If you have not already explored our website, I invite you to Discover the Difference of an education at Bethany.
Learn about our innovative academic program, which by many standards is considered the best in northern Indiana.
Explore how we integrate faith into our community life and classroom each day that includes a Bible curriculum at all grade levels.
Read about our successful athletic program that focuses on developing students' athletic, leadership, and team skills. Or listen to excerpts from our choirs that receive first place ratings at district contest and have earned some of the highest sight-reading marks in the state.
You can read what others say, and I would be glad to talk with you personally to share about the opportunities available here for you or your child, answer your questions, and arrange for a school visit.
Call me at 574 534-2567 or email admissions@bethanycs.net.
--Rachel Roth Sawatzky, admissions director
Information and dates for Open Houses and Visit Days are available at Visit Bethany.
| Early Application deadline | March 15 |
| Application for Tuition Assistance deadline | April 8 |
| Single or first semester pre-payment deadline | July 20 |
| Second semester pre-payment deadline | December 20 |
Note: We welcome applications at any time. The early application deadline relates to certain discounts and full consideration for tuition assistance. Applications for tuition assistance received after the deadline will be considered as funds are available. If a deadline falls on a weekend/holiday, it is extended to the next day offices are open.
To apply online follow the instructions at Application Process.
Welcome to Bethany Christian Schools On-Line!
Bethany Christian Schools is a private school for grades 4-12 with about 250 students. The high school was founded in 1954, expanded to include a middle school in 1996, and added elementary grades 4-5 in 2011. BCS is owned and operated by the Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference. The schools are located at the south edge of Goshen, Indiana, a city of about 25,000 people (map).
Bethany provides an education with learning that lasts and faith that lives. Discover the difference!
Teachers are at the heart of a Christ-centered school. For them, teaching is not just a job, but a calling. Our teachers, coaches, administrators, and staff model Christ's love to students and incorporate the teachings of Jesus into the classroom, athletics, and daily work. Students explore Christ's call on their lives, seeking a faith they can own. Bethany works in partnership with church and home to nurture youth in Christian faith, provides students with Christian adult mentors other than their parents, and plans activities to help student develop many friendships.
Read more about Bethany Christian Schools' Bible program.
Bethany prepares students for college and career through a challenging curriculum. Bethany's high graduation rate and SAT and ISTEP scores exceed state and local averages and reflect the excellent academic instruction and individualized attention that Bethany students receive.
Read more about Bethany Christian Schools' excellence in academics.
Over three-fourths of Bethany students—many who would not have such opportunity at larger schools—have participated in at least one of 7 middle school or 13 high school sports. Since 1997 high school teams have won 12 sectional championships and 3 regional championships.
Read more about Bethany Christian Schools' athletic programs.
Bethany provides private and classroom instrumental and vocal music instruction. Additionally, students can participate in musicals, select choirs, state contests, and assist in chapels.
Read more about Bethany Christian Schools' music and drama program.
I warmly welcome you to Bethany Christian Schools—a school for students in grades 4-12 where Christian growth and learning go hand-in-hand.
Students at Bethany enjoy many opportunities to develop their gifts in athletics, drama, music, leadership, and academic competition. They experience the satisfaction of serving others and develop friendships with other students and with teachers, friendships that often last a lifetime.
Bethany provides an extraordinary learning experience, within a community of Christian faith. Whether you're a current or prospective student, parent, alumnus, or friend of Bethany Christian Schools, I invite you to discover the Bethany difference!
Allan Dueck
Principal
Welcome to the Bethany website. Feel free to spend some time looking around the site, getting to know the school in depth.
With small class sizes, students are able to get personal attention from the teachers, creating a close community that goes beyond academics. Teachers are free to weave faith into their lesson plans, and students are encouraged to ask questions that challenge.
Extracurricular activities are a large part of students' lives at Bethany. We have many different opportunities to participate in: yearbook, newspaper, choir, orchestra, drama, musical, Chess Club, to name just a few. And that's not even including athletics, where Bethany teams have won numerous sectional and conferences titles.
The Student Body Association, or SBA, is the way in which students are represented at Bethany. As the student government, we organize various activities for the student body, including all-school parties, tailgating for athletic events, and fundraisers. Currently, the SBA is leading a school-wide project to sponsor a child through Compassion International. We've been sponsoring Robert, a child from Tanzania. We feel that this is a great project for our student body to take on.
Bethany is a unique place for students to learn and grow together in faith and their lives. We highly encourage you to take a look around.
Student Body Co-Presidents
A Bethany education addresses the whole person: intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and spirtual. A strong academic program and a rich variety of extracurricular activities such as art, drama, music, and athletics prepare Bethany students for a well-rounded life. We encourage you to visit the campus in person and experience the Bethany difference. A friendly welcome awaits you.
Teachers are at the heart of a Christ-centered school. For them, teaching is not just a job, but a calling. Our teachers, coaches, administrators, and staff model Christ's love to students and incorporate the teachings of Jesus into the classroom, athletics, and daily work. Students explore Christ's call on their lives, seeking a faith they can own.
Through vibrant, creative, and student-oriented education, Bethany meets the needs of diverse learners and empowers all students to embrace academic challenges. To prepare students for college and career success, Bethany provides challenging experiential learning at all levels, including advanced courses in all core subject areas and the fine arts. Between 80 and 90 percent of our graduates go on to college. In addition, we provide academic assistance for students with special needs.
Bethany accomplishments include:
We nurture the spiritual, academic, artistic, and social gifts of all students and unleash these gifts to further God's work in the world. Teachers and coaches mentor students to cultivate leadership skills through the Leadership Development program, a process that provides goals, teaching tools, and evaluation of skills for students in various leadership roles. As a small school Bethany gives students opportunities to develop their skills and interests in multiple areas simultaneously.
Within a diverse faith-based community, Bethany fosters respectful and compassionate relationships among students, faculty, staff, and the church. The expectation is that we do things together-learn, work, serve, and worship.
