilities.

Weighted courses (5.00 Grade Point) include: Pre-Calculus, AP English, AP Physics, AP Biology, AP or Advanced Chemistry and Spanish 4.

Extracurricular activities

WMCHS has 17 athletic teams, drama, chapel, music programs, student council, numerous clubs as well as other voluntary student activities.

Notable alumni

*Kate Reinders – (Class of 1998), born in Muskegon, Michigan, is an American musical theatre actress, and has performed as lead and understudy in several Broadway shows.
* David Pruim, (class of 1966), was senior vice president of risk services for AON Corporation, on the 103rd floor of the World Trade Center's south tower. Pruim died in the September 11, 2001 attacks. [cite web |url=http://www.gpoaccess.gov/serialset/cdocuments/107-285/text/senate.html |title= US Senate Proceedings |accessdate=2008-04-03 |format= HTML |publisher= The U.S. Government Printing Office |pages= 1 |quote= David Pruim, 52, was "the kindest, nicest, most gentle, 6-foot-4 person there ever was," his wife of 28 years, Kate, told the New York Times shortly after his death. "He made everyone he came into contact with feel good about himself, from children to adults."]
*Dan Bylsma (Class of 1988), who played in the National Hockey League for several years, co-wrote several books with his father, and currently coaches the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins minor league hockey team.

References