Today, while still being grounded in the Reformed tradition, HC families now represent over 150 different local churches. Given the exciting opportunity to serve a growing ecumenical community, HCS seeks to establish a place of belonging and discovery for all HCS families with a specific focus on the changing ethnic and economic diversity of the local church as well as the varied learning capabilities of students. In order to fulfill this strategic priority, HCS has established a Diversity Council, which includes HC board members, teachers, administrators, parents, and local pastors, and they are divided into three subcommittee groups that focus on Curriculum, Hospitality, and Retention and Recruitment. For more information, please feel free to reach out to the Diversity Council chair and HCHS principal, Mr. Miles Colago.
Better Together in Christ
Since the beginning of our school’s history, Holland Christian Schools has sought to produce resilient and equipped followers of Jesus in partnership with the home and the local body of Christ.
Curriculum
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28: 19-20
The curriculum team works to support teachers in developing instructional materials that show and celebrate the global church and reinforce the inherent dignity of every image-bearer of God. They also provide guidance on Christ-centered pedagogical approaches that create a culture of belonging and restoration for all students within each classroom.
Hospitality
“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.”
– Revelation 7:9
The Hospitality team focuses on creating a welcoming and nurturing environment for all HC students and their families. This team seeks to make each new member of the HC community feel welcome and authentically connected. This team supports Holland Christian by providing resources to help HC families and students make connections with other families through all avenues of school life. This team is passionate about welcoming families into the Holland Christian family where we support, learn and live life together.
Recruitment & Retention
“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you.” -Psalm 1:1-2
The Recruitment & Retention team seeks to expand the student body to reflect the changing diversity of the local geographic community in three specific areas: ethnic, economic, and learning ability. This team seeks to live into the foundational roots of our Christian school in providing a distinctively Christ-centered for the children of the local church no matter their economic, ethnic, or neurological background. To this end, the Recruitment & Retention team supports admissions and human resources in inviting new students, families, and teachers into the life of HC and seeking their long-term flourishing as new members of the HC community.
Better Together Initiatives
Middle School & High School Student Diversity Council
This student-led council celebrates the global church and promotes unity within the school. Through discussions, events, and celebrations, members encourage a Christ-centered approach to diversity, ensuring every student feels seen, valued, and heard.
Spanish Immersion Programming
Expanding into 6th grade, and currently covering preschool through 6th grade, as well as 9th-12th grades, the Spanish immersion program at Holland Christian Schools strengthens bilingual proficiency and cultural competence. Students engage in rigorous academics in Spanish, while also deepening their understanding of Hispanic cultures, preparing them for global engagement.
International Student Program
Holland Christian High School’s international program (ISP) enriches the school community by welcoming students from around the world. These students receive academic, spiritual, and cultural support while contributing unique perspectives to classrooms and extracurricular activities.
International Club
A space for students to celebrate global cultures and build cross-cultural friendships, the International Club organizes events, discussions, and service opportunities that highlight the beauty of diversity in God’s creation.
Faces & Culture Guatemalan Exchange Program
This immersive short-term exchange program fosters cultural understanding between students in the U.S. and Guatemala. Participants engage in language learning, service projects, and relational experiences, thereby strengthening global Christian fellowship.
Human Dignity Policy
Rooted in biblical principles, this policy affirms the inherent worth of every individual. It guides our commitment to mutual respect and Christ-like love, shaping school culture and conflict resolution.
Unified Athletics
Bringing together students with and without disabilities, Unified Athletics fosters teamwork, friendship, and inclusion. Through shared sports experiences, students learn mutual respect and the joy of being unified in a common goal.
Peer-to-Peer Courses
These courses encourage students to support and learn from peers with diverse abilities and backgrounds. By building empathy and leadership, students develop Christ-centered relationships that enhance their educational experience.
Job Placements
Our job placement program connects students with disabilities with internships and employment opportunities that align with their gifts and interests. These experiences prepare them for a life with as much independence as possible.
Advanced Placement Courses
AP courses challenge students with rigorous, college-level academics while fostering critical thinking and a biblical worldview. High achievers can earn college credit while deepening their knowledge and faith.
Dual Enrollment Courses
Through partnerships with colleges, students can earn both high school and college credits, gaining early exposure to higher education while strengthening their academic and spiritual foundations.
Public Reading of Scripture & Just Show Up Book Club (Grace and Mercy Foundation Partnership)
This initiative partners with the global church movement through a partnership with the Grace and Mercy Foundation, a Korean led organization. Through communal Scripture reading and book discussions, students, parents, and staff deepen their faith, engage in meaningful conversations, and grow in Christ-centered wisdom.
Looking for more detail?
These are the highlights of why we do what we do, but if you want to read our full Statement of Educational Philosophy, it goes into a lot more detail.
