Christian School In 25th Year

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Jan. 1, the Oneonta Community Christian School entered its 25th year.
And after a quarter-century, Principal & Administrator Jane Cook says with confidence, “We are a safe, loving environment that desires to put God first, support families and provide solid academics.”
The school grew out of a conversation between a dozen pastors and parents who wanted an option other than public school for their children, where they could receive spiritual guidance in addition to an education.  Today, it’s grown into a Pre-K through 12th grade program.
The founders first located the school in the Main Street Baptist Church.  It later moved to the West Oneonta Baptist Church, then to the 3200 Chestnut Street Plaza.   Ten years ago, the school relocated in the building on River Street where it is today.
“Financially, our faith carries us through the difficult times,” said Cook.  “It truly is amazing to see God’s provision. This has been the case, I am told, the entire 25 years.”
The school is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and permanently registered with the State of New York, allowing graduates to receive a New York State high school diploma.
With 50 students from 28 families, the school is a tight-knit community.  Parents volunteer to do maintenance work, shovel driveways, help in the classroom and do office work. If one family is going through a difficult time, the others rally around and pray for them and help them.
“We are a praying school,” said Cook.
Every day before school, the staff gathers to pray for their students.  Each class begins with a prayer.  Students take Bible courses.  And they look at each subject through a Biblical world view.
But there’s also fun.  Students bake cookies in the school kitchen.  And they’re enjoying a new technology center, courtesy of a large donation of computers.
The new semester – it started Monday, Jan. 4 –  brings a national program, “Read to a Dog,” which encourages children to read to a “nonjudgmental listener” like a pet to build confidence in their reading abilities.
Also new this year, teacher Barb Field, a professional clown and mime, is forming a creative-arts ministry, where interested students in Grades 4-12 will “learn to communicate effectively through drama, mime, puppetry, and/ or clowning.”
And there’s community service:  wrapping Christmas presents at the Salvation Army, sending packages to soldiers overseas, helping neighbors with yard work.
Marcia and Eric Wilson of Unadilla were convinced to send their children to Oneonta Community Christian School when they saw how well friends’ children were doing there.
 “Austin” – their oldest of four – “ will graduate this year and he has been there since Day One. We couldn’t be more pleased,” said Marcia.
Nancy and Richard Meyers of Morris have also sent their four children to the school; their youngest, Jennifer, will graduate with Austin.
“The three oldest graduated from eighth grade at St. Mary’s. We wanted them to continue with Christian education and at that time we were introduced to OCCS and it has been exceptional,” said Nancy.
The Meyers found the Christian school’s small classes and dedicated teachers are particularly tuned in to the needs and abilities of individual pupils.
When one son wanted to enlist in the Marines and graduate early to go to boot camp, his teachers helped.   Their other son learned to etch glass for a book report.
“This is most definitely God’s school, and it is a total privilege to be a part of His mission,” said Cook, who invites the public to stop in and take a look.  “Once you’re inside, you’ll see that His work is wonderful.”