Administrator and Faculty Lead Roles at ECHS

Our ECS principal oversees the high school and is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of our programs while supporting faculty and students. The ECS principal advises families regarding graduation and High School and Beyond plans, and also provides administrative support when needed. The ECHS faculty lead shepherds the high school faculty and high school students throughout the year. The ECHS faculty lead sends out weekly high school newsletters to parents, is the point person to contact with any high school concerns, and works closely with the ECS principal to promote the flourishing and growth of ECHS. Both the ECS principal and the ECHS faculty lead attend and participate in the monthly ECS Board meetings. 

Bible Program Overview

Our 9th through 12th grade students will have the opportunity to get to know Christ intimately by unpacking the riches of the gospel biblically. Students will survey the Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation, digging deeper into several books along the way, but never moving on from the gospel. Students will be equipped in biblical theology, seeing how each part of the Bible fits with the whole. They will develop a gospel-centered hermeneutic, learning how every section of Scripture points to Christ. 

Senior Year Bible Capstone Project

The ECHS Bible program will culminate in a senior capstone project where each student writes a personal doctrinal statement. This final project will equip students to step into the world with Christ-like humility, ready to proclaim their faith with confidence by defining their faith biblically and systematically. Senior year, each student will receive instruction on core doctrines of the faith from theology proper (doctrine of God) to ecclesiology (doctrine of the church). Students will learn what Christians have believed and agreed on historically, where genuine Christians can graciously disagree, and crucially, what it means to drift into heresy. This project is theological and practical. When students can articulate what they believe, they will know how to find a gospel preaching church in a new town, where to turn when doubts shake their faith, and be ready to proclaim the gospel with humble confidence to family, friends, neighbors and co-workers desperately in need of the hope that they have. 

The Ellensburg Christian High School Great Books Program

In ECHS literature classes students embark on an ambitious 9th through 12th grade journey to complete a reading list of over 30 classic works of literature—from Sophocles and Homer, to Shakespeare, Shelley, and Austen,  to C. S. Lewis, Twain, Steinbeck, Hemingway, Orwell, and beyond. Students learn to think critically and write proficiently as they examine these works of literature through a biblical lens. 

The Quill Literary Journal

Every spring, a select sampling of student writing and artwork from ECHS students in grades 9-12 is published in The Quill. Student work is printed with the permission of participating students.

Weekly Worship at Chapel

Every Wednesday, the ECHS community gathers for worship, scripture reading, prayer, and biblical teaching.  We welcome pastors and speakers from the community to teach at chapel throughout the year, and parents are also invited and encouraged to attend. At the high school level, students take on leadership roles at chapel, such as leading worship, leading in prayer, sharing memorized scripture, giving brief testimonies, and introducing speakers.    

Afternoon Community Prayer

Every afternoon before dismissal the high school community gathers to pray together.  This prayer time is facilitated by our Bible teacher.

ASB Leadership

Students in grades 9-12 have the opportunity to run for student body leadership positions at ECHS.  Campaigns for President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer run the first week of school, with campaign speeches given at the first chapel of the school year. All high school students vote right after speeches are delivered. ASB leaders plan Spirit Weeks, organize competitions held throughout the year, oversee fundraising (Snack Shack, weekly pizza lunch, bake sales), plan the high school Fall and Spring Socials and End-of-Year-Celebration Trip. They also set the tone for school spirit and community building at ECHS, committing to be “all-in” with the events!  ASB leaders attend weekly lunchtime meetings with the ASB advisor, and monthly ECS Board meetings to report on their events and accomplishments. The ASB leaders are also asked to share announcements and lead our community in prayer at different school events throughout the school year.

Snack Shack

The ECHS ASB runs a Snack Shack where students can buy cold drinks (soda, gatorade, sparkling juice), candy, pastries, popcorn, chips, cup o’ noodles, etc., usually for $1-$2 per item. $10 or $20 pre-paid punch cards can also be purchased. The Snack Shack is open before school and throughout the school day, Monday through Friday.

ECHS Cider Press and the Fall and Spring Socials

Every Fall ECHS faculty and students gather for two special all-school evening events.  The first one, at the start of the year, is the Cider Press.  Students and teachers cook dinner together, pick apples and press cider, play team-building games and enjoy dessert. The Fall Social (usually  in November) is different every year, but usually includes dinner and an activity (such as dancing or a pickleball tournament).  Finally, the Spring Social in May is a formal event with dinner and dancing. Non-ECHS student guests are welcome at the Socials (the Cider Press is for ECHS students only) with a permission slip and dress code agreement. 

Project-Based Learning Days (“PBL Days”)

PBL Days occur twice a year, once in the winter and once in the spring.  Guest instructors and high school faculty teach a variety of classes, and students create their own schedule for the day based on offerings.

High School and Mid-High Buddies

Every high school student is matched up with 1-2 ECS middle school students for discipleship and community-building activities throughout the school year.

“In high school it is good to have people who love you and encourage you like they do at ECHS.” –Landon, 10th grade