History
Our deep roots
Celebrating our
From a single classroom to a vibrant K-12 school, MRCS’s story is one of courage, faith, and community.
In the early 1950s, a group of Dutch Christian immigrant families dreamed of a school where faith and learning would be inseparable. Each generation has built on the foundation laid by those who came before, and today, MRCS continues to nurture the heart, soul, mind, and strength of every student, equipping them to make a lasting impact for Christ.
In September 1956, their prayers were answered with the opening of Haney-Pitt Meadows Christian School (HPMCS) in the basement of Maple Ridge Christian Reformed Church, welcoming 28 students and two teachers, Mr. and Mrs. Ayers.
Just one year later, the school’s growth required a move. In 1957, classes shifted to a modest building at McNeil and Harris Road in Pitt Meadows, where 38 students filled its classrooms. These pioneering families sacrificed time, finances, and resources to create a place where their children could grow academically and spiritually.
In its early years, HPMCS was sustained by the dedication and sacrifice of its community. Families launched the Calf Club, raising and selling calves to cover school expenses. Over 15 years, they raised $22,864 (equivalent to over $210,000 today) - enough to pay off the school’s mortgage and build a strong foundation for future growth.
As Maple Ridge grew, so did the school. HPMCS transitioned from its church-basement beginnings into a standalone building and added Kindergarten. Parents, staff, and volunteers worked tirelessly to create a nurturing environment where students could flourish in both faith and academics.
With enrollment climbing, HPMCS launched its first major building projects. A new gymnasium and additional classrooms opened in 1990, providing much-needed space for a thriving student body. By fall 1992, Phase Two construction was complete, and enrollment surpassed 250 students. These milestones signaled a bold leap forward in HPMCS mission to provide Christ-centered education.
By the mid-1990s, HPMCS had expanded to include junior and senior high grades, fulfilling parents’ desire for a complete K-12 Christian education. In 2004, the school officially became Maple Ridge Christian School, a name that reflected its growth and mission.
The 2010s were a decade of steady growth and renewed purpose. MRCS expanded programs, modernized facilities, and strengthened community connections, preparing students to live out their faith in a rapidly changing world.
In 2025, MRCS completed its most ambitious project yet: a three-floor education wing and a high school gymnasium. These spaces are more than bricks and mortar - they are a testimony to decades of prayer, planning, and perseverance. This milestone reflects the community’s unwavering vision to equip and inspire students to transform the world for the glory of God.
