NorthPointe Christian Schools

NorthPointe Christian Schools is a private Christian school located on the North East side of Grand Rapids, Michigan. NorthPointe Christian Schools is committed to 'equipping students to impact their world for Jesus Christ'.[3] This commitment is accomplished through academics, spiritual life, athletics, and extracurricular activities.

NorthPointe Christian Schools
Address
3101 Leonard Street NE

Grand Rapids
,
Michigan
49525

United States
Coordinates42°59′2″N 85°35′38″W
Information
School typePrivate Christian
Religious affiliation(s)Christian
Established1972
FounderGeorge Berends
SuperintendentTodd Tolsma
High School PrincipalTom Molenkamp
Middle School PrincipalMegan Wilink
Elementary School PrincipalKaren Vanderberg
Teaching staff66 (on a FTE basis)
Grades3s - 12th Grade
Enrollment1,150 (2022-2023)
Student to teacher ratio23:1
Color(s)Royal blue, yellow, white, gold
   
Athletics conferenceOttawa-Kent Conference
NicknameMustangs
AccreditationNorth Central Accreditation, Christian Schools International
PublicationThe Advantage (Newsletter)
Websitewww.npchristian.org
[1][2]

History

NorthPointe Christian Schools was founded as Grand Rapids Baptist Academy in 1972, with 90 students Kindergarten through 8th grade attending.[4] In the spring of 1973, 19 acres of property was purchased on Leonard Street, where an 18,000 square foot building was constructed[5] by Visser Brothers Construction. The Leonard Street campus opened in September of 1973, with 280 students in attendance from Kindergarten through 10th grade.[6]

From 1974-1976, portable classrooms were purchased, and Crestview Elementary School was leased from Grand Rapids Public Schools, opening its doors to 300 elementary-age students. The graduating class of 1976 (the school's first class) had 14 graduates.[7] During the 1978-1979 school year, Crestview Elementary School was purchased by Grand Rapids Baptist Academy.[8] By 1982, Grand Rapids Baptist Academy had 4 elementary campuses (Crestview and 3 satellite schools), and 125 new high school students were added, alongside a special education program.[9] A December 1982 letter reported 1,194 students enrolled in Kindergarten through 12th grade.[10]

In 1990, Grand Rapids Baptist Academy updated their Statement of Purpose: “Grand Rapids Baptist Academy exists in partnership with the home and the church to train each student to integrate the absolute truth of God into every area of life. The primary goal of the Academy is to equip students to strive to be fully mature in Christ; so that students may manifest a Christlikeness in character, conduct, and knowledge to the world in which they live.”[11]

The school's name was later changed to Grand Rapids Baptist Schools in 1996, to avoid confusion with local charter 'academies'.[12] By 1999-2000, Grand Rapids Baptist Schools had been dually accredited by North Central Association and the Association of Christian Schools International,[13] and became a member of Christian Schools International.[14] Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, new facilities were added to the school, including athletic fields, a media center, additional classrooms, a cafeteria, locker rooms, and offices.[15][16]

In 2004, the school announced the change of its name from Grand Rapids Baptist Schools to NorthPointe Christian Schools.[17] In 2006, Jim Hofman became the Superintendent, a football program was started, and homeschool options were offered.[18] In 2008, the Love, Mission and Image mandates were integrated into the NorthPointe Christian Schools curriculum.[19][20] During the same year, the Home & School Hybrid Program started, welcoming 11 students into a 3rd-5th grade class.[21]

In 2011, NorthPointe Christian Schools opened their Spanish Immersion program and moved their 6th grade students from the Preschool and Elementary campus to the Middle and High School campus. During the following years, childcare programs opened, a new technology initiative was announced, and Joel Westa was hired as Superintendent in 2013.[22] NorthPointe Christian Schools announced their largest graduating class (102 graduates) in 2015, along with the hiring of Todd Tolsma as Head of Schools.[23] In 2016, four new academic programs were launched: Nature-Based Preschool, Intergenerational Preschool, Big Picture Learning, and Spanish Immersion at the Middle School campus.[24] In 2018, the Forward in Faith Capital Campaign was launched, with the goal of building additional classrooms and a fine arts wing.[25]

As of the 2022-2023 school year, enrollment from 3s to 12th Grade was 1,150 students.

