S
ince its formation in 1987, Jubilee Christian
School has fostered lifelong learners in
children from kindergarten to sixth grade
using an integrated curriculum from a
Christian worldview. Now, 30 years later,
it is celebrating successes and continuing
its course of action to teach young minds
through an integrated approach.
“Mrs. Mary Wolling was Jubilee’s first principal,” says
Michelle Strauna, Director of Education and Curriculum. “In
1986, she, along with several parents, discussed the idea of an
integrated teaching style. In September 1987, Natalie Thomas
and five kindergarteners became the first classroom at our
school and met at Beverly Heights Presbyterian Church in Mt.
Lebanon. It didn’t take long for the children’s families to start
talking to others about the success of the integrated curriculum
academically and spiritually, and its ability to instill a love of
learning. The rest, as they say, is history.”
Beginning in 1988 through 1993, one grade level was added
each year as needed, reaching its current status of a kindergarten
through sixth grade school.
“Mrs. Wolling served as both principal and teacher of first
and second grades during those beginning years,” explains Anna
Booher, a fifth and sixth grade teacher at Jubilee for the past 15
years. “She nurtured this school with everything she had and we
are so grateful for her time, effort and dedication.”
In September 2002, Jubilee moved to the education wing of
Mt. Lebanon Evangelical Presbyterian Church and increased
staff to support a growing enrollment and expanded curriculum.
During the past decade, it has maintained the integrated style of
teaching and expanded to include new classes, workshops and
programs for students.
“We have introduced engaging components into the kids’
course work, such as Lego robotics, Junior Achievement
programs, music, and ‘Mad Science’ as part of our electives,”
says Strauna. “We also have Snapology as part of our daily
curriculum and a running club to expand after-school offerings.”
To mark its growth and success, Jubilee Christian School held
a gala to celebrate accomplishments and the 30th anniversary
with a special dinner at LeMont on Mt. Washington.
“At the end of the school year in May, we invited alumni,
families and speakers, including Mary Wolling, to our dinner,”
recounts Booher. “We had people stand and speak about the
impact our school and its teaching style has had on their lives, as
well as their children and grandchildren. It was so moving.”
One of the ways Jubilee influenced students’ early education
learning is by keeping class sizes regulated.
“Each class has no more than 16 students,” explains
Strauna. “This enables us to monitor each child’s learning
more closely, provide a more hands-on approach, and offer a
more differentiated teaching style. Our students thrive in this
environment because we integrate traditional classroom style
teaching with technology and outside learning opportunities via
field trips.”
“She nurtured this school
with everything she had and
we are so grateful for her
time, effort and dedication.”
She adds, “We enjoy taking learning outside the classroom,
too. We visit the Frick Museum, Cathedral of Learning at
the University of Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aviary,
Meadowcroft, the Trolley Museum, and overnight trips to
Gettysburg and Philadelphia. All of these trips help bring a real-
world view to the lessons the kids learn at school.”
Jubilee’s student demographic encompasses kids from the
City of Pittsburgh and the South Hills, including the districts of
Canon-Mac, Chartiers Valley, Mt. Lebanon, Peters Township,
South Fayette and Upper St. Clair. Township busing is also
available to transport kids to and from school, just like public
school.
Funding for Jubilee is a combination of tuition, state funding
and several fundraisers, which help cover costs associated with
running a private school. But the teachers, administrators and
parents are all happy to put in their best effort to keep all of the
necessary and extra programs available to the children.
“Our teachers know working at Jubilee takes a lot of extra
time and sacrifice,” says Strauna. “And they are happy to do so
because of the way our school chooses to teach the kids, which
is making better conceptual connections to the information
we’re teaching. And, we know it’s instilling a lifelong love of
learning in our students while also providing an amazing place
where kids can be treasured and loved.” ■
WEST MIFFLIN
❘
WINTER 2018
11