Sunnyside Christian High School is a private Christian-centered high school in the town of Sunnyside, Washington. It is one of two high schools in the town. Sunnyside Christian High School has the intended goal of promoting a Christ-centred learning environment as it prepares students for their futures.[1]
Planning for Sunnyside Christian High School started in 1942, eventually leading to the school's first class in 1947.[2] The school expanded their middle school education in 1970 with increased enrollment to produce their high school education in 1984. Enrollment continued to expand and the school now provides instruction for Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade.
| Sunnyside Christian High School | |
| Motto: | Providing a Christ-centered, Bible-based, quality education for distinctively Christian living. |
| Location: | 1820 Sheller Road, Sunnyside, Washington 98944 |
| Country: | USA |
| Type: | Private, Non-profit |
| Established: | 1947 |
| District: | Sunnyside |
| Superintendent: | Brad Van Beek |
| Principal: | Dean Wagenaar |
| Grades: | Preschool-12th grade |
| Colors: | Maroon and Gold |
| Mascot: | Knights |
| Website: | https://www.sunnysidechristianschool.org/ |
Sunnyside Christian is settled in the Northeast side of Sunnyside, Washington. With the town at an estimated population of 16,208, Sunnyside Christian consists of about 260 students from all grades, while 229 being enrolled at the high school.[3] With the growing population, Sunnyside Christian contains two campuses for their students: Sunnyside Christian School serves preschool through 8th grade, and Sunnyside Christian High School teaching 9th through 12th grade.
An estimated 20%(+) of enrollment identified as Asian (2%), Black (1%), or Hispanic (18%) origin in the 2022 school year.
This school is a private, non-profit Christian school, with a tuition fee every school year of around $7,650/child for 9th-12th grade. Sunnyside Christian offers financial assistance through donations from alumni and fundraising that happens annually, along with Federal Student Aid assistance for families.[4]
Accreditation Memberships: Christian Schools International and Cognia.
Sunnyside Christian offers extracurriculars, traditions, and club activities for students outside of school.
Aside from clubs and athletics, music is offered to students ranging from preschool to 4th grade, which is then transitioned to choir for junior and high school students interested in music.[7] Photography classes are also offered for students interested.
Traditions are included within the school and community as a whole. Some of these include pep-assemblies where students K-12 support others in sports, competitive chocolate sales where elementary and junior high students fundraise for the school, and track and field day. [8]
"See you at the pole" is also a religious tradition for the school where students gather for worship. The Union Gospel Mission is also a long-standing tradition that consists of a high school and community food drive for the homeless shelter that happens every November.
Sunnyside Christian aims for students to obtain lessons learned from their curriculum to prepare students for the outside world beyond graduation, offering ACT and SAT prep.[9]
Central Washington University partnered with high schools around the state known as College in the Classroom.[10] This program allows students to build a college transcript while simultaneously fulfilling high school graduation requirements.
Former Sunnyside Christian basketball player, Lance Den Boer, went on to play at Central Washington University. He was inducted into Central Washington's Hall of Fame in 2021 for his 2005-2007 seasons as a Wildcat.[11]
Sunnyside Christian volleyball has placed top 8 in state playoffs in the 1B division from 2011 to 2019.[12]
The 2022 boys basketball season earned 2nd place at state playoffs in the 1B division, while the 2024 women's basketball season earned 6th place at state playoffs in the 1B division.[13]