As a small school, Bethany places priority on relationships. Teachers become more than just teachers-they become mentors and friends. In middle school, teachers help youth build respectful and compassionate relationships, using resources from the Ophelia Project.
In the high school, students and teachers are on a first-name basis with each other. At Bethany, people take an interest in each other and build lasting friendships that provide a sense of belonging.
A Bethany we provide a holistic educational package to prepare our students for a well-rounded life. According to parents, the attention to social, emotional, and spiritual growth is the added value that makes Bethany a great investment.
If you want a school with these characteristics, consider Bethany Christian Schools.
Visiting a school is one of the most important steps in making a selection. We encourage you to see the campus in person and experience the Bethany difference.
Admission to Bethany Christian Schools is open to all qualified students regardless of race, creed or ethnic background.
“Bethany’s high academic standards and encouragement to participate in extracurricular activities prepared me to handle the intense and rigorous coursework at college while continuing my involvement in extracurriculars.” —Sierra Germeyan (’09), Williams College, ranked the No. 1 liberal arts college by U.S. News and World Report |
“My wife and I have chosen to educate our children at Bethany because of its strong track record of academic excellence in preparing students for success in college.” —Yatin J. Patel, MD MBA |
“Even though I was not within the top 10 of my class, Bethany fully prepared me for the rigorous course load in college so that I was not only the 1% of freshmen who could solve a difficult Calculus problem, determine a polyatomic ion, or write a 10 page research paper in 2 weeks, but could manage my time to also play sports, serve as editor of the yearbook, and be a friend to my peers.” —Sydney Kehr (’10), Duquesne University |
“Bethany has given me so many opportunities that I could not experience in my home country, and I feel I’m well prepared for college. I’ve made some great friends and love living with my host parents—I'm truly a part of their family.” —Sang Hyoun Han (’11), four-year student from South Korea |
“When I moved to Elkhart, I carefully researched educational opportunities for my daughters. Bethany stood above all other options and has proven to be even more than I expected—and well worth the commute. Bethany has helped my family achieve our dream by preparing my two daughters to succeed at two of the top liberal arts colleges in the country: Williams College (ranked no. 1 by U.S. and World News Report) and Bowdoin College (ranked no. 6).” —Jennifer Lucas-Germeyan, parent |
“Bethany’s soccer coach had a great impact in pushing me to develop my soccer skills and love for the game. But he also cared for me as an individual and helped me grow as a person and a teammate.” —Femi Hollinger-Janzen (’12), NCAA men’s soccer national champion |
“My superb high school education allowed me to begin college with a head start. Bible classes provided an important space for me to ask challenging questions within a supportive faith community. This was invaluable for me and the beginning of a journey that led me to attend seminary after college, with the hopes of someday becoming a teacher myself.” —Jonny Gerig Meyer, 2004 National Merit Finalist |
“The fact that Bethany is smaller makes it easier to know people—even people who aren’t in the same grade. The many choices that Bethany gives when choosing activities or sports are wonderful.” —Olivia, middle school student |
"Even though I’m away from my parents, I’m really glad I have the opportunity to go to Bethany. Everyone is so nice that it didn’t take long to feel like I was a part of Bethany! By 'sending me away,' my parents made the decision that was best for me." —Sammy, boarding student. Read her Sightline essay on being an American boarding student. |
Read the frequently asked questions below to answer any general questions you might have about BCS. If the answers provided do not give you the information you need please call the Bethany office.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Bethany affiliated with a specific church denomination?
Yes. Bethany is owned and operated by the Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference. Although a majority of the faculty, staff, and students come from a Mennonite background, a variety of religious backgrounds are represented. All students are welcome regardless of religious affiliation. Our students come from roughly 50 congregations representing about 20 different faith groups. Though Bethany is grounded in Mennonite values, diversity is welcome and all students are encouraged to seek a faith they can own.
Q: What are the enrollment procedures?
To enroll in a private school, students must apply and be accepted. To initiate the application process, parents and students must complete and sign an application form, which can be obtained by contacting the school admissions office at 574 534-2567 or admissions@bethanycs.net, or filled out online.
Along with your application, Bethany requires:
1) A copy of your most recent achievement test results (ISTEP+ or other)
2) A copy of your most recent report card
3) Two personal references
4) A non-refundable $35 application fee($135 for international students)
For more detail see our application process
Q:Is tuition assistance available?
Yes. Tuition assistance is available for qualified students. The tuition assistance formula takes into account family income and family size. Families needing financial assistance should request an application form from the admissions office. Applications for tuition assistance are due by March 15. Applications received after this date will be considered, as funds are available.
Q: What is the deadline for applying?
March 15 Early Enrollment: To qualify for lowest tuition, applications must be received by this date. Applications are welcome after March
15, as long as space permits.
Q: What time does the school day start and end?
Starts at 7:50 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m.
Athletic practices after school.
Q: Does Bethany arrange carpooling or provide a bus/van service?
Most students/families provide their own transportation to school or find rides with other students. Bethany can assist in providing contact information of other students/families in your vicinity for those looking for a possible carpool.
Bus Service
Bethany offers a daily transportation service with selected pick-up points in Elkhart (with the possibility of extending west to Granger and Mishawaka) and beginning in fall 2013 will offer a second route northeast of Goshen to Middlebury. For more information, contact Rachel Roth Sawatzky at 534-2567 or admissions@bethanycs.net.
Q: Does Bethany have a dress code?
Yes. All students are expected to dress with modesty. Student dress should be conducive to educational excellence and a Christian environment.
The following are some items not permitted: tank tops, hats/bandanas during school hours, bare feet, skin-tight clothing, shorts above finger tip length, clothes with holes or rips, cut-offs, clothing that advertises alcohol, tobacco, drugs, violence, or has a questionable message, cloths that expose the midriff, underclothes, or cleavage, skirts/dresses that are above five inches off the floor when kneeling.
