In February, 1978 a group of parents desiring a Christ-centered education based on both biblical truths and provincial curriculum met to discuss plans to establish a Christian school in the city of Medicine Hat. The school, which would serve families in both the city and surrounding area, would bring together the Christian principles taught in the home and church with those taught in the school. Medicine Hat Christian School officially opened its doors as a private school in September 1982, starting with classes in two rented classrooms at St. Francis Xavier School, which accommodated 34 students from grades one to seven and three teachers.

By fall 1985, the MHCS student body had surpassed that of St. Francis Xavier, necessitating the establishment of our own facility. Dedicated volunteers raised funds to secure 5.28 acres of land in the Ross Glen area, and construction began in April 1986 on an 8,800 sq ft building. School began in the new facility in September 1986.

Since this time several expansions have taken place, including:                                                                                        * 1994 - a new wing of eight additional classrooms      * 1999 - the addition of a gymnasium      * 2010 - a new junior high wing

Despite fluctuations in enrollment due to economic changes and global challenges, our overall student enrollment has experienced significant growth in recent years. Parents increasingly seek Medicine Hat Christian School as a nurturing environment where traditional education and biblical teachings coexist. Families desire for their children to develop a strong moral foundation and a clear understanding of right and wrong, alongside the confidence of knowing their identity in Christ. Christian education offers not only academic excellence, but also the spiritual formation and community support that prepare students to lead lives of integrity, clarity, and purpose in an often chaotic world. Currently we are educating more than 285 students, and expect that to increase to over 300 students in September, 2026. With rising enrollment numbers, we again find ourselves in need of enhanced instructional space.

Collaborating with architect Alvin Fritz and our teaching staff, we have devised a three-phase expansion plan:      PHASE 1 - Constructing a multipurpose chapel with a mezzanine to create three new classrooms. The chapel will offer a serene environment dedicated to reflection and worship, ideal for chapel times, CTF classes in Worship Leading and Performing Arts, and potential rental opportunities. The upper level classrooms will meet our immediate needs for additional classroom space. Estimated cost: $4,136,575.      PHASE 2 - An expanded gymnasium to facilitate two separate physical education classes simultaneously, meeting Alberta’s teaching requirements. This will also enhance visibility during sports events, currently constrained to crowded conditions. Estimated cost: $1,752,900.      PHASE 3 - An additional wing with eight classrooms, change rooms, and a greenhouse area, ensuring we can accommodate rising enrolment for years to come. Estimated cost: $3,343,050.Total estimated cost for all three phases: $9,232,525.

Currently, we have $975,000 in reserved funds allotted for this expansion. Our banking partner is prepared to loan up to $3 million, and our financial advisor has affirmed that we can manage this debt effectively. We aim to raise an additional $5 million to fulfil our expansion goals. The Society remains confident that, with God's guidance, these objectives are achievable.