Seventh-day Adventist Schools (SDA)

When Goodloe Bell decided to start a “select” school for twelve boys in 1868, little did he dream of the impact of that decision. In addition to being the school from which Seventh-day Adventist education would trace its very beginnings, one of those boys, William K. Kellogg, became world famous as the “Corn Flake King.” The company he founded still bears his name.

From that humble beginning evolved a world-wide system spanning from preschools to universities. In the United States alone, there are over 1000 K-12 schools with 65,000 students enrolled. Another 19,000 students are enrolled in one of the sixteen colleges and universities.

Seventh-day Adventist education is predicated on the belief that each student is unique and of inestimable value, and on the importance of the development of the whole person. Students are educated to accept service as a way of life and to be sensitive to the needs of people in the home and society. Although operated by the Seventh-day Adventist church, students of all faiths are welcome.

The Accrediting Association of SDA Schools, Colleges and Universities which accredits all SDA schools is also an approved association of the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA). NCPSA is recognized as a duly authorized accrediting association by the federal government and by such organizations as the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Most Adventist schools are small, with a high percentage of one and two-teacher schools. However 42% of the teachers and 58% of the principals hold a graduate degree. Sixty-six percent of the graduates of SDA high schools go on to college.

While each school enjoys local control in its operation, schools and churches are grouped within geographical “districts” or conferences with a superintendent providing support and leadership. Currently, there are sixty-three approved Adventist schools in Washington.

For more information:

Lon Gruesbeck, Supt. WA Conf.
20015 Bothell-Everett Hwy
Bothell, 98012
(425) 471-7171

Keith Waters,
Supt. Upper Columbia Conf.
PO Box 19039
Spokane, 99219
(509) 838-2761

-submitted by Gary Swinyar