CCS previews campus development plans at State of the School address

CULLMAN, Ala. – At the annual State of the School address on Jan. 27, Head of School Heith Yearwood previewed Cullman Christian School’s plans to purchase the Beech Center property and begin development of facilities to provide for the growing student body.

He said the school board is in the final stages of securing bank financing to purchase the Beech Center property and develop the facilities needed to meet the growing needs of Cullman Christian School. This development would include renovating the current gym to provide 20 additional classrooms to accommodate all grade levels on the Beech Campus.

Development will also include the construction of a separate gym and lunchroom. He said the development has become necessary due to the growth in student enrollment. Since 2022, enrollment has steadily grown each year from 187 students in 2022 to a current enrollment of 288 with a projected enrollment of 350 in the coming school year.

He said developing a single CCS campus would help provide for growing enrollment while also addressing the increasing rental costs the school has faced in recent years.

After opening the State of the School meeting, Yearwood reminded those in attendance of the CCS vision to educate students classically, to equip them spiritually and to send them missionally to pursue their God-ordained calling. He said the report of the past year evidenced fulfillment of this vision both on and off campus. In academics, CCS is fully accredited by Cognia, and in school accreditation this fall, CCS scored a 315 in Cognia’s Index of Education Quality compared to the Network Average of 296. CCS provides in-school testing for the ACT and overall ACT averages for students have increased, enabling students to earn competitive scholarships.

CCS participates in AHSAA sports, archery and 4-H robotics and has a vibrant youth sports program including volleyball, basketball and cheerleading. In the fine arts, CCS students receive instruction in drawing, painting and photography. Over the past year, they have presented musical performances and participated in art and music competitions. CCS students participate in community service projects, Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce activities, the fair parade, exhibits and fair queen events, Christmas parade and youth sports.

But the State of the School address also shared the need for continued improvement and invited those in attendance, as well as supporters throughout the community, to be a part. In closing the address, Yearwood made an appeal for support for the capital campaign to fund the upcoming campus renovation and construction, for contributions to the general fund to improve teacher pay and for volunteers to use their gifts and talents to help with student activities, program development and campus maintenance.

Finally, everyone was asked to pray for the students, families, teachers, staff and board members as CCS seeks to provide an excellent education that equips students for service in the community and beyond as students pursue their God-ordained callings.