A History of
Mount Hope Christian School
MHCS opened in September 1982 as The Christian Center Elementary School in Lexington, Massachusetts, by Rev. Harvey J. Meppelink. The school was begun as a ministry of the Assemblies of God Christian Center church pastored by Rev. Meppelink. From that time to the present, the initial vision for quality Christian education has never changed. In July 2000, the Christian Center church changed their name to Mount Hope Christian Center of the Assemblies of God.
Rev. Robert Carskadon served as the first principal from 1982 through the spring of 1986. During this time, the school and church moved to the former Meadowbrook School in Burlington, MA--a 40,000 square-foot complex with fully renovated facilities throughout. Each classrooom is approximately 25 feet by 35 feet which allows for spacious and complete programs in each grade level.
In the summer of 1986, Rev. Shelton Gwaltney was appointed by the School Board as its next principal, a position he held until September 1995. Mr. Gwaltney said this about the Christian Center Elementary School and Preschool, "I am proud of our school, both its history, current development and the wonderful plans for the future. With our state-certified teachers, low pupil-to-teacher ratios and first class facilities, I believe we have much to offer parents from around the Boston metro area. I'm pleased to be able to recommend without reservation the Christian Center Elementary School to everyone I meet."
Mrs. Elaine Driscoll was appointed as the third principal beginning in September 1995. She is continuing the vision and quality education that has been a part of this school from the beginning. She was instrumental in expanding the school to include Middle School from 1996 to 2000. Thus, beginning in September 1996, the school was renamed to Christian Center School--including Preschool, Elementary,and Middle school classes. Beginning July 2001, the school name was changed to Mount Hope Christian School to maintain our identity with our sponsoring church.
Mount Hope Christian School has completed over twenty-five years of providing quality Christian education. Our school continues to grow each year. Our dedicated staff consider it a blessing and a privilege to serve and teach the children from the many communities in the Burlington area.
MHCS has been a long-time member of the Association of Christian Schools International.