MISSION STATEMENT
We believe that our vision as a school is unique. Our mission is to equip servant leaders in God's kingdom for the next generation by educating and developing the whole person for the glory of God.
Reaching the whole person demands that we engage the entire educational triangle - what students know, what they feel, and what they do. Westside does just that. We are intentional about showing students what it means to be leaders, then taking them outside the classroom to put these skills to work in the world around them.
WE ASPIRE TO EXCEED EXPECTATIONS
Westside aspires to be an extraordinary high school with the heart and soul of Christ. We strive to open wide the doors of opportunity, and to make the world a better place through the power of the mind and the imagination, through the insights and discoveries of our students, and through servant leadership that reaches out to a hurting world.
To do this Westside fully embraces five principle goals:
LISTEN
Humbly seeking a life lead by Christ
We believe that the source of our mission and vision is found in Christ
RELATE
Intentionally cultivating community
We believe that learning occurs best in the context of relationship
INSPIRE
Motivationally educating and engaging each learner
We believe in developing our craft, and the responsibility we have to reach and inspire the learner.
DISCOVER
Experientially presenting God's kingdom and heart
We believe in the power of experiences to reveal the nature and reality of God's kingdom, motivating learners to discover their passions and purpose in this world.
LEAD
Purposely pursuing a life of influence in God's kingdom
We believe that our students could change the world, and we are intentional about developing them as leaders.
SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY
Westside Christian High School is a non-denominational high school founded in 1981 and located in the suburban community of Lake Oswego, just twenty minutes south of downtown Portland. We are not affiliated with any other organization and have a self-perpetuating Board of Directors that sits to advise and provide long-term direction for the school. The philosophy of the school is distinctly Christian and is based on the Bible. Students are encouraged to be diligent in their studies as well as participate in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities that help them become well-rounded individuals.
OUR HISTORY
Prior to 1981, the only choice for a private Christian high school education was at the northeast Multnomah County campus of Portland Christian. But located in the heart of southwest Portland was West Hills Christian School, a kindergarten through 8th Grade learning institution that drew students from the entire west side of the community. In the late ‘70s, many parents began to meet discussing their desire to see a high school on the west side of town. In 1981, with only 10 students and 6 teachers, Westside Christian High School opened its doors.
The vacant Collins View School building, located close to the intersection of SW Boones Ferry Road and Terwilliger Blvd., was Westside's first home. Until June of 1992, this was a wonderful location for the school as it grew to 151 students and a staff of 15. Then after a collaborative effort with Lake Bible, a new combined church and high school structure was built on the corner of Kruse Way and Carman Drive in Lake Oswego. Since September of 1992, Westside has called this building our home. In 1997, a major addition was built doubling the school's classrooms. Now we have nearly 300 students and a faculty and staff of 40. We enjoy a reputation of offering a top-quality education infused with a spiritual foundation. We have three words that form our commitment: excellence, grace, and family. We endeavor to provide the highest quality education possible inside a grace-filled environment. We view ourselves as a large family instead of a small high school.
ACCREDITATION/MEMBERSHIPS
Northwest Association of Accredited Schools; Oregon Schools Athletic Association; Pacific Northwest Association for College Admission Counseling; National Association for College Admission Personnel; DECA; Oregon High School International Relations League/ Model United Nations.
ADMISSION CRITERIA
Students seeking admission to WCHS are evaluated on past academic achievement, good citizenship, and desire to attend WCHS. Students must complete a statement of personal testimony as to how they came to know Jesus Christ as their personal savior and how that decision affects their life in the present. A personal interview with the applicant and at least one parent is also required. [Click here] to go to the Admissions page.