Winter Haven Christian School is a privateChristian school located at 1700 Buckeye Loop Road NE in the City of Winter Haven, Florida. The school currently serves grades pre-kindergarten three-year-olds through twelfth grade.
History
Winter Haven Christian School was founded in 1965 as First Baptist Christian School. In June 1986, the name was changed to reflect the new interdenominational philosophy of the school. The school is governed by a board of directors made up of Christian leaders in the greater Winter Haven area. An advisory board consisting of parents and non-parents also assists with the school's development and long-range planning. All serve without compensation. In 1992, WHCS purchased fifteen acres on Buckeye Loop Road using funds that had been donated by parents and friends of the school, and began a fundraising campaign for the purpose of developing the site into a Christian educational campus. Ground was broken in 1999, and through the efforts of many parents and volunteers – especially Campers on Mission – the new building was completed in time for the 2002–2003 school year. An addition of seven classrooms and additional boys' and girls' restrooms was completed in the summer of 2013. An expansion of the middle school and high school was completed in the spring of 2017 with seven classrooms, including science labs and additional restrooms. Development of the campus will be an ongoing project. The master plan provides for a future gymnasium, separate high school building and expansion of the outdoor athletic facilities.
Administration
Mr. Joseph T. Klein is the headmaster of the school. Mr. Klein was a Christian School Principal in Pennsylvania for six years before moving to Florida in 2008. Mr. Klein has a bachelor's degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo, a master's degree from Dowling College and a Post Masters Administrative Certificate from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Klein is currently working on his Doctorate in Education at Regent University. Mr. Klein credits the mentoring of Mr. Thomas Wieland while they were both employed at South Shore Christian School in Levittown, NY for entering the ministry of Christian School Administration. Mr. Wieland also served as Headmaster of Harrisburg Christian School in Harrisburg, PA. Mrs. Jeanette Venable is the principal for the elementary school and Mrs. Jeannette Williams is the current middle school and high school principal. Mrs. Venable has a bachelor's degree from Freed-Hardeman University and received her master's degree from the American College of Education and Mrs. Williams has a bachelor's degree from Bob Jones University and received her master's degree from Southeastern University.
WHCS offers a half-day or full day preschool program for four-year-olds which is licensed by the State of Florida. Extended care is available to four-year-olds for an additional fee. Students in preschool are taught the necessary skills to be successful in the Kindergarten program. In addition, they have opportunity to play and participate in crafts and activities that build everlasting memories from childhood.
Elementary, grades K5–5
WHCS students in grades K5 through 5th grade have class in a traditional classroom setting. In addition to their core subjects, each student also participates in art, computer, music, physical education and Spanish classes. Field trips and age-appropriate activities also supplement the curriculum.
Middle school, grades 6–8
Middle-school students are provided a variety of classes and teachers, with a seven-period day. Each middle-school student is assigned to a homeroom and locker for the year. In addition, middle-school students have separate chapels, field trips, activities and leadership opportunities designed to meet the need for their age group
High school, grades 9–12
WHCS's high school program is geared for a College Prep Diploma. Students complete their core subjects as required by FACCS and the State of Florida. These core subjects include Bible, English, foreign language, math, science and social studies. In addition, every high school student at WHCS is entered into an academy or major that gives them specialized training and instruction in one of eight areas:
As a result of a partnership with Southeastern University, Baptist College of Florida, Warner University and Polk State College, WHCS students who are in 11th and 12th grade have the opportunity to dual-enroll. Students must apply for dual enrollment and are subject to WHCS and the Colleges policies and minimum requirements. Winter Haven Christian School graduated its first high school class in June 2016 and has since graduated three additional Senior Classes since with a total of 44 graduates as of August 2019. Graduation ceremonies have been held at Heartland Church, which is located a few blocks away from the location of the original campus and Winter Haven Worship Center which is only 2 miles away from the WHCS campus. Although just starting to graduate high school students, WHCS has seen 100% college acceptance. Students at WHCS have been accepted into the following colleges . X – Indicates acceptance into the College Honors Program:
WHCS has a soccer field and dedicated outdoor archery range on the grounds of the campus. WHCS competes in interscholastic sports with other local Christian schools and is a member of the Central Florida Athletic Conference for students in grades 6–12. For archery, WHCS competes with NASP sanctioned events. In addition, WHCS offers intramural bowling, flag football and soccer for students in the Elementary School. Interscholastic sports offered at WHCS include:
