KEARNEY, NE.-

A local Christian school is looking to add high school programming in a familiar spot for Kearney residents.

The First Baptist Church will be home to Faith Christian’s expansion, and school officials say the high school will open in August 2026. Enrollment for high school classes will begin in January 2026.

The church moved into the building in 2019, following Kearney High School's closure in 2016. 

Faith Christian has been in the area for around 40 years, first as Kearney Christian School and since then has built up a tight-knit community across Kearney.

They first tried to expand three years ago, but school officials say it wasn’t the right time for growth. Since then, they gave gotten more community and financial support to turn that dream into a reality. 

Faith Christian Principal Aaron Peterson said a lot of the work was continuing to become "more financially secure here in this facility, and we became debt-free which was a huge step for us."

He added that they had considered constructing a new building, but decided against it in part due to finances but also because First Baptist has the needed infrastructure from its past history as a high school.

"Renting at this time was definitely the best way to steward funds," said Peterson.

Faith Christian will take a “holistic approach” to education by including Biblical integration, athletics, and practical job training in its school programming. 

Peterson added that the school's initial plan is to offer a five-day program, with around a 20-1 student to teacher ratio in the first few years.

"We know we’re not the best option for every family but we’re thankful to serve this niche community because it certainly has been a blessing to us and we hope to be a blessing to Kearney as well," said Peterson.  

He added that more details will come in April following additional school board meetings and conversations with donors.