Q: Is Bethany accredited with the state of Indiana?
Yes, and all teachers are licensed to teach in their areas. In fact Bethany consistently ranks in the top 10% of accredited schools in Indiana in terms of academic performance.
Q: What extracurriculars does Bethany offer?
| Girls Sports | Boys Sports | For All Students | |
| HS | Soccer, Basketball, Cross Country, Tennis, Volleyball, Softball, Track, Cheerleading | Soccer, Basketball, Cross Country, Tennis, Track, Baseball | Academic Superbowl, Drama, Musical, Chess, Speech and Debate |
| MS | Soccer, Basketball, Cross Country, Track, Tennis, Volleyball | Soccer, Basketball, Cross Country, Track, Tennis, Baseball | Drama, Chess |
Q: Is Bethany's calendar similar to the public school system?
Yes. Because some families have students in both systems, and some parents work in the public school system, we try to keep our calendar similar for family vacation planning.
Q: Are services available for students with special learning needs?
Yes, special services are available, but each individual case is carefully reviewed to ensure we can adequately meet the student's needs.
Bethany Christian Schools is owned and operated by Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference and is a part of Mennonite Church USA.
To learn more about who the Mennonites are, please visit the Third Way Cafe (Café de Tercera Alternativa) site listed below:
Who are the Mennonites? (in English)
¿Quiénes son los Menonitas? (en español)
The following four documents provide a foundation for Bethany Christian Schools:
Bethany Christian Schools is a dynamic learning community that integrates faith development with academic excellence. Grounded in Mennonite values, Bethany equips students for Christian discipleship in the church and around the world.
We at Bethany Christian Schools value:
For more information on these values, see Discover the Difference.
In light of Bethany's parameters, mission, and core values–the school educates and nurtures students so that, upon graduation from high school, they demonstrate:
Academic competence: Bethany graduates . . .
Spiritual growth: Bethany graduates . . .
Lifestyle integrity: Bethany graduates . . .
Academic accreditation: Since its inception in 1954, Bethany Christian Schools has been accredited by Indiana's Department of Education. Bethany joined the North Central Association in 2006 and completed requirements for NCA accreditation in 2007-08.
Church affiliation and theological context:As the church school of the Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference, Bethany Christian Schools functions within the framework of Mennonite Church USA. The denomination's Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective serves as the foundational theological document for Bethany. What follows is a thumbnail list of core convictions of Mennonite Church USA, which are spelled out in greater detail in Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective:
Mennonite education affiliation and accreditation: Bethany Christian Schools is a member of the Mennonite Schools Council (MSC), a network of about 35 pre-K through 12 Mennonite schools serving more than 10,000 students in the US, Puerto Rico, and Canada. In partnership with the church, the Mennonite Schools Council advances Christ-centered PreK-12 education by networking schools and equipping them to implement the vision of Anabaptist/Mennonite education. In 2007-08, Bethany completed requirements for accreditation by the Mennonite Education Agency (MEA), which oversees Christian education from pre-K through seminary on behalf of the Mennonite Church USA.
BYLAWS
BETHANY CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS, INC.
Incorporated as a Non-profit Corporation
in the State of Indiana, June 17, 1953
Preamble
Bethany Christian Schools, Inc., an organization owned by Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference and incorporated in the State of Indiana, in order to further through Christian education the cause of Christ, adopts the following Bylaws.
Article 1 – Name
The name of this non-profit corporation is Bethany Christian Schools, Inc.
Article 2 – Purposes
The purposes of this corporation are:
Article 3 – The Board
Section a: Accountability
The board shall be accountable to Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference through its leadership team and through annual reports to the delegate body.
Section b: Board Members
Bethany Christian Schools’ board shall number from nine to twelve members, who shall be selected as prescribed by Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference’s own Bylaws, as follows:
(1) The Conference Moderator or designee shall serve on the board, functioning as a liaison between the leadership team of Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference and Bethany’s board. The term of this appointment shall be one year.
(2) Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference’s leadership team, in consultation with Bethany’s board and administrative leader, shall appoint or forward for delegate action the remaining eight-to-eleven members for three-year terms.
(a) Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference’s gifts discernment team and Bethany’s Governance Committee shall collaborate in identifying prospective board members and recommending individuals with the capacity to contribute to effective oversight of the school.
(b) A vacancy resulting from resignation or other cause may be filled by Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference’s leadership team in consultation with Bethany’s Governance Committee and chief administrator. A board member so chosen shall serve until the expiration of the replaced board member’s term.
(c) A board member may serve a maximum of three full consecutive three-year terms.
Section c: Qualifications
(1) Members of Bethany Christian Schools’ board shall be active members of Christian congregations; have deep interest in the church and its mission; be ready to contribute the time required for board work; set a good example in praying, serving and giving in support of the church; and be persons of good judgment with active interest in Christian education.
(2) The process of discerning who is suitable for the board shall include consideration of aptitudes and skills needed as well as representation of pastors, parents, and educators; women and men; persons from varied racial-ethnic backgrounds; individuals of different ages; and persons from congregations with significant involvement at Bethany.
(3) At least 75% of the board members shall be members of Mennonite Church USA congregations.
Section d: Meetings
(1) The board shall meet regularly on a schedule and at a location established at the beginning of each board year.
(2) Special meetings may be called by the chair or a majority of board members. A written notice stating the time, place, and purpose of such a meeting shall be given to board members at least five days before the meeting. The requirement of five-day days’ notice can be waived by unanimous consent of all board members.
(3) With consent of all board members, the board may conduct business according to these Bylaws in meetings other than those with all participants physically present – for example, meetings by email, teleconference, or video conference.
Section e: Quorum
A majority of the total number of board members in office shall constitute a quorum for a meeting of the board. At a meeting with a quorum, an action of the majority of the board members present shall be an action of the board unless the board had decided to require a higher level of support for a given action.
