For the first time since its inception as a preschool in 2007, Powell Christian School began its school year on Aug. 28 as a K-12 school.

The school has three high school students, all of which are freshman girls.

“lt’s just a better learning area, there's no bullies or anything too, it’s more carefree,” said Sheila LeBlanc, a freshman who has been at the school since seventh grade. “When you feel safe it's more comfortable to learn.”

The school has three classrooms that hold up to 20 students each. Christy Muecke teaches kindergarten through second grade, Annie Traverse teaches third through sixth grade and Shane Legler teaches seventh through 12th grade. The school population is at 39 students with 20 in the K-2 classroom, making it the only class that is “maxed out.” In the seventh through 12th grade classroom there are only seven students total including the three high schoolers.

“In previous years, we’ve only taught through eighth grade, and it is exciting for me to get to instruct the older students,” said Legler, Powell Christian School’s administrator and head teacher.

Powell Christian School’s day runs similarly to Powell’s public schools with traditional class subjects, lunch and recess. Where the school differs is the starting time of 8:30 a.m., a four-day school week and its focus on a Christian
worldview.

“We want all of our education to be Christ centered, and we want all of our students to be challenged to live as committed followers of Jesus Christ to the glory of God,” Legler said. “That said, we study many of the same subjects as the public school, but we want students to see everything through the lens of Christ.”

Studying math with “the beauty and majesty of God in the fractal and the mystery of God in the prime number” is an example given by Legler. In history class, the school puts emphasis on the thoughts and beliefs of people as well as their actions.

“We want them to know the ideas that drove people to act as they did because ideas have consequences,” Legler said. ‘We also put a heavy emphasis on civics, expecting our students to know the U.S. Constitution as well as they know the Bible.”

Powell Christian School also offers more unique classes such as informal and formal logic in high school and biblical Greek beginning in seventh grade. As a second language the school offers Arabic, although Legler said they would love to be able to provide Spanish and pray that God will provide a Spanish teacher.

Similar to Park County School District 1, Powell Christian School has Christmas and spring breaks. Powell Christian School’s students will enjoy their winter break from Dec. 20-Jan.  2. Spring break will be March 11-14 followed by an Easter Observance March 28-31.

After the first semester Powell Christian School will begin pursuing accreditation through the Association of Christian School International.

“The process will take us one year and is a goal I’ve had since becoming administrator of the school, as it is a way that we can ensure that we’re always improving,” Legler said.