How are the Current Classrooms Getting in the Way of Growth?

Classrooms are a blessing. They provide a dedicated space for children to grow academically, socially, and most importantly, spiritually. Jerusalem has been blessed with some beautiful, spacious classrooms. However, in recent years, the current number of classrooms are not meeting Jerualem’s needs, and they are impeding growth. Let’s start with the preschool rooms.

Right now, we have 2 preschool classrooms-one for PreK 3-4 and one for PreK 4. The PreK 3-4 room has 20 students enrolled with more on the waitlist. The PreK 4 room is also filled to capacity (with one teacher and no aide for 10 students). In the past, there was a third preschool teacher who taught students in a room previously used as an office and storage room tucked away in the basement (low ceiling height). That location required PreK students to walk down a small flight of stairs to use the bathroom (not ideal for 3-year-olds, who have just recently been toilet-trained). Because of the room size, enrollment was limited. Since there is currently no additional preschool teacher, the room is now utilized for storage (pictured in use for the previous preschool classroom).

Old Preschool room.

Next, if you enter the Jerusalem school building and search for the classroom for grades 7-8, you would not find it. Why? Because it does not exist. Ten years ago, by God’s grace, enrollment in the school went up, so the plan was to move from a 3-grade split (grades 3-5 in one classroom, grades 6-8 in another classroom) to a 2-grade split (grades 3-4, 5-6, 7-8). An additional teacher was called, but there was no additional classroom. To provide a temporary solution, the grades 7-8 classroom made use of the back of the church. Tables and chairs are set up for student seating. Students use milk crates to store their books and school supplies (being kept in the basement and balcony on the weekends). The tables and chairs are taken down and set up every week (and multiple times a week for additional services). This temporary arrangement has been used for nearly 10 years.

Current 7th and 8th grade temporary classroom.

As our enrollment in the upper grades continues to increase - there are 18 students enrolled for the upcoming school year, with more inquiring to attend (especially connected to lower grade inquiries) - it is clear that our current “classroom” set-up is not meeting the needs of a growing school enrollment. What an amazing problem to have! We are bursting at the seams, and more potential students are knocking on our doors inquiring about the school. What a great opportunity to share the Word of God with these children and their families!

So, what is the solution to this wonderful problem? Next week, we will take a look at the Jerusalem expansion plan and how it meets the needs of Jerusalem and its plan for growth.

The next Building Expansion Committee meeting will take place on Wednesday, July 2nd at 7:00 pm. Please join us!