Throughout our 60 years, our values remain unchanged with a focus on the centrality of the Christian Faith, a commitment to Prayer, and Compassion and Respect for all people. For Jupiter Christian School, Jesus Christ is the true cornerstone of all we do.
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Understanding the past as we look toward the future.
God has faithfully guided Jupiter Christian School for 60 years. Ever since the first day of school on September 3, 1963, God has been faithful to the prayers of the Founders. Their desire was to have a Christian School where students could freely pray and study God’s word. That stands true, even today.
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It has been both a joy and privilege to research and to write this brief history of Jupiter Christian School. There were smiles, laughs, and tears through this process. The joy of reconnecting with old friends and sharing stories, laughs after finding pictures of a donkey basketball game, Mr. Eagle contests, and numerous crazy spirit week costumes, and tears of thinking back to when hurricanes destroyed a building. Through all of that, the Jupiter Christian family has always come together to cheer for our teams, applaud at concerts, congratulate seniors at graduation and to clean up after hurricanes. At our highest and lowest points, together we took the time to pray together, work together, and see God at work. I am thankful for those founding families. Thankful for their hard work and sacrifice. For land given, donations given, and hours spent supporting this school. If I start to name people, I will forget some who gave quietly, behind the scenes. So, let me just say that gifts large and small from faithful people have made Jupiter Christian School what it is today. My prayer is that you will enjoy a look back at the past 60 years. Some of you will remember, some of you will be learning things for the first time. No matter which group you are part of, together we can get an understanding of the past as we look toward the future of JCS.
Mrs. Diana Williams, Middle School Math Teacher and JCS Historian
HOW IT BEGAN In the summer of 1959, Dr. George L. Hopkins became the pastor of the First Southern Methodist Church on Park St. in Jupiter. Shortly after that, various private kindergartens opened in the Jupiter area. When prayer, Bible reading and pledges to the flag were taken out of the schools, many families within the church did not want to put their children in the public schools. Several couples, including Roy and Patricia Rood, approached Dr. Hopkins with the idea of starting a Christian school. An organizational meeting was held in the spring of 1963 and after much prayer and planning, Jupiter Christian School was organized.
1959
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Credit for Jupiter Christian School goes to no one individual, but to all of those who were concerned enough to put efforts together and make it what we have today. - Founders’ Night Member
1963
A MANIFESTATION OF THE LORD’S WILL Jupiter Christian School opened for classes, in the education building in the First Southern Methodist Church on September 3, 1963. The first registered student of JCS was Vanessa Rood Mortensen, whose registration started the JCS bank account. The total enrollment the first year was 15 students: nine in kindergarten and six in 1st grade. There was one teacher, Mrs. Patricia Smith, and one helper, Mrs. Alice Peacock. Founders’ Night was held on November 15, 1963, at the church. As stated in the program, “We are humbly grateful to Almighty God for His guidance and leading in the development of Jupiter Christian School. It is our belief that the school is a manifestation of the Lord’s will which we have sought through our prayers.”
FESTIVE TRADITIONS That first year, the school entered the Jupiter Christmas Parade. The theme was “Greetings from Around the World.” Much to everyone’s surprise, Jupiter Christian won first place.
The tradition has continued throughout the years with entries in and awards for the parade.
THE FIRST YEAR On April 24, 1964, the Articles of Incorporation of Jupiter Christian School, Inc. were signed and notarized. Dr. Hopkins became the full-time Administrator, where he stayed until the Spring of 1981.
THE WEST CAMPUS On January 2, 1967, classes were held at what is known as the West Campus, for the first time. The original building housed eight classrooms and administrative offices.
The first year of school ended when the first kindergarten graduation was held May 29, 1964, in the sanctuary of the church. For three and a half years, classes were held at the First Southern Methodist Church.
1964
1966 FIVE ACRES DONATED In July 1966, construction began on pastureland donated in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Henry S. Pennock, Sr. by Mr. and Mrs. A.J. and Ramona Pennock, active members in the First Southern Methodist Church.
1967 JCS GROWS The school grew rapidly and by the 1969-1970 school year, enrollment stood at just over 200 students. During the spring and summer of 1970, five additional classrooms, office space and a lunchroom were added. By that fall, the original plan was exceeded as the school opened with kindergarten through 9th grade.
THE GROUNDBREAKING Through 1970-1975 school years, the campus continued to grow. The groundbreaking and dedication for the new secondary school building, affectionately known today as the “Historic District,” was held. In the summer and fall of 1975 the gymnasium, with classrooms along the north side, was completed.
