School History

ACS began as a dream in the hearts of concerned parents and Christian citizens, and on January 7, 1975, about 40 persons met to discuss the possibilities of such a school.  A board was formed, curriculum chosen, teachers selected, and on September 3, 1975, school opened with 82 students (grades K-9) in facilities loaned by Claim Street Baptist Church.  Enrollment was 114 at the end of the first year.

Pupil population grew to 220 at the beginning of school year 1976-1977.  The Aurora Christian Preschool and the tenth grade were added.  This enrollment required additional facilities which were provided by First Presbyterian Church.

The need of our own building was clear.  A large building, with adequate land, central to the Fox Valley and surrounding communities was urgent if ACS was to continue to grow.  The Milford Tool and Rivet Company was selling just such a building.  July 30, 1976, escrow was closed and remodeling construction began at 801 W. Illinois Avenue.

The resulting facility was the product of thousands of hours of volunteer work (and some contracted labor) and many love gifts from interested and caring friends.  The building was an open beamed, high ceiling concrete and steel factory.  It became a warm, comfortable, pleasant school building - the result of "love going to work."

By the end of the 1977-78 school year, pupil population had swelled to well over 380 students...once again we faced the need for larger facilities.  On Saturday, June 3, 1978, a public auction was held at 14 Blackhawk St.  The old Benjamin Franklin Junior High School - a building of 73,000 square feet of classrooms, office, gymnasium, auditorium, etc - became the property of ACS.  Families and friends of our school again performed a monumental task of completely redecorating the "new" building by August 28th, the first day of classes for 1978-79.

Over the next several years, pupil population continued its steady climb.  June of 1986 saw the groundbreaking on an addition to our 801 W. Illinois Ave. campus.  One year later, there were 26,000 more square feet at 801 containing 18 new classrooms, a full size gymnasium, and a dramatic 145 foot long two-story atrium connecting the two buildings - enough space for 500 new students!

Two major milestones were reached in 1988.  Our school received full accreditation from ACS (Association of Christian Schools International), and full recognition from the State of Illinois Board of Education.  The latter enabled us to joing the IHSA (Illinois High School Association) as full members for athletic and other competitions.  In 2003, our school also received full accreditation from NCA (North Central Association).

In April of 1997, God continued the miracle called ACS with the addition of 116 acres along I-88 near Orchard Road.  In 2003, portions of this property were sold to allow the purchase of an office/warehouse facility on Sullivan Road.  Renovation occurred during the spring and summer of 2004.  We now fully occupy the Sullivan Campus.

To God be the Glory, great things He has done!