In late 2023, a newly-formed board announced plans for a fully accredited private Christian school in Broken Bow. Enrollment for the Custer Christian School began in mid-January with the school year slated to begin in August of 2024. The original plan was to provide religious studies, along with basic curriculum, for students from kindergarten through 6th grade at the Berean Church City Campus. Those goals remain the same, but recent developments have created new needs.
Taylor Reuther, President of the Custer Christian School, told KCNI/KBBN News an agreement that will allow the Little Lights Preschool to become a part of Custer Christian School system has been made with the Evangelical Free Church Board. She added that all the Little Lights enrollments will be honored and the teachers, directors, and curriculum will remain the same. Reuther said that with this agreement, one Christian School in Custer County can now provide preschool through 6th grade at one facility.
Due to the addition of preschool students to the Custer Christian School, the building guidelines changed and the feasibility of using the Berean Church City Campus was in question. Reuther said she was standing outside the Berean City Campus talking with the Fire Marshal about how they could make things work when the Custer Elementary School just across the street jumped out at her. She contacted the Broken Bow Home Builders, owners of the school, to see if they were interested in selling and a deal was made. The Custer Christian School is now the owner of the Custer Elementary building and classes will begin as planned this August.
There is a mountain of work to do before classes are held, but Reuther said the Broken Bow Home Builders have agreed to assist with the project and their preliminary studies have given the project a head start. The heating system and much of the electrical have already been updated and Reuther noted that some of the contents and fixtures that were removed are in storage and can be re-installed. Volunteers for the work at the building will be appreciated. More information about the school can be found by going to their website https://custerchristianschool.com.
