Dr. Robert C. Gage, the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church from 1970-1979, sought to establish a Christian school as a ministry of the First Baptist Church of Hackensack. In January of 1972, he appointed a Special Investigation Committee to determine if a Christian school would be plausible in Hackensack, NJ. This committee, which was headed by Mr. Bob Brower, concluded that there was a need for a Christian School and recommended that the church establish the school in September of 1973. The church unanimously voted to open the school, and thus, the Hackensack Christian Schools were formed.
Although First Baptist Church provided adequate facilities to open the school, a growing enrollment soon necessitated the construction of additional facilities. No longer would the large and spacious Bible School building provide the necessary space for the needs of the school. In 1977, the church and school worked to expand the facilities for the school. The new building provided a full-size gymnasium, two science labs, eight additional classrooms, and more needs for the growing school.
Principal Brower retired in 1982 and Principal Van DenBurg, who had previously served as his Assistant Principal, became the primary administrator until his family relocated in 1989. It was then that the school hired Mr. Edwin Oksanen as HCS administrator in 1989. Under his leadership, the school expanded curricular offerings, with the creation of a new computer-technology lab. During his tenure, the school also earned the Quality Award as the top school seven out of eight years. Twenty students placed in the top three categories at national competition.
Principal Brower retired in 1982 and Principal Van DenBurg, who had previously served as his Assistant Principal, became the primary administrator until his family relocated in 1989. It was then that the school hired Mr. Edwin Oksanen as HCS administrator in 1989. Under his leadership, the school expanded curricular offerings, with the creation of a new computer-technology lab. During his tenure, the school also earned the Quality Award as the top school seven out of eight years. Twenty students placed in the top three categories at national competition.
The 2000s met our school with some challenging times. A trend in declining enrollment across all Christian schools and the Great Recession in 2008 placed a significant amount of financial strain. However, we never shied away from our mission, “to partner with parents to provide our students with a quality education, grounded in Biblical principles.” Through it all, we provided a quality education rooted in Biblical principles.
Principal Brower retired in 1982 and Principal Van DenBurg, who had previously served as his Assistant Principal, became the primary administrator until his family relocated in 1989. It was then that the school hired Mr. Edwin Oksanen as HCS administrator in 1989. Under his leadership, the school expanded curricular offerings, with the creation of a new computer-technology lab. During his tenure, the school also earned the Quality Award as the top school seven out of eight years. Twenty students placed in the top three categories at national competition.
The 2020s began as a difficult season, but ultimately resulted in the flourishing of our school. In 2020 our enrollment dropped considerably. At this point, the Board of Education began seeking solutions to address this problem. At the end of the 2022 school year, the very difficult decision was made to close our high school program in order to focus on growing the Preschool Center, elementary school, and middle school. Since 2020, our school has grown over 85 percent! With this rapid growth, we are excited to see what opportunities and possibilities the Lord will provide us in the exciting days ahead!