The Historic District
1975 CENTER OF STUDENT LIFE The gym became the center of student life, including volleyball and basketball games, chapel, spiritual development weeks, concerts, recitals, Veterans’ Day services, Grandparents’ Day programs, college fairs, award programs, graduations, summer camps and even a donkey basketball game.
JCS SPORTS ARE STARTED Sports were started by Mr. Greg Bolvi in the early 70’s. The first JCS Mens’ Soccer game was played at JCS against Sheldon College. The first home basketball game, played in the gym, was a Girls’ District game, in 1976.
1976
MORE SPACE IS NEEDED On July 1, 1977, JCS purchased Lots 1-8 of the Jupiter River Estates. Many of the members of the First Southern Methodist Church donated money for the purchase. In 1981, a house was built on Lot 1, and between 1981-2006, the house was used as housing for administrators and security personnel and then as office space. The lots gave the school more room to add portables for extra classroom space and much needed parking space.
1977
BLEACHERS ARE BUILT Fans stood for games because it was not until the summer of 1976 that Mr. Keith Bowen, a missionary on furlough from Papua New Guinea and father of two JCS Alums, built the bleachers.
REACHING OUT BEYOND JUPITER By the late 70’s and 80’s Jupiter Christian School began reaching out beyond Jupiter and had bus service throughout North Central Palm Beach County and out to Indiantown, FL. At one point, two full buses of students came in from Indiantown each day.
ACSI CANDIDATE In 1987, JCS achieved candidate status with the Association of Christian Schools International. Before then, JCS was only accredited by FACCS, the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. Enrollment had declined to around 400 students and by mid 1988, the Board of Directors decided to resign, and a re-organized committee was formed. Mr. Bill Reed chaired the new committee and over the next four years much work was done on the facilities.
1988 25th ANNIVERSARY On January 23, 1988, the 25th Anniversary of Jupiter Christian School was celebrated. The celebration took place at Grace Immanuel Bible Church. The program was filled with music, testimonies, and the reading of the JCS history. The music was all performed by the present students and Alumni. The service was a wonderful night of praise to God and thankfulness for His provision.
IMPROVEMENTS ARE MADE In the 90’s, the enrollment steadily increased, and the school continued to concentrate on excellence. Improvements in curriculum and facilities continued with a baseball field on campus, band and choir rooms, a new foyer on the east entrance of the gym, a computer lab, and a new science lab.
1993 JCS ATHLETIC PROGRAM GROWS Over the years, the Athletic program grew and even changed its name from the Helmsmen to the Eagles in 1993. The athletic program expanded to include Men’s Soccer, Basketball, Football, Lacrosse, Cross Country, Track and Tennis. Women’s sports included Volleyball, Soccer, Basketball, Cross Country, Track, Softball, Tennis, and Lacrosse. JCS Athletics have had many successful seasons, including many District Championships and several State Championships in Football, Wrestling, and Basketball.
The 2000’s could be considered the decade of major changes. Many low points, but by the grace of God, many high points as well. HURRICANES MAKE LANDFALL In September 2004, JCS was hit by two hurricanes within three weeks. Hurricane Frances and Hurricane Jeanne did major damage to the original building. It could not be saved, building codes had changed in 35 years and more classroom space was needed, so it was torn down.
2004 AN OVERFLOW OF SUPPORT Due to the damage, classes were held at Grace Immanuel Bible Church, in undamaged classrooms in other JCS buildings, and in portable classrooms. News of the damage and loss of a building spread through ACSI and through the JCS National Honor Society who contacted ACSI schools around the country. Donations for supplies and books to rebuild classroom libraries poured in from schools as far away as Alaska.
THE ATC BUILDING IS PURCHASED In 2005, the ATC was sold to Jupiter Christian. God continued to bless JCS through this time through help from generous friends of JCS, the Evangelical Christian Credit Union from California, the Small Business Administration, FEMA, and SunTrust Bank. Without these friends and organizations’ help, JCS would not have been able to purchase the ATC.
2005
THE PLEDGER EDUCATION CENTER The groundbreaking for the Pledger Education Center, a 52,000 SF state-ofthe-art education building, was held on January 17, 2o06. Many family members, board members, community members, founding members, and the entire student body were in attendance. Every student wore a bight yellow “hard hat”.
2006
A BIBLE IS BURIED On January 26, 2006, Mrs. Thelma Willoughby allowed the Bible her late husband had given her to be placed at the foundation of the Pledger Education Center. The Bible rests open to Matthew 7:24-25.
“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.”- Matthew 7:24-25
God’s Provisions Were Prevalent
A NEW BEGINNING By the start of the 2006-2007 school year, teachers had moved into their new classrooms and were ready for students to arrive. Although, many memories of the original building still lingered, anticipation of things to come and the overwhelming sense of God’s provisions were prevalent.
