In the spring of 1996, a couple of parents started thinking about a Christian school alternative, where parents’ voices were heard in their children’s education. It was a desire to have parents, teachers, and students working together in a Christian environment. After several Christian teachers expressed a desire to help start the school, Port Charlotte Church of the Nazarene agreed to open its facilities to the new school. Five teachers (with one also handling administrative duties) and one secretary were hand-picked. The curriculum was ordered and the school began its first year in the fall of 1996 with 86 students from Kindergarten through High School.  

 

After our first exciting year, Genesis Christian School officially became a ministry of the Port Charlotte Church of the Nazarene.  There have been many people responsible for the transformation of this school over the last several years. Many parents volunteered their time and expertise in adding to the curriculum. Many have donated hours of work and materials, as the church helped build and take down walls, sacrifice the fellowship hall (yet again) and watch the nursery and church rooms change. The first cottage was purchased to move some grades out of the main building and add to the classroom size.  

 

After another year, the second cottage was purchased to further divide classrooms. Eventually, the fellowship hall became the lunchroom, and the kids no longer had to eat in their classrooms.  Genesis went from recess time which consisted of playing jump rope, football, dodgeball, and tetherball, to a playground filled with equipment. Students' and families' lives were changed as they grew spiritually and scholastically. Classroom donations poured in, by many families, to improve individual classes. This became a center with many Christian denominations coming together, to give families a Christ-centered learning environment. God has helped Genesis identify their one purpose: to minister and teach children and their families, where Christ’s love and teachings abound! Truly at Genesis, learning is just the beginning!  

 

As this school grows, there will always be struggles and changes and many sacrifices. This type of ministry will never be easy, but God’s rewards are eternal.  Let us continue on a course God has designed. May God richly bless each one of you, as you sacrifice to give your child an education with a Christian purpose! Your lives will never be the same…