This school year, Three Sisters Adventist Christian School is celebrating its 100th anniversary of providing Christian education to Central Oregon. Through the support of determined church members, incredible volunteers and hardworking teachers, along with the faithfulness of God, the school continues its mission of bringing Jesus' love and education to students and their families.
Back in 1922, when the City of Bend's population was only 5,415 people, Bend Church began a small two-room school with one teacher and a monthly tuition of $8.00 for two students. Over the years, the school has moved locations to the town of Redmond, and then to its current location between the cities of Bend and Redmond.
Blessed with the support of Central Oregon churches, many changes have taken place. Over the years a gymnasium, a bus barn, new classrooms and an office were built. In addition, a new entryway was added, the playground was updated, and this year, a new climbing wall was installed.
The school has always championed service in the Central Oregon community. Students have helped at NeighborImpact in food drives for Redmond Community Service Center and Bend Food Project. TSACS has participated in world missions as well, donating funds to ADRA for wells and educational projects, organizing mission trips to Belize and participating in other outreach endeavors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the school continued in-person learning with Emergency Childcare status thanks to its state-certified preschool program. God continues to bless TSACS with amazing support from volunteer music and Spanish teachers, librarians, classroom helpers and a hot lunch program.
Over the years, so many people have sacrificed for the success of the school. This school year is no different. Though TSACS had to cap enrollment due to staffing shortages, it is blessed with two full-time teachers, an office manager, two full-time aids and 48 students. The rich history of TSACS, hand in hand with dedication to God's call, is a testament to His abiding love and care.
To celebrate God's faithfulness, the theme Bible verse this school year is Lam. 3:22–23: "The Lord's love never ends, His mercies never cease; they are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness." Each morning the students sing hymn #100 from the Adventist Hymnal, "Great is Thy Faithfulness," in worship as the school song for the year. Plans for an alumni celebratory birthday party are being made for the spring.
If you have a fond memory you wish to share of TSACS, please send it to Jenny Neil at jenny@threesistersschool.com.
Three Sisters Adventist Christian School students at school.
Three Sisters Adventist Christian School at sunset.
Three Sisters Adventist Christian School at sunset.
Pastor Randy Folkenberg introduces students at Three Sisters Adventist School to their new bouldering wall.
