Golden Heart Christian School in Fairbanks, Alaska has been operating since the 1950s. While it has been in different locations over the years, the school is now located in a building beside the Fairbanks Church.
Through the years, there have been quite a few second generation students attending the school. This school year, GHCS welcomed its first third-generation students. Tammy (Stuller) Burrow attended the school in the 1970s. Tammy's daughter, Ashley (Burrow) Irwin, attended in the 1990s. Ashley's children, Brayden and Brooklyn, are enrolled this year. Having two and three generations of family members attending the school is a very special thing.
In the last three years, GHCS has grown a lot. In 2019 there were nine students enrolled and in 2020 there were 16. This school year, there are 24 students and most are from the community. It is exciting to see the school growing.
Cindy Dasher is the school's certified teacher and Jane Bador the full-time assistant. Bador teaches some of the first and second grade subjects, fourth grade math and fifth through eighth grade science. There are also a few volunteers. Helen Norton, a retired teacher, helps teach math to fifth through eighth grade. Sharon Junbenville, another retired teacher, helps first and second-graders with phonics. Pearl LaFountain comes each Friday to lead art projects with groups of students.
Showing the students how to have a personal relationship with Jesus is as important as teaching. Steve Evenson, Fairbanks Church pastor, comes on Wednesday afternoons and has worship with the students. After worship, he teaches fifth through eighth grade all about small engines. The students really enjoy having hands on work and spending that time with the pastor.
On October 23, 2021, the students led the worship service at the Fairbanks Church. Students from all grades led the song service, while the sermon was presented by sixth through eighth graders. They shared readings about some of the founders of the Adventist Church and stories about significant people who helped shape the church in 1844.
Members are proud of Golden Heart Christian School and believe it is the best private school in the interior of Alaska.
