History: Local ministers, who wanted to provide a Christian education for children in their churches, founded Belleville Mennonite School in 1945. The next several decades brought many changes at BMS, including enrollment increases and new building constructions.

The student body continued to grow as children from various churches and denominations enrolled. Although the school continues to uphold its Mennonite roots, students from diverse Christian backgrounds enjoy the unique, private school education that BMS offers. Students from other cultures have also benefited from education at Belleville Mennonite School, as it has hosted foreign exchange students from many countries, including Venezuela, Japan, Germany, Vietnam and Brazil. Belleville Mennonite School is a member of the Mennonite Schools Council and the Association of Christian Schools International.

Enrollment: Currently, 204 students, representing 139 families and 44 churches, are enrolled at Belleville Mennonite School for the 2007-2008 school year.

Faculty: Belleville Mennonite School’s roster of qualified faculty takes personal interest in each child’s learning achievement. Educated at a variety of respected universities, teachers provide quality education through classes that develop students’ intellectual, academic and spiritual growth.

Technology: With a 3.5 student to computer ratio, every student at Belleville Mennonite School has adequate access to computer resources. Dedicated to teaching students how to effectively use and interact with today’s ever-changing technology, BMS requires basic computing classes such as keyboarding and computer applications and offers elective classes focused on web design and computer assembly and repair.

Learning Environment/PSSA scores: With a curriculum that generates intellectual development and academic preparation, classes and teachers at BMS provide a quality education in a safe, Christian environment. A low student to teacher ratio allows each student to receive the individual attention that leads to academic success. 2007 PSSA test score results reveal that BMS students performed above the national average.

Continuing Education Statistics: Since the Class of 2003, approximately 70% of Belleville Mennonite School graduates have pursued higher education at a variety of liberal arts and technical colleges.

Cross Cultural Education: Students at Belleville Mennonite School can experience other cultures through classroom foreign language training and cross-cultural opportunities. Elementary students learn Spanish basics, and classroom instruction continues through high school. Participation in elective Spanish Club and Art Club provides opportunities for students to travel to countries and places studied throughout the year. These cross-cultural opportunities develop students’ worldview and appreciation for their own and other cultures.

Student Leadership and Honors Programs A Student Senate, comprised of two representatives from each high school class, initiates service and school spirit activities. Belleville Mennonite School’s National Honor Society provides additional educational and service opportunities.

Extracurricular Activities: Belleville Mennonite School hosts many extracurricular activities in which students choose to participate. High school students participate in PIAA District 6 soccer, field hockey and girls and boys basketball competition. All teams have competed in District playoffs over the past 2 years.

Students participate in the fine arts by joining choirs, worship team, and theatre productions. The Belleville Mennonite School high school choir participates in the Mennonite Secondary Education Council (MSEC) choir festival each spring and hosted the event in April of 2007. Additionally, an elementary Christmas musical and middle school and high school choir concerts take place each year. Dramatic opportunities at BMS include a fall production and a student-led middle school play in the spring. Students also participate in the middle school chess club and elementary spelling bee. Results of Parent Survey 2006