Academics

NorthPointe Christian Schools offers a variety of academic programs for students age 3 through 12th grade:

  • Early Childhood[26] (3s - Developmental Kindergarten) - English Preschool, Spanish Immersion Preschool, Nature-Based Preschool, Developmental Kindergarten
  • Elementary[27] (Kindergarten - 5th Grade) - English, Spanish Immersion, Home & School Hybrid[28]
  • Middle School[29] (6th - 8th Grade) - English, Spanish Immersion, Home & School Hybrid[30]
  • High School[31] (9th - 12th Grade)- English, Big Picture Learning,[32] college dual enrollment for juniors and seniors[33]

Each faculty or staff member at NorthPointe Christian Schools is a professing Christian. In addition, NorthPointe Christian's teachers have an average of 12 years of experience and are certified in their area of speciality.[34] The current student to teacher ratio is 23:1.

Spiritual Life

The Bible is the core of academics and student life at NorthPointe Christian Schools. Each teacher is a professing Christian, and over 100 churches are represented across the student body. In addition to integrating the Bible throughout all subjects, daily Bible class is required for all students at every grade level.[35] NorthPointe Christian's faculty and staff are committed to the holistic development - academic, spiritual, and emotional - of each student. All students also participate in weekly chapels, Scripture memory, Spiritual Emphasis Weeks, small groups, service projects, and other opportunities for spiritual mentorship.[36]

Athletics

NorthPointe Christian Mustangs are a member of the Ottawa-Kent Conference. The school colors are royal blue, white and gold. The following MHSAA sanctioned sports are offered:

  • Baseball (boys)
  • Basketball (girls and boys)
  • Bowling (girls and boys)
  • Competitive Cheer (girls)
  • Cross Country (girls and boys) - Girls State Champions - 2006, 2007[37]
  • Football (boys)
  • Golf (girls and boys) - Girls State Champions - 2019;[38] Boys State Champions - 1993, 1996, 2018[39]
  • Soccer (girls and boys)
  • Softball (girls
  • Swim and Dive (girls)
  • Tennis (girls and boys) - Boys State Champions - 2006[40]
  • Track and Field (girls and boys)
  • Volleyball (girls)
  • Wrestling (boys)

Extracurricular Activities

NorthPointe Christian Schools offers the following courses, programs and extracurricular activities to aid in students' academic

  • Fine Arts - band, choir and orchestra[41]
  • Theatrical Productions
  • National Honor Society
  • Robotics
  • Service Projects
  • Mission Trips
  • January Term classes
  • Middle School Marketplace[42]

Demographics

The demographic breakdown of the 952 students enrolled in grades K-12 for 2022-2023 was as follows:

  • Asian - 2.62%
  • African American - 3.67%
  • Caucasian - 66.7%
  • Hispanic - 4.83%
  • Native American - 0.21%
  • Other / Unclassified - 21.95%
  • Pacific Islanders - 0%

