Uniting to Support Urban Students
- Brittany Nye
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
"This isn't just a network, this is a partnership we're committing to."
At our 2025 Leaders Summit, Ben Douglass, local pastor and leader of Westside Christian School shared about a new For Columbus network for leaders of Urban Christian Schools. Westside Christian School in Hilltop, Harambee Christian School in South Linden, and Tree of Life Christian School, which includes five campuses across the city, have formed a new partnership to better serve under-resourced students in Central Ohio.
These three schools share common goals in their mission to serve Columbus students and families.
Share Jesus- Christian schools offer unique opportunities to share the Gospel with students who might not otherwise hear and experience the Good News of Jesus.
Educate with Excellence- Christian schools offer families in underperforming public school districts a quality alternative education to help their children excel in academics and in life.
Collaborate with the Church- Christian schools partner with many citywide churches who help provide funding, resources, and prayer for their mission.
Invest in Families- Christian schools aim to invest in multigenerational relationships with families and minister to them holistically.
Serve a Diverse Community- Christian schools are reaching students from dozens of countries and zipcodes and hundreds of churches in Columbus.
Through their partnership, the Urban Christian Schools network has already begun to help one another think through critical issues like funding, staffing, and curriculum and offer resources and connections for mutual support. You can hear more from each of the network's leaders here.
How You Can Help
Donate:
An easy way that any tax-paying citizen can help these schools is to contribute to K-12 student scholarships through a certified SGO to receive a dollar-for-dollar reduction in their state taxes up to $750 per individual taxpayer. Click on the school below to donate through its SGO.
Work:
Begin a rewarding career by working for one of these quality Christian schools! Click below to find details on employment opportunities near you.
Pray:
Lift up students, teachers, staff, and administrators as they prepare for the 2025-2026 school year. Pray that the Lord would be glorified in their work and that He would equip them for every task that lies ahead. Ask the Father to deepen their faith and draw them closer through both the joys and challenges of the school year.
