Oakland Christian School Through the Years
In the fall of 1968, 51 students in grades 7-12 began classes in the basement of Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Church, followed by a second-semester move to Avondale Baptist Church for added space. The first five students graduated in 1969 and as enrollment rose, the school began the start of the 1969-70 school year at St. Luke's United Methodist Church. At the beginning of the 1970-71 school year, grades 5 and 6 were added leading to an enrollment that tripled. Another move to St. Michael's Church in Pontiac at the beginning of the 1972-73 school year provided more space. As the student body continued to rise, plans were being made for one final move.
In September 1976, prayers were answered when 50 acres of land were donated for a new facility on Shimmons Road in Auburn Hills. As construction began, elementary students were housed at Five Points Community Church while secondary students stayed at St. Michael's. On October 15, 1977, 383 students and faculty finally began classes in the new spacious school. As enrollment continued to climb, five modular classrooms were purchased between 1980-86 to accommodate the increased demand and to relieve congestion in the high school library.
To free up more classroom space and secure the business office in the main building, an office complex was connected to the main building at the beginning of the 1986-87 school year. With enrollment continuing to rise, the kindergarten program moved to Five Points Community Church in order to accommodate two sections of each elementary grade level and eliminate long waiting lists.
Sparked by increased enrollment of over 600 students in 1992-93, Oakland Christian School added an extra period to the day to meet an increase in demands for more science and math classes. During the mid-nineties, plans for the addition to the existing structure were initiated. In 1996, the board of Oakland Christian School implemented a capital campaign that would raise money for additional classrooms, a media center, and a multi-purpose facility. In so doing, the new structure would allow for a cafeteria, eliminating the use of the present gym during lunches. In addition, kindergarten classes would be brought back to the main campus and the modular classrooms removed.
As Oakland Christian School moves into the future, we rejoice in how the Lord continues to provide in and through this institution. The school board, faculty, and staff have made a commitment to place an emphasis on character growth in our students. The result of this commitment is that students are graduating not only with excellent academic and life skills training but also with the ability to serve with moral excellence in their homes, churches, and communities.