Ask the students of Manheim Christian School about their school, and you'll notice a theme. Each has only positive things to say about the school, which serves students in prekindergarten through eighth grade.

"We build Christ-like attitudes," said Karter, a seventh-grader, while second-grader Hadley added, "We are a Christian school. We learn about God and read the Bible."

For eighth-grader Josiah, the school is a "strong, loving community," and fifth-grader Sophia added, "We have super special teachers that love to share Jesus with you."

Now the school can serve even more students as it dedicates its newly renovated building, a milestone that reflects both a physical transformation and a renewed commitment to the school's mission.

The building dedication will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23, at 686 Lebanon Road, Manheim.

Construction on the project began in May and was completed just in time for the school year to begin on Sept. 8, said Jon Sauder, director of admissions, development and spiritual life.

"We adjusted our school calendar to ensure we had the longest summer break we could have to allow for the project to be completed," he shared. "We're so grateful for the commitment and perseverance of all those involved to complete the project on schedule!"

The renovations represent a major investment in nurturing a Christ-centered learning environment for generations ahead. Updates include five new classrooms, an expanded kitchen, a new HVAC system, an elevator and parking lot improvements, all designed to enrich students' educational experience and reinforce the school's commitment to academic excellence and spiritual development. The renovation and expansion was necessary to accommodate the growing school, Sauder said.

"Our classrooms and hallways were overflowing," he said, noting that the renovation is an addition to the current building. "Our school was established in 1952, and we have been at this location since 1953. Our last significant building project was completed in 1990."

Manheim Christian School, originally called Manheim Christian Day School, began as two one-room schoolhouses.

"In the early 1990s, we offered one classroom each for grades K through eight," Sauder remarked. "Today, we are paving the way to offer two classrooms for each of those grades! This expansion will allow for smaller student-to-teacher ratios and open our doors to even more families who stand for Christian values and education."

This construction has opened the door to 80 new students who can join the 211 currently enrolled.

"While we have not increased to that number, we are thrilled that we are no longer turning any families away because of space limitations," Sauder said. "The new space is designed with the students' needs at the center. It will provide a more comfortable learning environment where each student is celebrated and nurtured."

He noted that the project was made possible through the work of Speedwell Construction, Garden Spot Mechanical and Garden Spot Electric.

"Through this build, we were also able to launch our learning support program, better serving our students and families," he commented. "This build also significantly improves our handicap accessibility with a new elevator and improved parking."

Third-grader Kinley thinks the renovations will help the school continue to fulfill its mission, adding, "We have Conqueror Culture - Truth, Responsibility, Uplifting, Service, Together."

Explained Sauder, these words represent the school's focus on trust.

"These Conqueror Commitments inform the foundations of our school culture, our approach to teaching and the values we pass on to our students," he said. "We are so grateful for God's goodness and faithfulness we have seen throughout the journey of this build. These renovations point to the power of God's truth and the strength of our community! We are thrilled with the doors this opens for our future."

The dedication ceremony will feature remarks from school leadership and tours of the renovated spaces. The ceremony is open to students, families, alumni, donors and community members.

For more information, visit https://manheimchristian.org.