Notable Alumni & Staff

References
  1. "Search for Private Schools - School Detail for North Pointe Christian Schools". nces.ed.gov. Retrieved 30 December 2017.
  2. "MHSAA > Schools". mhsaa.com. Retrieved 30 December 2017.
  3. "Why NPC? | NorthPointe Christian Schools". NorthPointe Christian Schools |. 2021-12-21. Retrieved 2022-11-21.
  4. "@npchristian_schools on Instagram: "💡 Did you know?! NorthPointe Christian began back in March 1972, then the Galilean Baptist Mission initiative composed of 18 men met to discuss the "Baptist Day School." In 1972-73, our school opened with 90 students, grades K-8, at Wealthy Street Baptist Church as Grand Rapids Baptist Academy. Five teachers were hired, and the school budget was $45,000. #50YearsofNPC #NPCHistory #GrandRapidsBaptistAcademy"". Instagram. Retrieved 2022-11-22.
  5. "@npchristian_schools on Instagram: "Here's another fun #50YearsofNPC fact: 🔨 In Spring 1973, 19 acres of property on Leonard St. was purchased and construction began on an 18,000 sq ft building. Visser Brothers Construction was our builder then and will be our builder this year too! #NPCHistory #GrandRapidsBaptistAcademy"". Instagram. Retrieved 2022-11-22.
  6. "@npchristian_schools on Instagram: "In 1973-74 after months of construction, our current location, the school on Leonard Street opened in September with 280 students in grades K-10; George Berends was Administrator. The end pages of the 1974 yearbook, Agape, say, "We've come this far by faith…And with our eyes on the Lord … We can't turn back." These words still ring true today! #50YearsofNPC #NPCHistory #ByFaithAlone"". Instagram. Retrieved 2022-11-22.
  7. "@npchristian_schools on Instagram: "🏫 In 1974-75, three portable classrooms were purchased for the next school year. The year following, Crestview Elementary School was leased from GR Public Schools and school opened there with over 300 students. The first graduating class, the Charter Class of 1976, had 14 graduates (their names are listed on flag pole plaque, their gift to the school). The plaque still exists today, check it out the next time you are at the high school. 🎓 Did you attend Crestview Elementary? If so, let us know your favorite grade school teacher below! #50YearsofNPC #NPCHistory #CrestviewElementary #NPCClassof1976"". Instagram. Retrieved 2022-11-22.
  8. "@npchristian_schools on Instagram: "1978-79 was a busy year! Crestview campus was purchased; curriculum and spiritual standards improved as Grand Rapids Baptist Academy sought accreditation. 📷 Yearbook became a semester class. 📰 Newspaper called "Hoofbeat" began. 💡 National Honor Society began along with Quizzers (who won WGVC Championship for West Michigan Classes A-D). And Spiritual Emphasis Week sponsored by the Student Council started among many other things! #50YearsofNPC #NPCHistory #GrandRapidsBaptistAcademy #CrestviewElementary"". Instagram. Retrieved 2022-11-22.
  9. "@npchristian_schools on Instagram: "Once upon a time (1982 to be exact), Grand Rapids Baptist Academy had 4 elementary campuses: Crestview and three satellite schools (Wealthy, Middleville, and Freedom). 125 new high schoolers were added; Special Education was incorporated; and our existing game gym opened in January 1982. ❓ Do you recognize any of these high school star players?? Hint – one of them just might be our current Head of Schools! 🍪 And some of you may remember that the first Baptist Academy Cookbook went on sale this year. Does anyone still have their copy?! #50YearsatNPC #NPCHistory #NPCBasketball"". Instagram. Retrieved 2022-11-22.
  10. "@npchristian_schools on Instagram: "Our 50 Years of NPC history continues... In 1982-83, a December 1982 letter states there were 1,194 students enrolled K-12, 103 churches were represented by 13 denominations, and the school budget was $1,794,263. The year following there were some changes, it was Freedom Baptist Academy's last year as part of GRBA. And so three elementary schools were made into one – every inch of Crestview was used (3 classes of 1st, 2nd, and 6th grade) with 1,154 students K-12! The Class of 1985 was the first graduating class to attend K-12 – the four were Aaron Foust, Kirsten Sorensen Mashni, Phil Mol, and Valerie Bupp Brander. The 1985 yearbook calls the four, the "Twelve-Year Seniors." Seven others in the photo joined them in the 1st grade. Do you recognize this familiar teacher in the photo?? 💡 Hint - he led our music program for many years before his successor and former student, Lisa Spangler, took over! #50YearsofNPC #NPCHistory #NPCLifers #12YearSeniors"". Instagram. Retrieved 2022-11-22.