Section f: Board Responsibilities
(1) Selecting, appointing, evaluating and, as appropriate, reappointing the principal.
(2) Approving the school’s administrative organization.
(3) Leading periodic reviews of the school’s mission statement and adopting changes.
(4) Setting policies that will assist the school in fulfilling its mission and facilitate effective management and operation of the school.
(5) Establishing a policy framework to guide the principal in hiring members of the faculty and staff and, when asked to do so, offering the principal counsel on hiring decisions.
(6) Assessing the ever-changing environment and annually approving the school’s strategy to respond.
(7) Participating in institutional goal-setting and strategic planning and adopting plans when appropriate.
(8) Evaluating administrative proposals for adding or discontinuing programs and authorizing any major program changes.
(9) Approving annual budgets, overseeing the school’s financial affairs throughout the year, and supporting efforts to ensure that the school has adequate funding to carry out its mission.
(10) Evaluating and, when appropriate, approving the buying or selling of real estate and legal claims on capital assets.
(11) Serving as Bethany’s advocates in the community.
(12) Advising the principal on administrative issues.
(13) Acting as a court of appeal, when necessary, within the institution.
(14) Evaluating the school’s achievements and reporting annually to the Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference.
Section g: Conflict of Interest
The board shall maintain a current policy related to conflicts of interest. Board members are expected to disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest in a timely fashion and to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest that might embarrass the board and/or Bethany.
Article 4 – Officers of the Board
Section a: Terms of Office
The board shall organize annually by electing a chair, assistant chair, secretary, and treasurer from among the members of the board. The term of office shall be for one year or until successors are elected.
Section b: Duties of the Chairperson
The chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the board, chair the Governance Committee, serve ex officio on any committee, and perform such other duties as are usually performed by a chair.
Section c: Duties of the Assistant Chairperson
The assistant chairperson shall serve as chair in the absence of, or at the request of, the chair.
Section d: Duties of the Secretary
The secretary shall ensure that accurate minutes of each meeting of the board are recorded and kept.
Section e: Duties of the Treasurer
The treasurer shall chair the Finance Committee.
Section f: Removal from Office
Any officer of the board may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by a majority vote of the entire board.
Article 5 – Liability Insurance
Board members, officers, and employees of Bethany Christian Schools shall be insured to the extent provided under Indiana Code 23-17-16, as this law prescribes at the time when these bylaws are adopted or as modified by bylaws and board resolution from time to time.
Article 6 – Amendments
These Bylaws may be amended at any regular or special meeting of the board, without previous notice, by unanimous consent of those present; or by two-thirds majority of the board members present, provided that notice describing the proposed amendment(s) has been sent to each board member at least ten days before the vote on adoption. No amendment shall take effect until approved by the leadership team of the Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference.
_________________________________
Date adopted: April 30, 2012
* Approved with amendment by Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference’s Missional Leadership Team on April 21, 2012; approved as amended by Bethany Christian Schools’ board on April 30, 2012.
We welcome your interest in Bethany Christian Schools. Bethany Christian Schools admits qualified students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin. Our goal is to make the application process simple and straightforward. Below are the steps in the process and links to required forms.
Become familiar with our academic and extra-curricular programming through our website. Call our admissions director to get more information. If possible, visit Bethany: schedule a visit, attend an open house, or come to a prospective student visit day. See scheduled opportunities to visit Bethany.
Fill out an application in one of two ways:
Contact your current school and request the following items be sent to Bethany's admissions office:
Submit to:
Admissions DirectorBethany Christian Schools2904 South Main StreetGoshen, IN 46526-5499fax: 574 533-0150
email: admissions@bethanycs.net
Submit the following items to Bethany's admissions office (see contact information above). Use the online submission forms below. Or for print versions, download at the links below or request a copy from Bethany's admissions office.
You will be notified of your admission status after references have been received and the application has been processed. If you have any questions, call Rachel Roth Sawatzky, director of admissions, at 574 534-2567.
The following forms should be submitted to the admissions office along with your application. Use the online submission forms below. Or for print versions, download at the links below or request a copy from Bethany's admissions office.
All forms should be sent to:
Admissions DirectorBethany Christian Schools2904 South Main StreetGoshen, IN 46526-5499fax: 574 533-0150
email: admissions@bethanycs.net
Download Visit Permission Form
2013-14 Visit Opportunities
Visit Days: Nov. 18, 2103; Feb. 17, 2014; March 24, 2014
Register online to attend a Visit Day (listed above) or to arrange a personal visit
Shadow a Bethany student for the day (7:40-3:30). Parents are invited to a 7:45-8:15 a.m. conversation with Principal Allan Dueck, staff, and parents of current students, followed by an optional tour of the school.
Little Sibs and Bring-a-friend Day: Feb. 3
Register online to attend
Bethany students are encouraged to bring younger siblings to school for the day. Younger siblings are invited to bring a friend along as well.
Drop-in Open Houses: Sundays, Nov. 10, 2013 and May 4, 2013. Noon to 2:30 p.m.
Register online to attend.
Learn more about Bethany in an informal and friendly setting, casual lunch provided. Faculty and staff will be available to answer questions and give tours.
You are invited to schedule a campus visit at anytime.
Contact Rachel Roth Sawatzky in the admissions office (574 534-2567 or admissions@bethanycs.net) to register for any event, to arrange for a personal visit on another day, or to ask any questions.
In the event of inclement weather, school cancellations or delays are announced on local radio and TV stations. See station list.
Bethany provides an excellent education that prepares students to succeed beyond high school. Of course providing a quality private education to give our children the best does have a financial cost, but one that hundreds of parents have found to be worth the investment. We hope that will be true for you too.
The cost of a Bethany education varies based on your family's circumstances. The following links provide information on programs that reduce the cost of tuition for many Bethany families. Please contact our admissions office to find out what the cost is for you.
Students from outside the U.S. should see information for International Students.
