Local artist Julia Slagle’s mural depicting Tama-Toledo Christian School’s eagle mascot. The mural will eventually be placed above the interior main entrance doors. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

News Chronicle note: This story first appeared in the Times-Republican newspaper as part of a special Progress section. It is being reprinted here as a courtesy to our readers.

TOLEDO – Since publicly declaring just over a year ago their intentions to open an accredited K-8 private, Christian school in the Tama-Toledo area in time for the 2025-26 school year, board members for the non-profit Tama-Toledo Christian School (TTCS) have worked with great purpose to make that announcement a reality.

Over the course of the last 12 months, the board of directors including president Dean Fisher – a Republican state representative from Montour – can count among their many accomplishments: signing a lease with Eric Slagle’s VLS Real Estate LLC for the old Tama Catholic church building at 600 Oswego Street; undertaking extensive renovations on the nearly 125-year-old church to convert it into a three-floor elementary school; building a website; completing all required steps for accreditation by Christian Schools International; hiring Administrator Tana Whitton; and (as of late December) progressing roughly a third of the way toward the school’s initial 30-student enrollment goal.

To say it’s been quite a year for the fledgling private school would be an understatement.

When contacted in mid-January for a school planting update, Whitton said she had several noteworthy dispatches to share since officially starting in her role on Jan. 6, 2025.

A contractor with Hardon’s works to install ductwork on the second floor of the future home of Tama-Toledo Christian School (TTCS) on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. The sanctuary of what was once Tama’s St. Patrick's Catholic Church is visible behind him. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

“Renovations are progressing wonderfully with the framing completed for classrooms, offices, common areas, a chapel, restrooms, and an indoor play area,” she said in an email.

Additionally, a “stunning, custom mural” by the artist Julia Slagle depicting the school’s eagle mascot (“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles,” Isaiah 40:31) is in process and will eventually adorn the main entrance to the building.

In terms of the school’s outdoor space, Whitton said TTCS has acquired playground equipment and rubber mulch while also writing a grant proposal to develop the playground – located in green space north-northwest of the building – into a “welcoming social and play space for our community during non-school hours.”

When it comes to the school’s finances, Whitton said the board’s initial plans to align tuition with Iowa’s Students First Act private school voucher/education savings account (ESA) per pupil funding remains the goal.

For the 2024-25 school year, the ESA amount was set at $7,826 and could be used for tuition, fees, and other eligible qualified education expenses at any Iowa accredited nonpublic school.

The west interior wall of the old Tama Catholic church pictured on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. Renovations on the building are proceeding on time and with speed as contractors work to turn the space into the future home of Tama-Toledo Christian School (TTCS). PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

To bridge the likely cost gap, Whitton said TTCS was “actively pursuing grants and continuing fundraising efforts.”

“We have a new and out-of-the-box fundraising campaign launching soon – stay tuned for its reveal!” she added.

While TTCS has had a Facebook presence since last March, the school recently added an Instagram account and has broadened the information available on its website (ttchristianschool.org) including a step-by-step guide to the admissions process.

The school has also begun accepting applications for both full-time K-8 classroom teachers and substitutes via the website. Among the lengthy list of requirements for employment as a TTCS teacher, the website states candidates must “be able to not only defend Christian education but also to be a champion for it.”

Prospective teachers must also comply with one of the following scenarios: hold a current teaching license; currently working to become licensed to teach; willing to become licensed; or have a 4-year degree with plans to complete 20 hours of “personal development in his or her teaching area each year.”

A stained glass window located near Tama-Toledo Christian School’s future front entrance pictured on Jan. 29, 2025. Many of the stained glass windows, both big and small, from the old building – previously home to Tama’s St. Patrick's Catholic Church – will be repurposed for use in the new school. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Upcoming events

TTCS has several upcoming events in the works for families interested in admission including a parent information meeting (children welcome) set for Monday, Feb. 17, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at New Life Church, 211 W. 13th Street, Tama.

An open house is also on the docket, set for Saturday, March 29, at the new school site located at 600 Oswego Street in Tama. The event is completely free, open to the public, and will include food plus fun activities for kids.

For further updates on TTCS’s continuing development, email TTChristianSchool@gmail.com to be added to the school’s mailing list, or check out the school’s website, Facebook page, or Instagram account.

A colorful, painted mosaic located on the ceiling of the future Tama-Toledo Christian School uncovered recently by contractors. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER