Our History
Under the leadership of W.E. Sampson and Everett Kier a daycare and kindergarten were established in 1969. Mr. Kier served as the first principal and 1 grade was added each year until the fall of 1976 when, under the leadership of Pastor M.L. Walters and Principal Ropke, the high school, consisting of grades 7-12, was added. The class of 1977, consisting of 1 student, was the first graduating class. In 1981 the first student government officers were elected allowing for student leadership opportunities that continue today. Dr. Charles Bright assisted the school in achieving accreditation from the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) in 1986. Mr. Dan Hightower used that continued association to earn accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) in 1994 which granted the same accreditation to Sheets Memorial as local public schools.
As the school and its leadership expanded, so did the facilities. In the fall of 1982 the W.E. Sampson Family Life Center (gymnasium) was completed and in 1991 a 10,500 square foot educational facility which houses a science lab, band room, cafeteria, and other classrooms was first occupied. In 1994 the Lord provided for the purchase of an educational building and a field from the City of Lexington. The facility now serves as a preschool for children 6 weeks through 4 years old. The field is used for many activities including the annual jog-a-thon and physical education classes as well as softball and soccer games. A nearby grocery store was purchased in 1999 and converted for use by grades 6-8. Along with that remodeling, new parking areas were added and the elementary playground was relocated to the corner of Holt Street and Laurel Avenue.
For over 50 years many have prayed, labored and sacrificed for this ministry. They believed that “Quality Education from a Christian Perspective” was a necessity for training future generations and the progress of Sheets Memorial Christian School should be recognized as one of God’s blessings through His people. To God be the Glory.
THE BOARD
Elected by the church, the School Board consists of five men and women and a deacon representative from the church who have the ability of meeting the Scriptural requirements concerning spiritual leadership. Through their monthly meetings, they establish policy; select the administrator, faculty and staff personnel; oversee the financial affairs of the corporation, and review its operations as reported by the administration to ensure that philosophy and objectives of the school are maintained in force, and give time to planning for future needs.