2007 PLEDGER EDUCATION CENTER DEDICATION On January 17, 2007, the Pledger Education Center was dedicated. The band played, the choirs sang, and members of the town council, pastors from local churches, school administrators and students spoke. Mr. Tom and Phyllis Pledger were honored.
At the dedication service, the band played and the High School choir sang “The Shall Soar Like Eagles.” The song was perfect for the occasion! The His Kids Choir sang “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man”. The Pledger Education Center was built on the Rock, the Word of God, and on Jesus Christ.
50TH ANNIVERSARY On Wednesday, March 5, 2014, the 50th Anniversary Chapel Service was held in the West Campus gym. One of the day’s activities included having all the students and staff form a huge 50 on the soccer field while an aerial photo was taken.
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2014
Jupiter Christian is committed to honoring God by providing quality education from a biblical perspective. This Mission is the same one espoused by Mr. Rood and the other founders so many years ago as they rode the ATV into the middle of a pasture with nothing more than a dream and a plan. Jupiter Christian School has changed in many ways, but our commitment to the founding mission will remain the same for the next 50 years and beyond. - Dr. Jim Coleman, JCS President (2012 - 2016)
2017 708 COMMERCE WAY In 2017, Jupiter Christian signed a 10-year lease for the building at 708 Commerce Way in Jupiter. The lease also included land to the north of the building, which is known as the “Grassy Knoll”. The building originally served as extra storage space and was then renovated to include office spaces and a conference room. The Grassy Knoll is often used for extra parking when special events occur on campus.
EAST CAMPUS In August 2018, God provided an exciting expansion for Jupiter Christian. A second campus opened in Jupiter, just a mile from the West Campus on the corner of Indiantown Road and Pennock Road. The East Campus is set on three acres in the buildings that were built by former Jupiter Mayor Mary Hinton and her husband Jim in 1986. The campus has gone through many changes over the years. First being a Professional Learning Center for infants through Pre-School and then The Jupiter Academy for Pre-School through 8th grade. The campus was vacant for two years and in 2016, Mr. Daniel Steinfield, JCS President at the time, reached out to Mrs. Lisa Chitty to inquire about the campus and by the fall of 2018 JCS opened the East Campus.
2018
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL AT THE EAST CAMPUS Parents and the 210 enrolled students, ranging from PK2 to 1st grade, were greeted on August 15, 2018 with a red carpet and an archway lined with red, black and white balloons.
Jupiter Christian School’s East Campus is a true testament to the enduring faithfulness of God. From the early foundation of our school, we can see how His hand has been moving and guiding us... DEDICATION The East Campus was dedicated on October 26, 2018. Many faculty, administration, students, parents and friends, including Mayor Mary Hinton were in attendance. The East Campus is built on Mrs. Lisa Chitty’s bible, which is buried under the Eagle statue in the garden on campus.
NORTH CAMPUS In 2021, the JCS North Campus preschool opened in partnership with Generation Church on Center St. in Jupiter. Under the leadership of Pastor Ben Pierce, the church offered to rent part of its facility for the preschool. The first day of classes on the North Campus was on September 20, 2021. Under the direction of Mrs. Penny Rogers, a small group of experienced pre-school teachers launched the school year ready to provide a loving environment to encourage young children to discover all that God has designed for them to be.
2020 SOUTH CAMPUS In the fall of 2020, Urban Youth Impact in West Palm Beach opened Carver Christian Academy. Michelle Rasmussen started the Academy, with 12 students in two kindergarten classes. The first two teachers were Mary Bellamy and Joseph Wilson. During CCS’s second year, Chris Tress, the President of UYI and an alumni of JCS, reached out to JCS President Seth Cohen to see if a partnership could be formed. The school became known as the South Campus. In 2023, UYI decided to reopen their own school and the JCS South Campus closed. JCS remains in prayer for the incredible work of UYI and the bright future ahead for its students.
2021
This is an exciting time to be a part of the Jupiter Christian family. Because of the solid foundation that has been created by those that have walked before us, we are poised to take the next step in all areas of our school. JCS is ready to embark on a wonderful adventure to make a difference for Christ. A MISSION THAT STANDS THE TEST OF TIME Today, Jupiter Christian School continues to flourish as a school with an enrollment of over 1,000 students in PK2 through 12th grade. Although many things have changed over the years, one constant remains: our mission to honor God by teaching the mind, reaching the heart, and inspiring servant leaders who will impact the world for Jesus Christ will forever be the foundation of Jupiter Christian School.
