About
Mission & Identity
Immeasurably More
For 125 years, Chicago Christian Schools has stood on a firm foundation—one that has allowed us not only to endure, but to take bold steps of faith. Rooted in Christ-centered education and shaped by a whole- child approach to growth and learning, our long history gives us a front-row seat to God at work. Time and again, we have witnessed Him do immeasurably more than our founders could have asked or imagined, as He continues to guide and sustain this community.
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Our Mission, Vision, Faith, & Philosophy
Our Mission & Vision
Mission: We are a Christ-centered learning community that pursues transformational growth.
Vision: That every Christian family throughout the Chicago southland would have access to an excellent Christ-centered education. Building on our 100-year legacy, we will develop Christian leaders as a multicultural force for renewal, unity, and hope.
Our Faith
As a school with its roots in the reformed tradition, we believe that God exists in three persons – the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe that the Old and New Testaments are the inspired Word of God, the only infallible rule for faith and life. Our faculty teach from the reformed tradition as based on these confessions:
The bulk of what we believe we hold in common with the Christian church around the world. We welcome students and families from various Christian denominations, and we celebrate the beliefs that we hold in common, namely salvation through Jesus Christ.
Our Philosophy
We teach for transformation and educate in the spirit of “Coram Deo”. Our goal is to develop our students’ awareness of the lordship of Jesus Christ over all of life. CCS prepares students spiritually, socially, academically, culturally, and physically to serve society wholeheartedly and to glorify God by honoring Him in all aspects of life.
Our Profile of a Graduate
List of 6 items.
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By the Grace of God ...
A graduate of CCS is a: -
A Follower of Christ
Our graduates are formed by God’s Word and Grace in Christian community to be committed disciples who celebrate the centrality of Christ. -
A Seeker of Knowledge
Our graduates are engaged in continuous learning, they have asked tough questions, and they have been challenged to answer them. Our graduates have embraced mistakes and have collaborated with fellow students and faculty alike. With apt goals in sight, our graduates leave our doors with the skills to accomplish their aspirations. -
A Pursuer of Justice
Our graduates are challenged to reach across boundaries of religion, race, ethnicity, gender, and politics. As part of a caring community, they have fostered relationships, acted in love, and worked to unify God’s kingdom to surrounding and global communities. -
A Caretaker of Creation
Our graduates are devoted to creative solutions for the care and preservation of God’s World. Faculty work alongside our students, in our communities, as agents of change and restoration. -
A Leader of Character
Through their unashamed faith, our graduates are challenged to lead with love, integrity, and a bold humility that embodies the example that Jesus sets for us. Our hope is that our graduates will be prepared to influence the culture for Christ and be agents of renewal in our surrounding and global communities.
Our Association & Heritage
Our schools began over a century ago. In 1900, members of local Reformed and Christian Reformed churches started a school in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago for “Civil and Biblical” education. Englewood Christian School erected its first building in 1903 and built on as enrollment soared. As the Christian community grew into nearby communities, a variety of other Christian schools in the reformed tradition were formed. The Chicago Southwest Christian School Association was formed in 1958 as the result of multiple school mergers.
- Englewood Christian School, 1900–1962
- Evergreen Park Christian School, 1924–1958
- Oak Lawn Christian School, 1957–1958
- Palos Christian School, 1956–1958
Chicago Christian High School was founded in 1918, and was first located in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago. CCHS rented space from the Bible Mission and began with 14 students. With a growing enrollment, CCHS opened the doors of its own, larger building in 1927. In the early years, sports were already an important part of their program and students enjoyed both basketball and volleyball. They also enjoyed a Literary Club, Chorale, Debate, and Oratory among other activities. In 1963, CCHS built a new campus and moved to its current location in Palos Heights.
Southwest Chicago Christian Schools Association was formed in 1998 with the merger of the elementary and high school entities. In 2024, the Association adopted the name Chicago Christian Schools which encompasses three campuses, serving Christian families with students in preschool through high school. Our CCS members include worshippers from our supporting churches, our current parents, and our financial supporters. These members have voting rights in regard to our governing laws and our Board of Directors. The school is overseen by our Board and is managed by a superintendent.
Our Business Office
The CCS Business Office is the hub of our schools. The professionals in the Business Office can assist you with enrollment, billing, tuition assistance, and more. The office is located on the campus of Chicago Christian High School in Palos Heights.
You can reach the Association Office at 708.388.7656 or Info@chicagochristian.org.
CCS Association Office
12001 S. Oak Park Avenue
Palos Heights, IL 60463
708.388.7656
Palos Heights, IL 60463
708.388.7656