  11. "@npchristian_schools on Instagram: "In 1986-87, the building addition to the elementary campus was completed. The addition included the library, upper wing of 6 classrooms, and restroom. Three years later, Randy Ross began as Superintendent; four capital campaigns were still being paid off (Leonard campus, elementary purchase, High School game gym, and the elementary expansion). The Statement of Purpose 1990: "Grand Rapids Baptist Academy exists in partnership with the home and the church to train each student to integrate the absolute truth of God into every area of life. The primary goal of the Academy is to equip students to strive to be fully mature in Christ; so that students may manifest a Christlikeness in character, conduct, and knowledge to the world in which they live." #50YearsofNPC #NPCHistory #Equip #Serve #Impact"". Instagram. Retrieved 2022-11-22.
  12. "@npchristian_schools on Instagram: "On November 13, 1996, our school name changed to Grand Rapids Baptist Schools, not to be confused with Charter "Academies." With it the school simplified its Purpose Statement to a Mission Statement "to equip students to impact their world for Jesus Christ." 🖌 Check out how our logo has changed over the years! It's fun to have these digital memories to look at! #50YearsofNPC #NPCHistory #GrandRapidsBaptistSchools #Rebranding"". Instagram. Retrieved 2022-11-22.
  13. "@npchristian_schools on Instagram: "🔨 In March 1999, the GRBS Board approved plans for Phase 1 construction which included a Media Center and new High School wing for an estimated grand total of $2.5M. 🏛 That same year, our 8th graders began going to Washington DC. A tradition is born! During this time, GRBS was one of a few schools in Michigan that are dually accredited (North Central Association and Association of Christian Schools International). #50YearsofNPC #NPCHistory"". Instagram. Retrieved 2022-11-22.
  14. "@npchristian_schools on Instagram: "🔨 In March 1999, the GRBS Board approved plans for Phase 1 construction which included a Media Center and new High School wing for an estimated grand total of $2.5M. 🏛 That same year, our 8th graders began going to Washington DC. A tradition is born! During this time, GRBS was one of a few schools in Michigan that are dually accredited (North Central Association and Association of Christian Schools International). #50YearsofNPC #NPCHistory"". Instagram. Retrieved 2022-11-22.
  15. "@npchristian_schools on Instagram: "In August 2000, the new spaces were dedicated. The final construction total equaled $2.9 million. Special gifts included 140 new Pentium computers from Old Kent Bank for computer labs on both campuses, furnishings for a Resource Room, Teachers' Lounge, and Student Workroom; new equipment for Science labs, and a well and irrigation for the athletic fields. GRBS becomes a member of Christian Schools International. #50YearsofNPC #NPCHistory"". Instagram. Retrieved 2022-11-22.
  16. "@npchristian_schools on Instagram: "📕 In 2002, the Mol Media Center was completed and later dedicated on December 20th. 🥎 Also in the same school year, the Melissa Ruth Branon Memorial Softball Field was dedicated in June. Both the Media Center and Softball Field are still frequently used to this day! #50YearsofNPC #NPCHistory"". Instagram. Retrieved 2022-11-22.
  17. "@npchristian_schools on Instagram: "🔨 The Spring of 2004 brought on another construction project which began Phase 2a and 2b – a full-sized cafeteria and kitchen, snack shop, two additional basketball/volleyball courts, two additional locker-rooms, a new main entrance, plus High School office wing. The same year, our school name officially changed to NorthPointe Christian Schools citing in a press release, "In an effort to represent the majority of students Grand Rapids Baptist Schools will change its name to NorthPointe Christian Schools." The 2005 yearbook called "Seasons of Change" was the first one to have "NorthPointe Christian Schools" on the cover. Drop a 🍂 emoji if you have a copy of this yearbook! This Middle School was created this same year. #50YearsofNPC #NPCHistory #SeasonsofChange #NPC"". Instagram. Retrieved 2022-11-22.
  18. "@npchristian_schools on Instagram: "With Jim Hofman as Superintendent, 2006 brought new, exciting things, including: 🏈 Our football program began as a club sport called TNT Defenders, a collab between three area schools (Tri Unity Christian, NorthPointe Christian, and The Potter's House). ✏️ Home-School Wednesday classes for Middle and High School. 🎓 Senior Presentations officially began and remains our Senior capstone project. (Pictured: Emma Szczepanski, Class of '21, with the community's help, packed 100 backpacks with sensory toys, supplies and Bibles for children in foster care for her senior presentation). #50YearsofNPC #NPCHistory #NPCFootball #NPCHomeandSchoolHybrid"". Instagram. Retrieved 2022-11-22.
