History

There are several chapters in the history of HOPE Christian School ... and our story is still unfolding.

In the beginning ...

Hope High, Inc. was founded by high school teachers Dave Eggers, Wayne Ehlert, and Howard Stansell. These men were public school teachers in Los Lunas, New Mexico who felt God calling them to establish a Christian school where students could learn in a safe environment. There were those who said that a non-denominational Christian school could not survive without the governance of a church or denomination, but God was faithful to the vision He gave these Christian men.

Many, many people were instrumental in providing the means for Hope to be established. There are stories of God working through Christians and non-Christians, rich and poor, young and old. These people donated money, building materials, meals, time and labor, transportation, school and office supplies, expertise, etc. When a need arose, God provided the means to meet the need.

In 1976...

In September of 1976, HOPE High School opened its doors to 54 high school students that met in a remodeled church facility located in the northeast heights of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The church facility had been purchased and remodeled during the summer months. In the spring of 1977, HOPE High School held its first graduation ceremony for four students who received their diplomas from the state accredited school.

In 1981...

Classes were expanded to include middle school students for the 1981-82 school year. HOPE was outgrowing its location. Six acres of property on the far north side of Albuquerque was purchased and the original HOPE High School location was sold. When the new campus opened in September of 1982, the school included grades 1-12. The following year, a kindergarten class was added and later, a pre-school program was established.

In 1994...

In 2003...

In June of 2003, Wayne Ehlert and his wife, Alma, along with Dave Eggers, retired from HOPE Christian School after many years of sacrificial service and faithful dedication. Howard Stansell faithfully served HOPE High School through 1979. The present administration continues the legacy left by these Christian educators and workers, while raising the level of excellence in education and meeting the needs of the school community.

In 2006

2019 - 2021

B.C. / A.C.

The pandemic of 2020 - otherwise known as the COVID chapter - was a (terrible) milestone in history for many educational institutions in this country. While many schools closed, HOPE remained open with in-person classes, while remaining compliant with the rules and regulations of the NM PED (i.e. social distancing, classroom capacity, etc).

Because so many Albuquerque families were looking for in-person education options, over 200 new families enrolled in HOPE that year.

2021-2024

Today ...

Today, HOPE Christian School has over 1,500 students enrolled from PreK - 12th grade, with approximately 180 employees housed on about 20 acres of land. The current student body represents communities throughout the greater Albuquerque area such as: Los Lunas, Belen, Rio Rancho, Bernalillo, Placitas, Algodones, Tijeras, Cedar Crest and others. HOPE has a reputation for excellent academics, a competitive sports program, spiritual emphasis, and diversity among staff and students.

HOPE Christian School was originally established to give students a safe place to receive a college preparatory education in a Christ-centered environment. Today, HOPE gives God the honor and glory for all He has done in starting the school, blessing it these many years, and continuing to guide and build it now and in the future to come.

A banner made by a Hope supporter and friend hung in the school's gym/chapel that first year. It said, "Attempt Something So Big That Unless God Intervenes, It Is Bound To Fail". That banner carried Hope High School through the early years and continues to be the directive for Hope Christian School today.