2013-14 Entry-level Discounts: First-time students entering grades 6-9 in fall 2013 who enroll at Bethany by March 15, 2013, will be eligible for a one-time entry-level tuition discount as follows:
Merit-Based Scholarships. Students entering grades 6 or 9 who enroll at Bethany for the first time are eligible to participate in scholarship testing with the top two scorers in each grade receiving a $1,000 scholarship. Testing dates for 2012-13 school year: March 14 and 16, 2013. Register. |
Multiple Child Discount: Families with more than one child attending Bethany concurrently receive a 10% discount off tuition for the second child and 20% for each additional child.
Pastors Grant: Children of pastors qualify for a grant of up to 40% of regular tuition. Download form.
Goshen College/Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary Grant: Children of employees of Goshen College and AMBS qualify for the full-funding partnership church tuition rate (up to 15% off). Download form.
Need-based Assistance from the Bethany Fund: In 2011-12 Bethany awarded over $400,000 in need-based assistance. Information on applying is on the tuition assistance page.
Congregational Assistance: Many congregations provide assistance for students from their congregation to attend Bethany. Check with your church's office to find out if assistance is available.
Bethany Association to Reduce Tuition (BART): You can earn money toward a current or future student's tuition when purchasing certificates/gift cards at participating businesses. For more information, see BART.
Contact:
Bethany Christian Schools
2904 South Main Street
Goshen, IN 46526-5499
phone 574 534-2567 fax 574 533-0150
email admissions@bethanycs.net
The Indiana Choice Scholarship Program, enacted in May of 2011, provides scholarships for students from eligible Indiana families to attend their school of choice. For information about receiving a scholarship, see below or contact admissions@bethanycs.net.
Indiana law requires that students must have been in a public school for the two semesters prior to the the semester in which they will receive the scholarship or have received a grant from a Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) in the past. In addition families must earn no more than the following income levels (based on family size, including parents and children):
2013-14 Income Guidelines*
| Household Size | Annual Income |
| 2 | $43,041 |
| 3 | $54,196 |
| 4 | $65,352 |
| 5 | $76,507 |
| 6 | $87,663 |
| 7 | $98,818 |
| 8 | $109,974 |
*The School Choice scholarship income guidelines are indexed on the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Guidelines and are updated annually.
Bethany Christian Schools admits qualified students in grades 4-12 of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.
Links in the table below provide sample scenarios for families with 4 or 5 members. For information on other family sizes, contact the admissions office admissions@bethanycs.net or 574 534-2567.
| Family of 4 | High School | Middle School |
| Family of 5 | High School | Middle School |
We welcome your interest in Bethany Christian Schools. Our goal is to make the application process simple and straightforward. Click here to read the steps in the application process, download required forms, and submit your applicaiton.
Need-based tuition assistance is granted to families based on a financial need assessment by an independent third party, Financial Aid for School Tuition (FAST), using a formula that takes into account family income, size, and other factors. Families requesting tuition assistance apply on-line and provide complete copies of tax form 1040 and all supporting tax documentation. Separate applications and tax documents are required for both parents in divorced or separated situations. Tuition assistance is reviewed annually and does not automatically carry over from prior year.
Note: Tuition assistance applications completed by April 8 will be given priority consideration. Thereafter, funds will be awarded as they are available.
If your 2012 Adjusted Gross Income is within the following guidelines you may download and use the short form.
| Persons in Household | Adjusted Gross Income |
| 2 | $28,694 |
| 3 | $36,131 |
| 4 | $43,568 |
| 5 | $51,005 |
| 6 | $58,442 |
| 7 | $65,879 |
| 8 | $73,316 |
Otherwise, if your 2012 Adjusted Gross Income exceeds these values you must submit a FAST Online Tuition Assistance Application (hotlink). FAST requires a $38 annual payment, which can be made online with VISA, MasterCard, or AMEX.
Thank you for your interest in Bethany Christian School’s international student program.
Bethany has a legacy of inclusion and has been hosting and boarding students since our opening in 1954. An international student program formally began in 1999. Since then Bethany has hosted more than 140 international students. Currently, approximately 10% of our student body are international students and about 25% represent ethnicities other than Caucasian.
Bethany values the many contributions of international students to our community life. We help them integrate into our student body through extracurricular experiences and classroom work. We respect their varied backgrounds and allow opportunities for sharing from their home cultures.
Bethany Christian Schools has been hosting and boarding students since opening in 1954 and formally launched an international student program in 1999. Since then Bethany has hosted more than 140 international students. Bethany is characterized by high academic standards, a mature student culture, opportunities for leadership, a high level of student participation in extracurriculars, traditional college preparatory curriculum, 14 Advanced Placement or dual credit courses, an innovative January term, and comprehensive co-curricular programs.
Bethany Christian Schools is a dynamic learning community that integrates faith development with academic excellence. Grounded in Mennonite values, Bethany equips students for Christian discipleship in the church and around the world.
Bethany’s education is effective primarily becuase of the strong leadership of our faculty, who excel in their field of knowledge, hold high standards, and are capable of inspiring students to reach their potential.
Bethany has a legacy of inclusion. More than 12% of our student body are international students and about 25% represent ethnicities other than Caucasian.
Bethany values the many contributions of international students to our community life. We help them integrate into our student body through extracurricular experiences and classroom work.
At Bethany the average SAT score is 1612 and almost 90% of our students take the test. That is 100 points higher than state and national averages, in which only 60% of students participate.
Over 90% of Bethany graduates attend the college of their choice immediately, including top liberal arts colleges and universities such as Notre Dame, Purdue, Rose-Hulman, Indiana, Middlebury, Carleton, Williams, and Bowdoin.
Advanced Placement Courses:
Literature and Composition 11
Language and Composition 12
Calculus
Government
Biology
Dual (College) Credit Courses:
Biology II
Ceramics I and II
Chemistry I and II
Psychology
Pre-calculus
Spanish III
World Religions
National Merit Scholars: 14 since 2000—five times higher than the national average.
