Maple Ridge Christian School

Our vision goes beyond providing your child with an innovative education. We want to provide a Christian education that nurtures the heart, soul, mind and strength of each student. We work with families and local churches to build a caring community that is mission-minded. We want to see every child thrive. Our vision is to see hearts and minds transformed—in our students—and in the world around us for the glory of God. We root ourselves in God’s word. Our school verse sums up what we are all about. Our mission is to provide Christian education to transform the whole student—and the world—for the glory of God.

This is how our vision plays out. This describes what our staff focuses on every day. Our vision is to provide innovative Christian education in a mission-minded community where every student thrives. Our classrooms are interactive. Teachers’ work with students using a wide variety of activities from inquiry-based stations to project-based learning. Students explore a meaningful question, a real-world problem or a design challenge. They work together in teams to research and present their findings. It is exciting and innovative hands-on learning.

A Biblical Worldview is interwoven through every subject. In the younger grades, it is an understanding and celebration of God’s creation and our role within it. In the older grades, it provokes thoughtful discussion. A Biblical worldview guides our thinking and behaviour. Here is an example: a Biblical worldview understands that all humans are created in the image of God and have intrinsic value. So when we address issues such as cloning, we ask: How does cloning advance the benefits of science and fit with our Christian values? A Biblical worldview helps us explore issues and find solutions in a way that honours the intrinsic value of human life.

We are outward focused. We want to be part of what God is doing in Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows and beyond. That’s why we work with local churches and mission organizations. Serving others and participating in our greater community is an important part of who we are.

Our vision to bring Christian education to Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows began in September 1956. Twenty-eight students and two teachers met in the basement of a local church and the first classes of “Haney-Pitt Meadows Christian School” were underway. The curriculum focused on a Biblical worldview and challenged students to impact the world for God’s glory. Enrolment grew and the school made one more move to a two-room school on the corner of Harris and McNeil Roads in Pitt Meadows before buying the present property on 204B Street in 1959.

But the property was without a building and our founders sought an innovative solution. In November 1961, they purchased the old Shaughnessy Hospital in Vancouver, barged it up the Fraser River and trucked it through the streets of Pitt Meadows to the property. Enrolment continued to grow and plans to build followed.

Our vision to provide Christian education for the families of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows remains strong. In 2018, we renovated our Library Learning Commons to facilitate the innovative learning we provide. The changes included providing more collaborative and presentation space. The Board of Directors also announced a five year strategy to remain a small school. We also have exciting plans to replace our portables with a new education wing to better serve the needs of our students. As we grow, we want to remain true to our mission to provide Christian education that transforms the heart and minds of our students—and the world—for the glory of God.

From preschool to Grade 12, we provide strong academics, interactive learning and a wealth of opportunities. But our vision goes beyond providing a great school experience. We want to provide our students with a Christian education that nurtures their heart, soul, mind and strength. Find out more about our programs—and how Christian education with a Biblical worldview can transform hearts and minds.

We work hard to fully integrate our international students into the classroom to maximize language proficiency and to foster relationships with their Canadian peers. Along with this, we limit enrolment into the program to facilitate a genuine experience. Our program is fully accredited and focuses on a high standard of academics. Plus, every course is taught with a Biblical worldview. But it is not all work and no fun. We plan special events with our international students and celebrate our cultural diversity.

For students aged 12 years and older, we offer a homestay program. All homestay families are carefully screened to ensure our international students are well supported with proper accommodations, healthy meals and encouragement. For students under the age of 12, we require them to live with their parent or parents in Canada.

We are a Christian school. This means that the Christian faith is incorporated into our entire curriculum. We call it having a Biblical Worldview. This means that every course is taught through the values of the Bible. Here is an example: A Biblical worldview understands that all humans are created in the image of God and have intrinsic value. So when we address issues such as cloning, we ask: How does cloning advance the benefits of science and fit with our Christian values? A Biblical worldview helps us explore issues and find solutions in a way that honours the intrinsic value of human life.

Visit our classrooms and you will see something different than the usual lecture. Many of our courses are taught using Project Based Learning. We give students a meaningful question to explore, a real-world problem to solve or a design challenge to meet. A sample question might be: How does our life today compare to the life of the Ancient Egyptians? The students conduct research, collaborate with fellow students and present their findings.

Our Canadian students want to get to know you! Our student body is a mosaic of over 40 different countries and backgrounds. We’ve seen some great friendships develop over the years and we encourage friendships between grades and cultures. We want you to feel welcomed and supported in your Canadian adventure.