By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Kingwood Christian School announced on May 31 it will be discontinuing operations after 40 years in Alabaster.

“This is not a decision that was taken lightly; rather, this decision was only made after extensive efforts to increase enrollment over time,” said Ruth Gray, headmaster of KCS. “While we have been honored to welcome some new students in recent years, our overall enrollment did not reach the levels necessary to continue. We also recognize the education landscape has changed. When KCS was founded 40 years ago, families had fewer choices. Today, Shelby County has a wealth of options, from award-winning public schools with newer facilities, to a strong homeschooling community, and additional private schools that were established to serve various needs. Still, our faculty and staff continued to set KCS apart, and we regret that we were not able to reach enough students to keep the school financially viable for the long term. Though this is extremely difficult, we recognize this decision is necessary to give our students, faculty, and staff the clarity they need as they make decisions regarding the upcoming school year.”

KCS was established in 1979 as an outreach of First Assembly of God, now known as Kingwood Church.

“Certainly, this is a challenging time for all of us who love KCS. I, myself, am a KCS parent, and I know first-hand the powerful difference KCS has made for my own children,” said Jay West, lead pastor of Kingwood Church. “Despite the pain that comes from this announcement, it is also important to reflect on the many accomplishments of our school over the last 40 years. During that time, 858 seniors received their diplomas from KCS. We have been home to the best and brightest educators in Shelby County. Our alumni have gone on to launch successful careers. From our first graduating class, to the class of 2019, we know the legacy of Kingwood Christian School will continue through the success of the students we have been proud to serve.”

The operations of Kingwood Church and the Kingwood Christian Child Development Center, which provides nursery and preschool services, will continue with no changes.

“The Child Development Center’s enrollment remains strong, and operations there are not impacted by the announcement regarding KCS. Likewise, the mission and ministry of Kingwood Church are moving forward,” West said. “Kingwood Church has been experiencing a season of momentum and positive growth, seeing new levels of engagement and opportunities to connect with people in new ways. The Kingwood organization has been a part of Alabaster since 1929, and while we deeply regret that our school is no longer in a position to continue, we want to reassure the community that the Kingwood organization remains committed to serving the ministry needs of Shelby County and beyond.”

The KCS leadership team is available to students and families to answer questions about various processes, including the transfer of school records and related matters. Kingwood leaders will also assist KCS faculty and staff as they pursue additional employment opportunities at nearby schools in the coming weeks and months.

“We want to thank each member of the KCS family for the support and dedication you have provided our school,” Gray added. “We are grateful for everyone we have had the honor to serve, and we remain committed to helping each of our families as they make academic decisions in the coming weeks. Serving you has been a distinct privilege, and we are deeply appreciative of your commitment throughout the years.”