By Dan Dowber

IT HAS been three years since Carver Christian High School was birthed by Vancouver Christian School and John Knox Christian School.

While each school had been operating independently for over 50 years, a common faith and a common purpose made this unusual joint venture possible. Like most things, ideas take a while to mature.

The two communities started the conversation about eight years ago.

“A task force worked tirelessly until the dream became a reality,” said Paul Tigchelaar, Carver’s principal. “The strength of this high school is based on the fact that we have two Christian communities united together with a common vision.”

 John Knox Christian and Vancouver Christian were rivals for years at sporting events, but today they are partners in a seamless K – 12 education program.

Both Vancouver Christian and John Knox Christian are K – 8, with elementary and middle school programs. Carver begins at grade 9, and over four years equips young men and women to serve and lead in a rapidly changing world.

Tigchelaar described the unique ‘distinctives curriculum’ they offer at each grade level. The grade 10 distinctive involves team-building and outdoor adventure education. “We link that throughout the year in Bible class, with the study of the life-changing experiences of the apostle Paul,” he said.

“It is important to note that we are not a private school,” said Tigchelaar. “We are an interdenominational, faith-based, distinctly Christian educational community, an independent school.”

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Carver starts the year with an all school retreat. “This year we took the entire school on a boat up the Princess Louisa inlet. We went to the Young Life Camp Malibu for three days. We enjoyed the activities available at the camp and had a youth church pastor share his heart after a time of student-led worship,” said Tigchelaar.

The annual retreat aims to strengthen student relationships at the beginning of the year.

In grade 11 students go on a missions trip.  The last three years has had them  in Costa Rica, where they are exposed to Third World living conditions while helping with construction projects and evangelism. Students also have the opportunity to be involved in local missions.

Carver is situated in Burnaby in a purpose-built school leased from the local school board.  They  share this with  John Knox Middle School.

Carver’s first year enrollment exceeded expectations by about 15 percent. Year two saw a 50-student increase in enrollment, with 43 new students in year three.

The spring of 2007 was a milestone for the school as its first grade 12 graduation took place, at Michael J. Fox Theatre in Burnaby. It was a moving time as graduates, students, parents, family and special guests witnessed the fulfillment of years of prayer and planning.

Carver is hoping for a permanent home by the year 2012. The vision is to build a facility that would accommodate 400 – 450 students. Despite the cost of land in the Metro Vancouver, the school believes God funds his vision.

Dan Dowber is development director for Carver Christian High School.

February 2008