Expanding into the Future: Stillwater Christian School

By: Hohna Hartley

Expanding the reach of Christian education into a community requires vision, but that’s not all it requires. Expansion also requires resources— resources to develop and grow that vision into a reality. The leaders at ACSI-accredited Stillwater Christian School in Kalispell, Montana, are taking steps to bring their vision to life with the support of recent grants totaling millions of dollars. Early in 2025, the school received a $1 million grant from the Gianforte Family Foundation. This gift follows a $5 million donation from local businessman, Paul Wachholz, which was announced in September 2024.

With such support, what dreams will become reality at Stillwater Christian? Stillwater is putting these generous gifts to work by adding a brand-new Early Childhood Learning Center to its campus. The new facility will be 18,000 square feet and will include five classrooms for preschool and kindergarten students, restrooms, staff workrooms, a music classroom, and a gymnasium. A portion of the funds will also be used to expand the septic system, increase parking, and create new drive through areas for student drop-off and pick-up.

ACSI is especially pleased to celebrate this growth milestone with one of its own and is proud to see Stillwater Christian work toward greater impact. Stillwater currently has a student body of 410, from preschool through 12^th grade. Located in a growing community, the school is intentionally preparing to welcome new families and students who can benefit from a Christ-centered education.

As families move into the area, Stillwater anticipates increased enrollment, especially in its preschool program. New classrooms provide learning spaces for an expanding student body. A second gymnasium creates a much-needed additional large meeting and activity space. Other practical improvements such as larger parking capacity and new student pick-up and drop-off areas make the Stillwater campus more accessible for teachers, parents, and visitors, and improve safety for all who enter and exit school property.

Stillwater has been a beacon of Christ-centered education in Kalispell for more than 45 years. ACSI is looking forward to seeing the vision of Stillwater Christian School become reality, and the light of Christ shining even more brightly through Christian education in Kalispell, Montana. Improvement projects are underway, and the new Early Childhood Learning Center is expected to open in fall 2026.