Bethany Christian Schools works with each individual student to build a personalized graduation plan given their academic background and preparation.
Bethany requires that all students participate in a January Term which allows them to take an experiential learning component and job shadowing in their intended career field.
Grounded in Mennonite values, Bethany values diversity and welcomes all students, encouraging them to seek a faith they can own. Typically, Bethany students come from about 50 congregations, representing 19 faith groups.
Bethany offers opportunities to simultaneously develop skills and interests in art, theater, music, and athletics!
Athletics: offer 12 highly-successful varsity sports, winning 7 sectional titles and 2 regional titles in past five years.
Fine Arts: opportunities include a performing arts troupe, choir, orchestras, jazz band, string ensembles, hand bells, dramas, musicals, painting, drawing, photography, and ceramics.
At Bethany we expect students to be leaders who think not just of what is happening in the moment, but who anticipate desired outcomes.
In addition to two traditional semesters, Bethany offers a unique educational experience known as J-Term. During the first two weeks of January, students through grade 11 select hands-on, experiential-learning courses, while seniors job shadow in a career interest and take a class trip. Recent offerings include Literary Chicago, Winter Sports, Brazilian Culture, Hopi History and Culture, and Civil Rights in Mississippi.
Bethany looks for students who are:
Goshen, Indiana, is known as the Maple City because of its many maple trees. The city offers many diverse cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities, including biking and walking trails, canoeing and kayaking opportunities, and easy access to snow skiing, beaches, boating, white water rafting, camping, and hiking. Goshen has small town values and charm, while offering activities and experiences often found in larger nearby cities. Mennonites, and Amish, were among the early settlers in this area, first arriving in 1831. While you can still see Amish driving horse-pulled buggies on our streets, Goshen is a dynamic and growing community of over 31,000 residents nestled in the center of the northern Indiana county of Elkhart.
Thank you for your interest in Bethany Chrisitan Schools. Our goal is to make the application process as simple and straightforward as possible. Below are the steps in the process and links to required forms.
Become familiar with our academic and extra-curricular programming through our website. For more information call our admissions director at 574 534-2567 or email admissions@bethanycs.net.
Applicants from China must apply through The Cambridge Institute for International Education.
To inquire, email:
admission@thecambridgeinstitute.org
Applicants from South Korea may apply through WAnet, through The Cambridge Institute for International Education, or may apply directly to Bethany (see below).
All other applicants should fill out an application in one of two ways:
You will be notified via email of your admission status after the application has been processed. If you have any questions, contact Rachel Roth Sawatzky, admissions director, at admissions@bethanycs.net. Bethany Christian Schools admits qualified students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.
Bethany Christian Schools has state department clearance to issue I-20 visas through the SEVIS system. After students have been admitted and have submitted all of the above documents and documentation, the I-20 visa will be issued. When you have obtained your visa, payment of all tuition and fees must be forwarded before arriving on campus.
*All students from China and some students from South Korea apply to Bethany Christian Schools through The Cambridge Institute for International Education. Contact Cambridge directly via email at: admission@thecambridgeinstitute.org.
All students from South Korea may apply directly through Cambridge (see above) or WAnet.
The following forms should be submitted to the admissions office along with your application. These forms may be downloaded at the links below or requested from Bethany's admissions office.
Please submit:
These forms should be sent to:
Admissions DirectorBethany Christian Schools2904 South Main StreetGoshen, IN 46526-5499fax: 574 533-0150
email: admissions@bethanycs.net
All students from China and some students from Korea come to Bethany Christian Schools through The Cambridge Institute for International Education. Cambridge students have the benefit of housing services through the Green Planet Program of The Cambridge Institute.
Students who apply and are accepted through WAnet or directly to Bethany have the following two housing options for boarding students. Below is a brief description of each option:
Violett House: Bethany maintains an international student residence on campus where up to five students live in a supervised intentional community-type setting with a South Korean family. The home itself is a beautiful brick farm house built in 1850, and is on the National Historic Registry of Homes.
Host Families: Most international students live with a Bethany host family, which is caring, friendly and genuinely interested in welcoming students into their home. Once we assign a host family it is expected that the student will remain there for one academic year. Term extensions are allowable upon review.If you would like to experience the joy and blessing of sharing your home and family life with someone from another culture, please take time to read about the program and complete the following paperwork:
Welcome to Bethany Christian Schools student residential life! We hope that all boarding students will experience their host family situation to be comfortable and nurturing and that they will be willing to grow and cooperate within their host family structure. We also hope that Bethany host families will experience joy and blessing in sharing their home and lives with someone from another culture or outside of their immediate family.
The following guidelines will assist both the guest student and the host family in understanding the expectations of Bethany Christian’s international and guest students within the host family situation. We trust that in sharing a common understanding the hosting situation can be a mutually satisfying experience.
Living with a host family means living as a part of a community. To maintain a positive community environment, we understand the importance of having respect for others, for property, and for the guidelines and rules that have been established by the host family.
Living with a Bethany host family is a privilege and will be a time of growth for all involved. Knowing that structure and boundaries are essential for group living and learning responsibility, guest students will abide by the expectations of Bethany Christian Schools and the host family’s house rules. A positive attitude toward these expectations will help to make community living a better experience.
English is the common language that is to be spoken at all times both at school and home, unless in a private space with friends who share the same native language, or in communication with those in your home country.
It is Bethany’s expectation that clear two way communication is happening at all times between guest students and host parents. Guest students are expected to ask permission from and coordinate with their host families when they plan to stay after school for activities, spend the night away from their host home, attend or participate in a social function, wish to participate in extracurriculars, etc. Host parents care about their guest students and both want and need to know where they are at all times. Before permission will be granted, the host family will be consulted and the following information will be provided:
Guest students will be expected to comply with the curfew arranged between the guest student and host parents. The following curfews are suggested:
Bethany expects that guest students will participate in the activities of the host family including:
Although not required, it is STRONGLY recommended that all Korean students attend the Korean church fellowship that meets at Waterford Mennonite Church on Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m.
