Mission and Vision
OUR MISSION
The Potter’s House provides a Christ-centered education for students of all ethnic heritages and income levels, equipping them to serve God and society to their fullest potential
OUR VISION
The Potter’s House, as a community of learners, will relentlessly pursue deeper discipleship with Jesus Christ and continually discover new ways to equip students to follow God throughout a lifetime of faithful service in the kingdom of God. We envision The Potter’s House as a place to continue fostering deep relationships with all in our community. Through dependence on prayer, we will expand our voice and advocate for a model of Christ-centered education in under-resourced neighborhoods.
Our Core Values
Encountering the Presence of Jesus
In all things, The Potter’s House seeks to encounter Jesus. Through prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit, we aim to align with His will and be transformed by His sacrificial and life-giving love for us.
Forming Disciples of Jesus
The heart of The Potter’s House is discipleship through academic excellence, which shapes the heart, soul, mind, and strength of the entire community. Through discipleship, we are becoming like Jesus and seeing Him reflected in our pursuit to love the Lord our God and to love our neighbor as ourselves.
Embodying the Kingdom of God
Jesus compels us to embody His beloved community—the great multitude from all tribes, peoples, and languages that is unified in worshiping the triune God. The Potter’s House is a distinctive community marked by universal hospitality, real relationships, and communal sacrifice.
Our Story
A Vision from God
In 1974, a small group of college graduates felt called by God to move into Roosevelt Park, a low-income neighborhood on the southwest side of Grand Rapids, and open their doors to the community. Their efforts evolved into a weekly program called Kid Power, which allowed hundreds of kids to learn about Jesus.
After six years, they felt called to start a school to better serve the significant academic, emotional, and spiritual needs of the children. The Potter’s House began in 1981 in the basement of nearby Grandville Avenue CRC, with 12 elementary-age students and two volunteer teachers.
Built on Miracles
The fire marshal gave permission to use this space for only one year, so they immediately began looking for a permanent location. Adjacent to the church was the former Southwest Christian School building, which was being sold at a price the young school could not possibly afford. They stepped out in faith and agreed to buy the building, and God miraculously provided the funding through the generosity of several local Christian business leaders.
Every year, more students joined The Potter’s House family. Most of these children came from families who could not afford private school tuition. God faithfully provided the funds needed for their education year after year, even as the school grew.
Today and Beyond
The Potter’s House now enrolls more than 650 students representing a kaleidoscope of backgrounds and cultures, including over 35 countries of origin. God has been faithful to us in ways we never could have dreamed or imagined, and as we trust and seek Him, He continues to work miracles in the lives of the students and families we serve.
Two volunteer teachers and 12 students begin classes in the basement of the former Grandville Ave CRC church.
Support from local business leaders funds the purchase of the Southwest Christian school building.
TPH begins educating middle school students.
TPH High School opens at a new campus in Wyoming, MI.
First senior class graduates from TPH.
TPH purchases and renovates the high school building to include a media center, a student commons, a hands-on science lab, and a music room.
After a year of renovations, the Roosevelt Park campus reopens with a brandnew gymnasium, a Pre-K program, and additional classrooms.
TPH purchases the former Grandville Ave CRC building adjacent to the Roosevelt Park Campus.
The Growing Hope campaign is launched to fund the renovation of the church building as well as expansion and renovation of the high school campus.
Wonder Academy launches; a project-based curriculum for 6th & 7th graders.
The Potter’s House Chapel officially opens, with four new classrooms, office space, and a renovated sanctuary.
Roosevelt Park Campus building renovations in classrooms, offices, and our gym, enhance our learning environment for staff and students alike. TPH begins offering full-time preschool to accommodate family schedules.
Who
650+ students enrolled
We Are of students receive tuition assistance of students come from families living under the Federal Poverty Line
35+ countries represented 10 + languages spoken
Our school community is open to all students and families from every background, culture, and income level. Families of Potter’s House students pay tuition on a sliding scale based on their income. No student is turned away because of their family’s financial situation.
We Are Christ-Centered
We aim to build authentic and resilient followers of Jesus, equipping them to make disciples in an ever-changing world.
Rooted in God’s Word
• Every grade, subject, and activity at The Potter’s House is deeply rooted in a Biblical worldview. We call students to embody His life in their classrooms, homes, and communities.
• Students are guided intentionally and consistently in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
• Students are encouraged to address injustice and oppression in the name of Jesus.
Authentic Worship & Discipleship
• Weekly “Family Worship” for PK-8th graders and Chapel for high school students.
• Discipleship groups starting in 4th grade.
• Prayer groups consisting of older students paired with younger students.
• Students are supported in comprehending and implementing biblical teachings in their daily lives.
For over 40 years of Christ-centered education, countless students have embraced, loved, and followed Christ. Witnessing this transformation is the most profound blessing of our work. God’s Word is the foundation of everything we do at The Potter’s House.
Kerwin’s Story
Kerwin grew up in a single-parent home in one of the toughest neighborhoods in urban Grand Rapids. He joined The Potter’s House in 5th grade and got to know Jesus through his teachers’ guidance. As he went through high school, his faith deepened, and he started to see God as the good father he had been missing in his childhood.
