As a church with a heart for Pine Bluff and the surrounding area, Pine Bluff First Assembly (PBFA) has been committed to improving local educational options since before the property on Ridgway Road, where the church has been located for the last 23 years, was purchased more than 40 years ago. As a matter of fact, Ridgway Christian School (RCS) was a PBFA dream that incubated a long time before it opened 21 years ago in the fall of 1997.
The passion of PBFA to make a difference in this community, in part by offering a quality Christian education, has not diminished; however, that desire has recently been tempered with a legitimate concern about the limitations created by tuition for a private school. (For that reason PBFA also adopted Cheney Elementary, the neighboring public school on Ridgway Road, with a commitment to be a blessing to the faculty and students.)
Many in this community, including attendees of PBFA, cannot afford to send their students to RCS because of the financial hardship it would create for the family. It has always concerned and hurt him that so many students and parents lack the power to choose what they believe is the best educational option for their students because of financial struggles.
In an attempt to provide opportunities for more students, some important decisions were made – decisions that may have been misinterpreted by some. First, it was determined that RCS would return to one campus (3201 Ridgway Road) and continue to offer a strong Christian education in a safe environment to students and families who desire and can afford a private Christian education. Every attempt has been made to keep this option as affordable as possible, and PBFA has underwritten budget deficits for the entire time the school has operated because of the church’s strong commitment to making a difference in the lives of the young people and families of Pine Bluff.
In fact, enrollment for the 2018-19 school year at RCS continues (870-879-6264) for preschool through 8th grades. Current enrollment stands at 100 students, as of Tuesday, with positions open in most grades; however, positions may not remain available as enrollment continues.
Second, believing that all families deserve the option of choice regarding the education of their students, PBFA is also strongly supporting the new public charter high school, Southeast Arkansas Preparatory High School (SAPHS), which was unanimously approved this spring and is slated to open in August.
The new charter high school will be located in the facilities formerly occupied by Ridgway Christian High School (1501 West 73rd). PBFA does not control or manage SAPHS but does believe in and champion a quality public option that is available without charge. Because it is a public school, all students who are in grades 9 – 12 are eligible to enroll. Interested parties may call (870) 850-7323. Public information meetings are held regularly, and phone calls are returned promptly. Information is also available at www.saphs.org. Current enrollment has topped the 100 mark, and there is an enrollment cap of about 200.
RCS and SAPHS will both play a role in offering parents quality educational choices so that students in this community will be well educated and can ultimately make positive contributions to Pine Bluff.
Gary Bell
Pastor, Pine Bluff First Assembly of God