In many cases, students will have their own bedroom.
Students should consider how their study habits and recreational use of technology affects those around them, including, but not limited to computer and cell phone. The host family will expect that students maintain a balanced and healthy extracurricular/school work/sleep routine. If the balance begins to interfere with family life or is no longer healthy, adjustments will be expected.
Students are responsible for keeping their own room clean and neat.
Guest students and their biological parents are responsible for Bethany school tuition/fees and the cost of lunches on school days. These matters must be dealt with directly between the biological family and the school.
Students are also responsible to cover the cost of all school supplies and toiletries (shampoo, toothpaste, soap, etc.) and other incidental items they wish to purchase during the year. This can be handled in a number of ways, ideally with a credit card provided by the guest student’s biological parents.
Most large bills are handled through the school office directly with the biological family. If the host parents receive a bill from a teacher for a school related expense, for example, choir or orchestra tour, etc., they should turn the bill in to the school business office where it will be added to the student’s account.
Bethany requests that host parents refrain from loaning money to their guest students.
Guest students are required to provide proof of insurance and full immunization records to the school office.
In the cases where emergency medical care is required, host parents will access treatment at the nearest emergency room, urgent care center, or other appropriate facility (dental, mental health, etc.). It is recommended that routine medical and dental care occur during school breaks in the guest student’s home environment under the supervision of their biological families. If non-urgent medical care must be provided during the school year, care may be sought at the host family physician’s office.
Sports physicals will be obtained (for free) each spring for returning students for the following year’s athletic seasons. New students who wish to participate in sports must obtain a sports physical at their own expense prior to beginning athletic practices.
Host families may want/need to communicate with biological parents during the school year. Guest students are expected to provide current and accurate contact information for their biological parents to both the school and their host parents.
Please note that biological families may not speak English, in which case creativity will have to be employed.
Host parents are considered guardians and as such are authorized to sign Permission for Treatment and Travel forms (if not signed by biological parents) and school permission slips for involvement in school year activities.
If biological family members are visiting the guest student, it is not the responsibility of the host family to provide food, lodging, or transportation services for the biological family members. If family members do stay with the host family, these arrangements need to be made through Bethany's admission office.
Guest students are expected to abide by the behavior and conduct standards outlined in the Bethany Parent/Student Handbook on all matters. In addition, note the following:
Hospitality Homes are families associated with the school who desire to occasionally host students in Bethany’s residential program. This is an opportunity for students to experience a different family atmosphere, as well as offer the host families a break. Students are expected to treat the hospitality families with the utmost respect.
International Student PTO Action Group meets 8-9 p.m. at The Brew on the second Monday evening of each month. For more details regarding this group’s activities, see below.
Admissions and International Student Director works at recruiting and orienting new international students, offers the first line of direct support to current international students and their host families, and oversees the total educational experience of current international students.
Host families are not encouraged to take guest students on vacations with them. Guest students are welcomed to visit their hospitality family or stay at another friend’s house during those times. Host families are not expected to house their guest students during the following holidays:
Exceptions will be processed with Bethany's admissions and international student director.
Host families are responsible to both pick up and drop off their students at the airport or arrange to see that this is done. When arranging transportation to and from the United States, guest students must provide their own transportation into and out of South Bend, Ind. The host parents are not expected to pick up/drop off students further away than South Bend.
This PTO AG will be meeting regularly to support the work of Bethany Christian Schools’ residential student program, which primarily hosts students from international settings. The goals of this group are threefold:
Typically host families agree to house guest students for a length of one (1) school year, from mid-August through May. Terms may be extended upon review by the school, host parents and guest students. Mid-term reviews will take place in early-mid November (via phone/email) and again in April-May of each year (via phone/email).
Additionally, the admissions and international student director will conduct an annual written review completed by both guest students and host families.
When a student or host family is seriously concerned about a situation, the following steps will be taken before any housing changes will be considered:
This procedure can take several weeks to resolve given the constraints of the schedules of those required to be involved in the process.
How many students attend Bethany?
How do I apply to Bethany?
What is The Cambridge Institute for International Education?
What is WAnet?
What do I need to know about studying at Bethany?
Most students/families provide their own transportation to school or find rides with other students. Bethany can assist in providing contact information of other students/families in your vicinity for those looking for a possible carpool.
Bus Service
Bethany offers a daily transportation service with selected pick-up points in Elkhart (with the possibility of extending west to Granger and Mishawaka) and beginning in fall 2013 will offer a second route northeast of Goshen to Middlebury. For more information, contact Rachel Roth Sawatzky at 534-2567 or admissions@bethanycs.net.
Students in grades 3-5 who are planning to attend Bethany or just want to explore that option, should consider joining this club. Children can make friends with future classmates and begin to have their own fun experiences at Bethany. Participants are welcome to attend when they can and to bring friends and guests.
Registration is required for every meeting. Register online.
2013-14 meetings (all activities run from 6:30-8 p.m.): details to be determined.
Sept. 13.
Oct. 11.
Nov. 8.
Jan. 17
Feb. 14.
Mar. 21.
May 9. Club members will attend the Bethany middle school play together
- Club members will eat supper together before the play.
The club is led by Eliza Stoltzfus (mother of one current and several future Bruins) and Bethany’s admissions director.
For more information, contact the admissions director at 574 534-2567 or admissions@bethanycs.net.
Bethany Christian Schools
2904 South Main Street
Goshen, IN 46526-5499
Phone: 574 534-2567
Fax: 574 533-0150
Email: info@bethanycs.net
Office hours are 7:30-4:00 on school days and 8:30 a.m. to noon on most non-school weekdays.
The BCS offices are closed on holidays, Christmas and spring breaks, the last week of June and first week of July, and most Fridays during summer break.
