History

Mount Pisgah Christian School was founded in 1986 by Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church to provide children with an enriching program in a Christian environment.

The school opened with 70 preschool students growing and expanding rapidly. By 1996 construction had begun on a new Lower School to house the burgeoning student population. The population continued to grow and so did the expansion. In 2004 the Upper School was completed in time for the first graduating class.

Pisgah offers an exceptional Christian educational experience that encompasses all areas for the whole child. Academic life at Pisgah is rigorous and balanced, dedicated to developing children to their fullest potential by educating and nourishing the mind, body, and spirit. The school strives to accommodate students with varied abilities in an atmosphere of warmth and acceptance. A supportive community encourages student’s awareness of self and others while emphasizing learning as a life long process.

Alumni have surpassed 100 mark soon will double. Pisgah’s academic programs have grown substantially to include Honors and AP courses in all areas of core coursework and additional electives.

Today, twenty years later, the School serves more than 1,000 students preschool through 12th grade.

Traditions

Traditions begin early at Pisgah. The annual back to school picnic kicks off a year that is steeped in rich and rewarding family-friendly diversions and immersions.

Fall brings thousands, especially our youngest Patriot families, to tailgate at home varsity football games. Athletes and cheerleaders dressed in game attire greet Primary School students at drop off in the mornings on home game days. Primary students interact with men and women of honor collecting autographs to share with friends and family.

Academic traditions begin early as well. Lower School students begin their annual book buddy program teaming up with younger students for class and one on one reading opportunities throughout the school year.

Early in September, the exhilaration of the annual Sharptop Retreat for Middle and Upper School students is the talk of the community. The three day mountain retreat reunites the Pisgah family in a powerful celebration of God, family, and fun. All Middle and Upper School faculty chaperone the retreat ensuring that every child is known by Pisgah faculty. Even Pisgah parents take time out of their busy schedules to work at the camp. Volunteers sign up months in advance to work at the retreat.

By the middle of fall Pisgah families are busy creating costumes for the annual trunk or treat program that is held on the home game closest to Halloween. Hundred of cars are lined up for kids to trunk or treat to with their Pisgah pals. Meanwhile, Middle and Upper School students are busy preparing for a week long homecoming celebration. Fifth graders are jazzed knowing that they will come to the Preparatory campus for the pep rally.

Late fall brings more sentimental traditions as well. During November, hundreds of grandparents canvass the campus escorted by their grandchildren. This intergenerational program elicits more than a few stories and tears.

The annual Hanging of the Green delights little ones and big ones alike. Seniors flip the switch while young ones greet our own Santa. The Christmas holiday tradition culminates with an all school service celebrating the reason for the season.

In January, students begin transitional programs learning what to expect at the next grade level. Kindergarten Prep students practice eating in the lunch room, visit the media center, travel to Kindergarten classrooms, and experience Primary School plays. Fifth grade students receive practice locks for lockers, shadow 6th graders, eat on the preparatory school campus, and continue to join in at pep rallies and other select events.

Spring brings mission work and opportunities for students to live their faith ‘in the real world.’ From the Montana Leadership Retreat for freshmen only to mission trips overseas, students reach out for God.

The school year culminates with a myriad of traditions including the annual Pass On Service where fourth grade families host a celebratory service for fifth grade students and families as they make their way to the Prep campus.

The Upper School recognizes seniors through a week long celebration of their passage to alumni status. Festivities include trips, a family luncheon at the Athletic Club, service projects and the Baccalaureate Service.