Our History
On March 17, 1980, “Little People Preschool” opened its doors to the surrounding community of Alta Loma. The prayers and vision of the people of the Brethren in Christ Church in Alta Loma became a reality. The church envisioned a Christian Preschool with a purpose for ministry, one of reaching out and meeting the needs academically and spiritually of a young growing community. The new congregation purchased land on 19th Street and built a multipurpose building designed for church worship services and a Christian preschool program. In March the building was completed, the church moved in, and “Little People Preschool” was born. Thirty-eight children were a living example of Matthew 19:14 when Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Thus, the school motto “Let the Little People Come!” The children continued to come and over the course of many years the Lord continued to very graciously and abundantly bless the school.
By June 1980, a summer program was added and by September, a kindergarten class. As a result the school became “Little People Preschool and Kindergarten.” The school and community continued to grow as well as the need for an after school care program. In 1982, that need was met and an After School Care Program was incorporated. It serviced both students in the private school as well as students of a neighboring public school in the Alta Loma School District. In 1985, 1st and 2nd grade were added and the school became “Little People & Co.” By 1989, “Little People & Co.” included 8 preschool classes and elementary grades K-3. A fourth grade class was later added in 1990, following with 5th and 6th grade in 1992.
Once 6th grade was added in 1992, the Elementary portion, K-6th grade was renamed and introduced to the community as “Alta Loma Christian School.” The preschool portion of the school remained “Little People & Co.” The elementary school adopted the verse Isaiah 40:31 and referred to themselves as the Alta Loma Christian School Eagles. The verse reads, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not grow weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” The school continued to flourish and growing needs of the community changed. Thus, in the fall of 1999, the preschool became a pre-kindergarten only program and a middle school beginning with 7th grade evolved. At this time, the entire school was once again joined together as one, under the name of “Alta Loma Christian School.” By fall 2000, 8th grade was added, completing the new Middle School Program.
Over the years, the school added a computer lab, library, additional playground equipment, and special programs such as Spanish, Music, Physical Education, Accelerated Reader, Standardized Testing, Parent/Teacher Fellowship, After School Sports, and Enrichment Clubs. Along with the addition of special programs, resources, and equipment, the Lord provided the growing school with six additional buildings. In 2006, continued school growth led to a need for more classrooms. Alta Loma Christian School broke ground on a new multi-purpose building, the first phase of which added two very large classrooms for Middle School and one for the newly innovative computer lab.
Alta Loma Christian School continues to be a ministry of Solid Ground Brethren in Christ Church in Alta Loma, one of reaching out and meeting the needs of the community. The mission is to help each child grow spiritually and academically, reaching their full potential so they will be fully equipped to accomplish the plan God has for their lives. It is the prayer of the church, school, and parents that Alta Loma Christian School continues to bring glory to God and provide excellence in Christian Education to the surrounding communities.