After months of dreaming and preparation, The Collegiate School of Memphis is welcoming it’s first class of students. The private, nondenominational Christian school offers a college preparatory curriculum with a Christian world view, according to principal John Avis. The campus is located at the old Highland Heights Baptist Church property on Summer Avenue and National. Avis says they’re in the midst of renovating the church’s education wing and family life building, which will function as the school’s gymnasium.

Collegiate School was made possible by a generous gift from anonymous donors “who have a passion for education,” notes Denton Pearson, the school’s business manager. Pearson says every family will receive financial assistance to help defray the $10,000 a year tuition cost.

“Our donor believes Christian education is the way to assist young people in changing their lives,” says Avis.

Class sizes will be small, with 15 to 20 students per teacher, allowing for more “relationship driven” instruction. At press time, 58 students have enrolled thus far, but applications are still being accepted. Avis is a retired educator from the Memphis City School system and Briarcrest Christian School. Avis says they’re accepting students who “will thrive and go on to higher education. Many of our families haven’t had that opportunity and we’d like to offer them that.” To learn more about the Collegiate School, contact admissions director Courtenay White at 818-5194 or visit online at collegiatememphis.org.

Tags: charles woodall, Christian, collegiate school of memphis, courtenay white, denton pearson, highland heights baptist church, john avis, memphis city schools

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