History

Millwoods Christian School (MCS) began in the fall of 1978 as private school that was a ministry of Calvary Temple, now Calvary Community Church.

There were 47 students the first year; ranging from grade one to grade nine, with classes being held in the basement of the church. In September 1980, a dedication was held for the new school building, which is now the high school building. Enrolment had increased to 197 students.

MCS’ first curriculum was from Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) and, in 1985, a decision was made to switch to the Alberta Program of Studies. This enabled MCS to apply for limited provincial funding as a certified private school.

In 2000, MCS entered into an agreement with Edmonton Public School Board (EPSB) to become an Alternative Faith Based School. The basis of the agreement was that EPSB would provide the teachers and the curriculum and Millwoods Christian School Society (MCSS) would provide the facilities and oversee the Christian programming. A Facilities Use Agreement and a Vision and Mission Statement were created and signed.

MCS has always had strong parental involvement. Volunteers were integral in the early days of developing the school and volunteers are still a valued part of MCS.

As of fall 2023, MCS has an enrolment of approximately 930 students from kindergarten to grade 12. We have excellent fine arts programs, sports teams and a strong emphasis on academic excellence.

MCS principals:

Vision, Mission Goals and Strategies

I. Spiritual Foundations

Millwoods Christian School will operate within the framework of an interdenominational and evangelical world view. The central belief to our faith is that all are born in sin and need to accept Jesus Christ as Savior in order to be saved. All who profess Christ as Savior are to live according to principles found in the Bible.

The Millwoods Christian School (MCS) Society will work together with the Superintendent of Edmonton Public Schools to safeguard the integrity of the Vision and Mission Statement of Millwoods Christian School.

A. The spiritual foundation is the reason for the uniqueness of Millwoods Christian School. Therefore, the school will demonstrate its spiritual nature in every part of its operation, with the intent of bringing glory to God. “We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you” (2 Thess. 1:12)

The school will offer several spiritual programs (such as daily devotions, weekly chapels, and annual camps) to both staff and students to reach this goal.

B. Prayer will have a major focus at MCS. “Pray continually” (I Thess. 5:17)

Various groups associated with the school, ranging from Society members to administrators, teachers, parents, and students will all be involved in regular prayer times.

C. Knowledge of God will be promoted at every opportunity. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge… ” (Prov. 1:7)

1. Staff and student devotions as well as discussions within regular classroom situations will include a focus on the spiritual.
2. Chapels, retreats and a camping program will include teaching about God.

II. School Atmosphere and Climate

God’s presence and peace will be demonstrated by the atmosphere of Millwoods Christian School. Individuals will demonstrate God’s love for one another, and will seek God’s direction on a daily basis.

A. MCS teachers and students will develop strong relationships between each other

1. Teachers will lead devotions for every class on a daily basis, and student interaction will be valued.
2. Teachers will be able and willing to counsel students who are in need of assistance.
3. Teachers will give extra academic help to students as needed.

B. MCS will honour students for their success academically and athletically, and for demonstrating good character.

1. Awards can be achieved for exemplary effort as well as academic success.
2. In athletics, good sportsmanship will be honoured as highly as ability.

C. MCS will provide a safe environment for all students

1. Students will be taught to respect and care for each other.
2. Discipline policies will be carried out in a consistent manner so that wrong behaviour will bring about proper consequences.
3. Each teacher will develop a classroom discipline procedure which is consistent with school policy and district policy.
4. All students will be required to speak and behave in a manner which supports biblical expectations.
5. Parents will be expected to assist the school in securing proper behaviour of their children.
6. Teachers will periodically review discipline procedures with parents and students.

III. Curriculum and Programming

MCS will present a program that gives equal value to the spiritual and the academic facets that make up our school. The Alberta curriculum will be taught from a biblical perspective, regardless of the course that is taught. The goal is to produce students that have good academic skills accompanied by a strong faith in Jesus Christ.

A. MCS will offer a program that combines the spiritual with the academic

1. The principal will monitor academic achievement and regularly share these results with the Board of the MCS Society.
2. Students will be taught to do their best in every subject, and that they must achieve at an acceptable level in order to be promoted.
3. The principal will keep the Board of the MCS Society informed about the spiritual quality of the school, and how the vision and mission of the school is being fulfilled.
4. Parents will be fully informed of the school’s spiritual and academic programs before they enrol their children in our school.