2023
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Today, our legacy continues to multiply as graduates walk in confidence and faith beyond the walls of JCS.
Over 60 years, Jupiter Christian School has been a pillar in our community. As an institution, we have experienced tremendous growth and yet our mission remains unchanged. When we consider how much has shifted in our world since 1963, it’s nothing short of God’s faithfulness to our community that anything can remain as it once was. JCS has endured because it was built on a firm foundation - Jesus Christ. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” ~ III John 4
When the founders first envisioned a school with Christ at the center, the leaders of JCS were particularly called to the work of reaching the heart of the next generation. When the first classroom of eager learners opened, the faculty and staff at JCS were particularly called to the work of teaching the mind of the next generation. When the first Kindergartener was equipped with the tools and knowledge to succeed and take hold of every opportunity that came their way, the first graduating class was inspired to be servant leaders who will impact the world for Jesus Christ.
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Today, our leadership remains committed to providing all children with an excellent education that is steeped in Biblical values and Gospel Truth. Today, our faculty and staff remain a team of joyful servants, eager to disciple young hearts and lead students into a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Today, our legacy continues to multiply as graduates walk in confidence and faith beyond the walls of JCS. As President, I am truly humbled and inspired by the faithful work of those who have walked before us. Keeping Jesus Christ as the true cornerstone of all we do, our 60th Anniversary Year is an exciting time to be a part of the JCS family. From founders like Dr. Hopkins and The Rood Family, donors like The Pennock and Pledger Families, teachers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, and families who have encouraged and uplifted our community through their gifts and talents, God has been faithful to our community of families every step of the way. I am honored to be a part of a legacy of faithful servants who nurture and inspire the next generation of leaders in a gracefilled community. From academics to fine arts, athletics to facilities, Jupiter Christian School is building on a strong foundation that will endure. My family and I have loved being a part of the JCS family for the last several years and look forward to seeing what God has planned for our wonderful school in the years to come. Dr. Seth Cohen, JCS President
Then & Now: By The Numbers
15
3
51
1,740
23,000
Number of Students Enrolled for the 1963 - 1964 School Year
Number of Faculty & Staff for the 1963 - 1964 School Year
Number of Graduation Classes Since 1973
1,074
190
100%
Number of Students Enrolled for the 2023-2024 School Year
Number of Faculty & Staff for the 2023 - 2024 School Year
Graduation Rate for the 2022 - 2023 School Year
Number of Graduates Since 1973
Hours of Local & International Community Service Performed in One Year
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The future of JCS is a testament to the dedication and vision of the school’s founders, faculty, staff and families who have made it a beacon of Christian education.
Jupiter Christian School has a rich and growing Christian heritage that spans six decades, making it a true and enduring pillar of the Town of Jupiter. For over a half century, JCS has provided a strong foundation of Christian education to countless students, instilling in them the values of faith, compassion, and integrity. Jupiter Christian School’s commitment to Christian education has been unwavering, ensuring that students receive not only a top-notch academic education but also a spiritual foundation that will last them a lifetime. The school’s dedicated faculty and staff work tirelessly to create an environment where students can reach their full God-given potential, fostering a deep faith in Jesus Christ. Alumni have gone on to achieve great success in every field, attributing their accomplishments to the strong foundation they received at JCS. The sense of community and lifelong friendships formed at Jupiter Christian School are cherished by all who have been a part of it.
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As we celebrate our 60th Anniversary Year, it is thanks to this legacy that we can look with confidence and faith toward the future of JCS. Our community has been blessed with incredible momentum and an upward trajectory. With a long-standing reputation for excellence and a unified and accessible multi-campus community of schools, we continue to attract talented students and devoted families who value the importance of a Christian education. The Administration and Board of Directors strive to continually enhance the educational experience, incorporating innovative teaching methods and technologies to prepare students for the challenges of the modern world while staying true to their Christian values.
The 60th Anniversary of Jupiter Christian School is a momentous occasion that highlights its long Christian heritage, the strong need for Christian education, and the promising future that lies ahead. The future of JCS is a testament to the dedication and vision of the school’s founders, faculty, staff, and families who have made it a beacon of Christian education in the community. Here’s to 60 years of shaping hearts and minds, and to many more years of success and growth! Mr. Donald Barnes, JCS Chairman of the Board
2023 - 2024 JCS Board of Directors
Mr. Donald Barnes, Chairman Mr. Rene A. Espinal, Vice Chair Mrs. Kimberly Webb-Lague, Secretary Mr. Mark Mestrovich, Treasurer Mr. Brenton Hood, Director Mrs. Courtney Lemasney, Director Mr. Christopher Dyer, Director (Not Pictured)