There’s a reason I’ve written multiple stories about Covenant Christian School in Aurora over the years.
Certain people, certain places, certain missions have a way of touching the heart.
And this tiny private school, which is now in its 45th year, seems to do that quite often, reminding me not only of how precious our children are but what is important in life.
For one thing, the school is not only faith-based but deeply entrenched in the community.
You may remember in 2017 when the two men running a heated and close campaign to become the next mayor of Aurora were called, quite by surprise, onto the stage of the West Aurora High School auditorium, where Covenant Christian was holding its annual concert fundraiser, to sing a little Louis Armstrong together.
This spontaneous duet brought down the house … and the two candidates together for a big hug.
A couple years later, at that same annual fundraiser, the Aurora Police Department was recognized for its heroic response to the Henry Pratt mass shooting with tuition scholarships for their children.
And let’s also not forget that it was the artwork of Covenant Christian students that was displayed across the country after the late Greg Zanis attached their messages of hope to the white crosses he erected at the sites of so many other mass shootings.
Even though this school has less than 100 students, it has a strong focus on the cultural arts – even joining well-known symphonies – thanks in large part to Chairman of the Board Huntley Brown, who is an international Christian recording artist with deep ties to Judson University in Elgin.
Covenant has strong academics as well, which is evident from many alumni testimonials that include TV and radio personality Cisco Cotto and Pete Carlson, president of BW Integrated Systems.
But what makes this school that’s located in First Christian Church on Randall Road even more special is its deliberate outreach to our community’s vulnerable families, offering a high-quality Bible-based education to children of all socioeconomic backgrounds at a greatly reduced cost.
This year, according to Covenant officials, 62% of its students receive tuition assistance. And the school makes the promise that no child will be turned away because of inability to pay.
Unfortunately, in these current economic times, that noble mission is hard to sustain. And right now, the school is looking at, if not a miracle, than generosity from a community, in order to keep its doors open even for the rest of this year.
The board has set a crowdfunding goal of $300,000 by March 11, which, says Brown, will not only replenish operating funds to meet current monthly obligations but will secure a sound financial foundation for the 2024-25 school year, and will also set aside funds for next year’s tuition assistance program.
The situation is dire, though hardly unique.
As you probably are aware, many private schools are in trouble these days.
Last November Elgin Academy, which has been around 185 years, announced it was closing its doors at the end of this school year, citing fewer parents who can afford private education.
A few years ago the Rockford Diocese consolidated several elementary schools in Aurora, and just last week the Chicago Archdiocese announced the closure of two Catholic schools, in large part because Springfield voted to end the Invest in Kids scholarship program, which made private education possible for many low-income families.
The challenge is not just to find funding to keep Covenant Christian open for the next few months or even a year or two but to secure sustainability, notes Brown.
To that end, the board is putting a system in place to help avoid future cliff-hanging moments. It includes a person in charge of recruiting students; a development team in search of grants; associations for alumni, parents, pastors and even grandparents; and an uptick in school fees, which currently are touted at 40% below other private schools.
Not to sugar-coat the situation. Covenant Christian knows it needs a miracle.
Which is so often synonymous with community.
Just last month, St. Bede School in Ingleside, which the Chicago Archdiocese was set to close, raised $400,000 from a desperate but successful GoFundMe that brought in donations large and small.
Those who wish to give to Covenant Christian’s crowdfunding effort can do so by going to the school’s website at covenantchristianaurora.org.
“I know Aurora and Aurora is strong,” says Brown.”I know the people of this community are going to rally around Covenant … and the next 45 years will be greater than the last 45.
“From my lips to God’s ears.”
dcrosby@tribpub.com