B. MCS will offer a program that recognizes student differences

1. Student needs will be addressed in the best possible way, both at Elementary and Secondary levels.
2. All students will be challenged to excel. To assist students, pace of instruction will be varied as necessary and curriculum content will be enhanced as required.

C. MCS will make program revisions on a regular basis

1. Technological developments will allow for computers to be used in ways to improve student learning.
2. Teachers will be provided with professional development opportunities.

IV. Staff

Teaching staff and administration will be well trained academically as well as spiritually in order to carry out the program of Millwoods Christian School. It is expected that each teacher will desire to teach from an evangelical perspective.

A. Teachers will accept the philosophy of Christian education

1. All teachers will be familiar with the philosophy of Christian education and be able to implement it in their classroom.
2. All teachers are expected to be biblical leaders and role models to our students by their conduct.
3. All teachers are expected to uphold and support the school rules and the school’s discipline and behaviour policies.

B. Teachers will demonstrate competency within their subject areas.

1. All teachers will possess or develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to offer the Alberta Learning curriculum within a program that reflects the vision and mission of MCS.
2. The Principal will require teachers to exhibit a love of and commitment to life-long learning.
3. Teachers will evaluate student progress with methods appropriate to the vision and mission goals of MCS.
4. Teachers will be constantly finding ways in which to integrate faith into learning no matter what subject is taught.
5. Teachers will be able to demonstrate how their teaching matches the learning styles and abilities of their students.

V. Students

All students who attend Millwoods Christian School will have the opportunity to find Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and to serve Him in a loving manner while in school and in the community. Students will not be required to attend Calvary Community Church.

A. Students will experience the invitation to accept Christ as Savior and to live for Him.

1. Daily biblical instruction and weekly chapels will keep the focus on spiritual elements of the school.
2. Spiritual retreats at various times of the year will provide for meaningful times with God.

B. Academics will also be stressed at MCS, but will be taught from a Christian perspective,

1. All of the requirements of Alberta Learning will be taught, and students will be challenged to do their best.
2. Achievement tests will be given as per policy, and other standardized testing will be used when needed to determine student progress.

C. Students will be expected to behave in accordance with school policy at all times

1. All Secondary students will sign a statement of compliance to school policy.
2. Students will be encouraged to make proper Christian choices when confronted by the need to make decisions.

D. Student leadership will be developed, particularly in the Secondary grades

1. Grade Six students will be worship leaders in Elementary chapels.
2. High School students will regularly lead in worship for Secondary chapels, and will be given the opportunity to attend a student leadership retreat each year.
3. Secondary students will be challenged to become leaders in the community. They will be involved with various service projects that will cause them to be a blessing to others.

VI. MCS Society and Parents

The MCS Society will promote healthy relationships with the parents of our school. We will practice mutual respect, effective communication, enthusiastic cooperation and commitment to this Vision and Mission Statement.

A. The MCS Society will promote the Vision and Mission of MCS

1. The MCS Society will encourage parents and Calvary Community members to familiarize themselves with the vision, goals, and values of MCS.
2. Within the policy framework of the Edmonton Public School Board and in consultation with the Superintendent of EPSB, the MCS Society will monitor the overall direction of MCS.

B. The MCS Society will be characterized by open communication, caring interaction, and a shared unity with parents

1. The MCS Society and administration will publicize policy changes.
2. Meetings with the parents or with Calvary Community members will be held at appropriate times throughout each year.

C. The principal and teachers of MCS will involve parents in the education of their children

1. Teachers will regularly discuss all aspects of their students’ education with parents.
2. Parents will be encouraged to participate in various functions throughout the school year.
3. School and class newsletters will be used on a monthly basis, and Agendas will be used on a daily basis to communicate with parents.
4. Parents will be encouraged to volunteer in the school.

D. The MCS Society will promote Christian education in the South Edmonton area

1. An Open House will be held at least once a year, and visitors will be welcome to tour the school at any time.
2. MCS will promote the cause of Christian education through local evangelical churches and by advertising in local media.