After graduating from TPH, Kerwin attended Moody Bible Institute, where he earned a master’s degree and became one of the youngest professors in Moody’s history. Now, he’s an Assistant Professor of Preaching at Moody Bible Institute.
Kerwin is also pursuing a PhD at Baylor University, where he’s studying preaching and writing his thesis on Caribbean and Latino preaching. His journey illustrates the incredible impact of a Christ-centered education.
Preschool - 8th Grade
At The Potter’s House, our preschool through middle school programs shape young minds for future success. We offer a caring environment where students are encouraged to learn, explore, and grow academically and spiritually.
The Potter’s House Early Childhood program features a unique curriculum that thoughtfully integrates vital life lessons such as patience, respect, self-advocacy, independence, and, fundamentally, the teachings of Jesus.
Our Elementary and Middle School educators are dedicated to high academic standards, accommodating varied learning styles, and building strong character values. Through discipleship groups, prayer, and worship, we cultivate students’ hearts and minds within a diverse community focused on a Christ-centered worldview.
Flexible Preschool and Pre-K scheduling options designed to work for families.
Project- based learning offered to 6th and 7th graders in our Wonder Academy.
Engaging programs like robotics, strings, choir, and theater.
High School
The Potter’s House High School offers a robust, fully accredited, and academically rigorous environment that not only prepares students for college and life after graduation but also nurtures their hearts and minds in a diverse setting, helping them become resilient followers of Jesus.
We are proud to provide students with a wide array of opportunities, including Dual Enrollment and AP courses, Leadership and Mentor programs, Athletics, Fine Arts, Robotics, and more, all designed to foster personal growth and character excellence.
100% Graduation Rate
89% Attending College or Trade School
Many students are the 1st in their family to attend college
English Language Learners program supports students from every background
“This year was the best year of school I’ve ever had. For the first time in my life I enjoy going to school. The Potter’s House has made me become a much better person. As soon as I stepped in this building the energy just changed. There was so much love and I felt so welcome. I have gotten so many opportunities and made so many friends. To me, to be at the Potter’s House means to be welcomed.” – Arturo, Middle School Student
“School is fun! I love learning math and playing on the playground.” Sawyer, third grade
Alumni Success
Jonathan’s Story
Jonathan was one of the first to attend The Potter’s House from kindergarten through 12th grade. Being educated alongside students from every ethnicity and income level inspired Jonathan to dedicate his lids to serving his community. Jonathan and his wife Lauren founded a youth housing and job training program in the Roosevelt Park neighborhood in 2012. Today, Lauren serves as their CEO and Jonathan now works for another equitable housing organization.
Carolina’s Story
Carolina began her education at The Potter’s House in 3rd grade. She came from a large, single- parent family with a mother who spoke very little English. The housing project in which they lived was one of the poorest and most dangerous in Grand Rapids. Carolina’s mother heard of The Potter’s House and decided to enroll three of her children. Carolina excelled at The Potter’s House, after graduation in 2005 she studied pre-medicine and psychology at Calvin College. She went on to complete medical school at Michigan State University. Carolina completed her General Surgery Residency at Arizona Medical Center. Today, Carolina is a fellowship-trained surgeon practicing in Florida, and the recipient of many prestigious awards.
Assoumani’s Story
Assoumani’s family emigrated to the US to escape the Rwandan genocide. Raised as a Muslim, he heard about the Gospel of Jesus for the first time when he enrolled at The Potter’s House in middle school. He became convinced that Jesus was indeed Lord and Savior, and dedicated his life to him. “If it was not for The Potter’s House,” he insists, “I can guarantee you that I would not be the man of Christ I am today.” Assoumani graduated from Grace Christian University in 2016 and currently works for Wedgwood Christian Services as a counselor.
Dear Friends,
From the beginning, The Potter’s House has been sustained by a community of faithful supporters who are called by God to invest in Christ-centered education for the next generation. With less than 30 percent of our budget provided through tuition, we rely on the generosity of this community to cover the costs of the education we provide.
In my over 40 years at The Potter’s House, I have seen countless students and families transformed by God’s love. I have also had the pleasure of hearing from thousands of people who have been blessed by their decision to contribute their time and financial resources to the school. Supporters, staff, and students are all integral parts of the amazing story that God has been writing through The Potter’s House.
I invite you to join this story and become part of The Potter’s House family. Together, we have the privilege of watching God continue to write new chapters of this remarkable story, as individuals, families, and communities are transformed by His love.
Get Involved
Join The Potter’s House Mission and Make a Lasting Impact!
We invite you to be part of The Potter’s House family and help make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students. Whether through praying, investing, volunteering, or sharing our story, your involvement will have a profound impact on our community. Every action—big or small—contributes to our work.
Your support and commitment are deeply appreciated, and together, we can build a brighter future for our students through transformative education. Thank you for considering how you can partner with us in advancing The Potter’s House mission!
Optional Ways to Get Involved
PRAY
for students, staff, families, and the community.
INVEST
financially to support the TPH mission through annual, monthly, or legacy gifts.
VOLUNTER
your time and talents as a tutor, discipleship leader, clerical aide, or in other helpful ways.
SHARE
by inviting friends to tour TPH or attend our annual banquet.
“If we all do one small part of helping people get an education that is Christ- centered, we’re going to raise of children to be citizens of this world that make an impact”
- Carla, TPH Supporter