  19. "@npchristian_schools on Instagram: "In 2008, NPC introduced our Three Mandates into our classrooms —Image, Mission, and Love. We have banners in each campus entryway with these mandates and supporting scripture. Stop and take a look next time you are in! In January 2009, a huge announcement was made that all school debt had been paid off! Praise the Lord! #50YearsofNPC #NPCHistory #TeachingMandates"". Instagram. Retrieved 2022-11-22.
  20. "Who We Are | NorthPointe Christian Schools". NorthPointe Christian Schools |. 2022-01-14. Retrieved 2022-11-22.
  21. Jarema, Morgan (2009-06-01). "NorthPointe Christian School's Core Academic Program embraces Grand Rapids-area home schoolers". mlive. Retrieved 2022-11-22.
  22. Jarema, Morgan (2009-06-01). "NorthPointe Christian School's Core Academic Program embraces Grand Rapids-area home schoolers". mlive. Retrieved 2022-11-22.
  23. "@npchristian_schools on Instagram: "Many of you may remember NPC teacher Mr. Dave Anderson and his iconic Converses. Mr. Anderson retired after 41 years in 2014 with a wonderful celebration in the school gym! It was attended by alumni representing each year of his teaching. 👉 Can anyone sill recite the famous Mr. Anderson pep rally chant?! The Class of 2015 was the largest graduating class to date with 102 graduates. This same year, Todd Tolsma became Head of Schools, Middle School Marketplace began, and Dual Enrollment started on our campus. #50YearsofNPC #NPCHistory #VICTORY"". Instagram. Retrieved 2022-11-22.
  24. "@npchristian_schools on Instagram: "2016 was a big year for NPC including: 🏈 The first Fall Homecoming took place during football instead of the basketball season. 4️⃣ NPC launched 4 new programs: Nature-based Preschool, Intergenerational Preschool, HS Personalized Learning (now Big Picture Learning), and Spanish Immersion continuation at Middle School. ✈️ NPC opened its own International Agency for bringing in international students. ✂️ Makerspace opened in the Middle and High School Media Center. ☕️ And The Pointe Café opened, run by students! #50YearsofNPC #NPCHistory #NPCBPL #ThePointeCafe #GRNatureBasedPreschool"". Instagram. Retrieved 2022-11-22.
  25. "@npchristian_schools on Instagram: "In May 2018, our Forward in Faith Capital Campaign was launched. NPC was also excited to introduce our first Robotics team, the Mechanical Mustangs. In their first year of competition, the team took home the Rookie Recognition award. #50YearsofNPC #NPCHistory #NPCRobotics #ForwardinFaith"". Instagram. Retrieved 2022-11-22.
  26. "Early Childhood | NorthPointe Christian Schools". NorthPointe Christian Schools |. 2022-01-18. Retrieved 2022-11-21.
  27. "Elementary | NorthPointe Christian Schools". NorthPointe Christian Schools |. 2022-01-18. Retrieved 2022-11-21.
  28. "Home & School Hybrid | NorthPointe Christian Schools". NorthPointe Christian Schools |. 2022-01-20. Retrieved 2022-11-21.
  29. "Middle School | NorthPointe Christian Schools". NorthPointe Christian Schools |. 2022-01-18. Retrieved 2022-11-21.
  30. "Home & School Hybrid | NorthPointe Christian Schools". NorthPointe Christian Schools |. 2022-01-20. Retrieved 2022-11-21.
  31. "High School | NorthPointe Christian Schools". NorthPointe Christian Schools |. 2021-12-21. Retrieved 2022-11-21.
  32. "Big Picture Learning | NorthPointe Christian Schools". NorthPointe Christian Schools |. 2022-01-18. Retrieved 2022-11-21.
  33. "Why NPC? | NorthPointe Christian Schools". NorthPointe Christian Schools |. 2021-12-21. Retrieved 2022-11-22.
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  36. "Who We Are | NorthPointe Christian Schools". NorthPointe Christian Schools |. 2022-01-14. Retrieved 2022-11-22.
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  40. "Past Champions". Michigan High School Athletic Association. Retrieved 2022-11-21.
  41. "Fine Arts | NorthPointe Christian Schools". NorthPointe Christian Schools |. 2022-01-19. Retrieved 2022-11-22.
  42. "Marketplace | NorthPointe Christian Schools". NorthPointe Christian Schools |. 2022-01-18. Retrieved 2022-11-22.
  43. "Kenny Willekes - Football". Michigan State University Athletics. Retrieved 2022-11-21.
  44. "Kenny Willekes (DE): Bio, News, Stats & more". www.vikings.com. Retrieved 2022-11-21.
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