See the Faculty and Staff page for the email addresses of all faculty and staff. Use the main phone number above to reach them by phone.
To make a general inquiry, call 574 534-2567 or email the office.
To reach faculty or staff members listed, call the office at 574 534-2567 or email them at their email listed below.
| Title | Name | |
| Principal | Allan Dueck | akdueck@bethanycs.net |
| Assistant Principal | Tim Lehman | tclehman@bethanycs.net |
| Guidance Counselor | Jim Buller | jrbuller@bethanycs.net |
| Admissions Director | Rachel Roth Sawatzky | rrsawatzky@bethanycs.net |
| Business Manager | Patrick Farran | ppfarran@bethanycs.net |
| Assistant Business Manger | Kari Kern | kjkern@bethanycs.net |
| Accountant | Stephanie Shover | sashover@bethanycs.net |
Advancement Director | Scott Richer | saricher@bethanycs.net |
| Advancement Assistant | Karen Shenk | kjshenk@bethanycs.net |
| Athletic Director | Benji Hurst | bjhurst@bethanycs.net |
| Communication Coordinator | J. Kevin Miller | jkmiller@bethanycs.net |
| Librarian | Margaret Fisher | mrfisher@bethanycs.net |
| Technology Director | Peter Shetler | pdshetler@bethanycs.net |
| Maintenance Director | Brent Miller | bdmiller@bethanycs.net |
| Cafeteria Manager | Joy Yoder | jlyoder@bethanycs.net |
| Groundskeeper | Mano Mounsithiraj | mmounsithiraj@bethanycs.net |
| Groundskeeper | Dwight Kauffman | dmkauffman@bethanycs.net |
| Administrative Assistant | Denise Risser | darisser@bethanycs.net |
| Receptionist | Robin Yoder | info@bethanycs.net |
| Name | Primary Subject Area or Grade | Email |
| Friesen, Adam | Grade 4 | adfriesen@bethanycs.net |
| Grieser, Beth | Grade 6 | eagrieser@bethanycs.net |
| Hershberger, Juanita | Grade 6 | jjhershberger@bethanycs.net |
| Hochstetler, Linda | Grade 5 | lhochstetler@bethanycs.net |
| Kaufmann, Eric | Art 7 and 8 | egkaufmann@bethanycs.net |
| Kelly, Gwen | Social Studies 7, Phys Ed 7-8, DigiComm 4-5 | glkelly@bethanycs.net |
| Mast, Cheryl | Science 7 & 8, Math 8, Art 5 | clmast@bethanycs.net |
| Miller, Matt | Bible 7 & 8, Math 7 | mlmiller@bethanycs.net |
| Nafziger, Evie | Language Arts 7 & 8, Theater | enafziger@bethanycs.net |
| Parson, Krysten | Phys Ed | klparson@bethanycs.net |
| Reinhardt, Brent | Phys Ed 7-8 boys | bareinhardt@bethanycs.net |
| Slagel, Barbara | Instrumental Music | bjslagel@bethanycs.net |
| Stoltzfus, Eliza | Bible 4-5, Art 4 | emstoltzfus@bethanycs.net |
| Stutzman, Christine | Family & Consumer Science | clstutzman@bethanycs.net |
| Swartzendruber, Nathan | Vocal Music | nlswartzendruber@bethanycs.net |
| Weaver, Josh | Algebra 8, Social Studies 8 | jweaver@bethanycs.net |
| Name | Primary Subject Area | |
| Becker-Hoover, Eileen | English | efbhoover@bethanycs.net |
| Bodiker, Dan | Driver Ed | dfbodiker@bethanycs.net |
| Hurst, Benji | Digital Communication | bjhurst@bethanycs.net |
| Kaufmann, Eric Good | Art | egkaufmann@bethanycs.net |
| Mast, Craig | Spanish | camast@bethanycs.net |
| Mast, John | Special Services, Algebra I | jsmast@bethanycs.net |
| Parson, Krysten | Phys Ed and Health | klparson@bethanycs.net |
| Reinhardt, Brent | Social Studies | bareinhardt@bethanycs.net |
| Shenk, Dale | Bible | deshenk@bethanycs.net |
| Shetler, Peter | Information Technology | pdshetler@bethanycs.net |
| Slagel, Barbara | Instrumental Music | bjslagel@bethanycs.net |
| Stutzman, Christine | Family & Consumer Science | clstutzman@bethanycs.net |
| Swartzendruber, Calvin | Chemistry and Physics | cfswartzendruber@bethanycs.net |
| Swartzendruber, Nathan | Vocal Music | nlswartzendruber@bethanycs.net |
| Thut, Amy | Biology & Env. Science | aethut@bethanycs.net |
| Weaver, Josh | Algebra II | jweaver@bethanycs.net |
| Yeakey, Michael | English | mayeakey@bethanycs.net |
| Yoder, Renae | Geometry, Pre-Calc, Calculus | ryoder@bethanycs.net |
| Yoder, Talashia Keim | Musical Theater | tkyoder@bethanycs.net |
Direct all other inquiries to info@bethanycs.net
| Officers | Name | Mennonite Church | Term(s) |
| Chair | Jim Alvarez | Berkey Avenue | 2009-14 |
| Asst. Chair | Sharon Yoder | Olive | 2009-15 |
| Treasurer | Dave Hawkins | Clinton Frame | 2007-13 |
| Secretary | John Troyer, conf. rep | Clinton Frame | 2010-13 |
| Steve Brenneman | Belmont | 2012-15 | |
| Randy Christophel | Silverwood | 2003-14 | |
| Michelle Horning | Eighth Street | 2011-14 | |
| Marsha Busenitz King | Yellow Creek | 2009-15 | |
| Linford Martin | Assembly | 2004-14 | |
| Barb Smucker | Berkey Avenue | 2008-13 | |
| Rachel Lehman Stoltzfus | Waterford | 2007-13 |
Board contact information may be obtained from the school office.