Description of the School
Describe the school’s size, community/communities, location, and changes it has
experienced in the last three years. Include demographic information about students,
staff, and community at large. What unique features and challenges are associated
with the community/communities the school serves?
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,
according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in
Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)
Hope High, Inc. was founded by high school teachers Dave Eggers, Wayne Ehlert,
and Howard Stansell. These men were public school teachers in Los Lunas, New
Mexico who felt God calling them to establish a Christian school where students
could learn in a safe environment. There were those who said that a nondenominational Christian school could not survive without the governance of a
church or denomination, but God was faithful to the vision He gave these Christian
men.
Many people were instrumental in providing the means for Hope to be
established. There are stories of God working through Christians and nonChristians, rich and poor, young and old. These people donated money, building
materials, meals, time and labor, transportation, school and office supplies,
expertise, etc. When a need arose, God provided the means to meet the need.
In September of 1976, Hope High School opened its doors to 54 high school students
that met in a remodeled church facility located in the Northeast Heights of
Albuquerque, New Mexico. The church facility had been purchased and remodeled
during the summer months. In the spring of 1977, Hope High School held their first
graduation ceremony for four students who received their diplomas from the state
accredited school.
Classes were expanded to include middle school students for the 1981-82 school
year. Hope was outgrowing its location. Six acres of property on the far north side
of Albuquerque was purchased and the original Hope High School location was
sold. When the new campus opened in September of 1982, the school included
grades 1-12. The following year, a kindergarten class was added and later a preschool program was established.
Over the years, Hope High School became known as Hope Christian School (HCS) as
it expanded to include all grade levels. The Articles of Incorporation were amended
in January of 1994 to officially change the school's name to Hope Christian Schools,
Inc.
As Hope continued to grow and maintain a reputation for strong academics as well
as a spiritual emphasis, families from outlying communities approached Mr. Ehlert
about establishing a campus in their area. In 1993, a campus for grades K-5 was
opened in the west side community of Rio Rancho and in 1997 another campus for
grades K-5 was opened in Tijeras, a community to the east. That same year, land was
purchased approximately one-half block west of the main campus in Albuquerque.
The portable buildings, which housed 435 students in grades K-5, were moved
down the street to the new property and a separate elementary campus was
established.
While the Albuquerque campuses continued to have steady enrollment, additional
land adjoining those campuses became available for purchase. Between January
2001 and February 2003, five more parcels of the land were purchased alongside
the Albuquerque campuses. The East Mountain campus saw an increase in
enrollment, but the potential for additional classroom space was limited. The Rio
Rancho campus experienced a changeover in staff and no substantial enrollment
increases. After the enrollment period for the 2001-2002 school year, an extensive
evaluation of all campuses was conducted to determine the best way to use limited
financial resources and provide for the future needs of HCS. During November 2001,
the Board of Directors concluded that the operation of branch campuses was not
cost effective. The announcement was made in January 2002 to discontinue
operating branch campuses and redirect all efforts to expanding the programs and
facilities of the Albuquerque campuses.
In May of 2003, Principal Dave Eggers retired. Mr. Kelly McEachran was appointed
to take his place and the position was renamed “Headmaster”. Under Mr.
McEachran’s direction a Principal was established for each level – elementary,
middle school, and high school. In June of 2003, Superintendent Wayne Ehlert and
his wife, Alma, the Business Manager, retired from Hope Christian School after 27
years of sacrificial service and faithful dedication. After Mr. Ehlert’s retirement, Mrs.
Sandi Black was appointed as Superintendent.
Mr. Ehlert subsequently resigned from the Board of Directors leaving only two
members on the Board. The remaining members prayerfully considered the need to
expand the Board and contacted three individuals, asking them to be on the Board.
Currently, the Board consists of five members with various areas of expertise in
education, law, and finance, facilities management, business, and accounting.
In May 2009, Mr. McEachran resigned as Headmaster and Superintendent Sandi
Black retired in June 2011. In August 2011, the Board of Directors established the
Director of Academics position and Mr. Tom Morris was selected to fill this position.
Recently, the Board of Directors reinstated the Headmaster position and Mr. Morris
now holds this position.
In 1984, the Hope Foundation of New Mexico, Inc. was founded to provide financial
support to Hope Christian School and administer tuition assistance. The Foundation
accepts gifts in a variety of forms which include: cash or check; marketable
securities such as stocks, bonds, or mutual fund shares; and real estate or other
tangible, personal property that would realize a capital gain if sold. Gifts may also be
made through bequests and a variety of trusts. The Foundation can be the
beneficiary of a life insurance policy, as well.
Today, HCS has over 1,400 students and approximately 150 full time employees.
The current student body represents over 170 church congregations in
communities throughout the greater Albuquerque area such as: Los Lunas, Belen,
Rio Rancho, Bernalillo, Placitas, Algadones, Tijeras, Cedar Crest and others. HCS has
a reputation for excellent academics, a competitive sports program, spiritual
emphasis, and diversity among staff and students.
With its campus in the largest city in New Mexico, HCS has faced several challenges
with the rise in popularity of homeschooling and charter schools as well as
numerous other private school opportunities in the city. A decline in New Mexico’s
families’ median income has also affected the school in terms of enrollment. HCS
continues to work hard to keep tuition affordable for families seeking a Christian
education for their children.
A banner made by a Hope supporter and friend hung in the school's gym/chapel
that first year. It said, "Attempt Something So Big That Unless God Intervenes, It Is
Bound To Fail". That banner carried Hope High School through the early years and
continues to be the directive for Hope Christian School today.
Hope Christian School gives God the honor and glory for all He has done in starting
the school, blessing it these many years, and continuing to guide and build it now
and in the future to come.