From our 1972 yearbook – “We can be certain that as long as we adhere to the Word of God, education here will be God-glorifying. Looking to Christ our King for wisdom and strength, the future of our school, under God, is assured.” This is a summary of the history of our school.
The Christian Education Society of Seattle is formed to discuss starting a Christian school. Rev. Watson Groen was elected as chairman. The school name was selected – Calvin Christian School.
Following the death of Rev. Watson Groen, the school was renamed to Watson Groen Christian School.
Watson Groen Christian School begins in the home of Howard Long, who was a neighbor of where the school property is today. Mr. Long also offers the current property to The Christian Education Society of Seattle to use for their school. The school has one teacher, Miss Vera Parker, and 18 students in grades 1-8.
A new 2-classroom building is dedicated. 30 students in grades 1-8 with a 9th grade planned for the following school year.
School is now grades 1-12 with 8 classrooms for 103 students. First Senior High graduating class and first year of Inter-School Athletics.
Initial Secondary Building is complete in current location.
Secondary building addition adds library, offices, and 6 classrooms.
Watson Groen Christian School has its first season in WIAA Northwest B league with Cross Country, Basketball, and Track as first sports.
After 12 years of fundraising efforts, the current gym is dedicated.
Original Elementary Building is torn down and current building is completed.
The school’s name is changed from Watson Groen Christian School to Shoreline Christian School to better reflect who we are and where we are. To continue to honor the legacy of Rev. Watson Groen, the gym is named “Watson Groen Memorial Gymnasium.”
Dirt field next to school is turned into a 1/8th mile track.
Shoreline Christian School changes their mascot from Crusaders to Chargers.
Celebrating over 70 Years of Christian Education
Shoreline Christian School began as an idea in the minds of Christian leaders and parents who valued Christian Education. In May of 1950, a group came together to discuss forming a school. By October of that year, they had organized “The Christian Education Society of Seattle,” now known as the “Shoreline Christian School Society”. The Society still governs the school today.
The school opened its doors in the fall of 1952 as Watson Groen Christian School. The school was named in honor of Rev. Watson Groen, who played a vital role in the organizing efforts, yet went to be with the Lord before the school opened. The first teachers served 15 students in 8 grades. The first building was dedicated in October 1953, and the first graduating class was 1958. The current school colors of green and white were chosen by the student body in 1959. With a steady pace, the school increased enrollment, expanded programs, and added facilities.
Today, SCS serves students in Preschool through 12th Grade with a full program of academics, arts, athletics, and service. In 1997, the school was renamed Shoreline Christian School to more accurately reflect its mission and its connection to the Shoreline neighborhood. The gymnasium, home of the Shoreline Christian Chargers, was rededicated as Watson Groen Memorial Gymnasium to reflect our gratitude for his role in our history.
“For as much as things change, SCS stays – creation, celebration, hospitality, connection, community. We are called to community, we are called to redemption, we are called to restore the broken, and we are called over and over again to remember who we are, children of God.”
Joel Bratt
Previous Shoreline Christian School English Teacher
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