Tucked away on the scenic shores of Benbrook Lake, Southwest Christian School has been cultivating young minds and hearts since its founding in 1969. What began as a grassroots initiative by a group of dedicated mothers at West Berry Church of Christ has grown into the region's largest non-denominational Christian private school, boasting two campuses on 90 acres and over 1,000 students. Despite its size, the school maintains an intimate, community-focused environment where faith and academic excellence go hand in hand.
"The school has reaffirmed its mission repeatedly throughout its history," says Brian Johnson, Head of School at SCS. "We are a Christ-centered college preparatory school that graduates young adults equipped as Christian leaders into the world."
The school integrates faith into every subject and activity. Where some institutions restrict religious studies to chapel services or Bible classes, SCS weaves Christ into every aspect of student life.
"Christ is how we see the world," explains Johnson. "We want kids to grow in their knowledge and ultimately become leaders in their families, businesses, and communities."
Leadership at SCS means harnessing students' skills to reflect Christ's excellence. So, the school takes self-reflection seriously, providing on-campus support for each child's talents and interests.
"We're all made in the image of God," says Johnson. "We all have different gifts. So, students explore their personalities to know who and what they are as they develop. Some kids lead from the front. Some kids are quiet and work behind the scenes. The point is that they're all participating, and they're all important."
SCS offers a rigorous academic program, accredited by ACSI and Cognia, designed to prepare students for college and beyond. Students can pursue a distinguished diploma, take Advanced Placement courses, or earn college credits through dual-credit programs. The students feel prepared when they enter college, excelling in their areas of study, with SCS boasting medical professionals and scientists, executives and entrepreneurs, and public servants among their alums.
"We want each child to discover the way that God has designed for him or her to go," says Johnson. "The journey is shaped by how you start, who guides and is there with you."
When the students aren't in the classroom, they are in the community, notably during Faith and Service Week, which they call Minimester at SCS.
"We have a whole week for faith and service," Johnson says. "Kids will be all over the Metroplex working with nonprofits, ministries, and even non-faith-based organizations to serve and demonstrate Christ's love in action."
SCS also extends its hospitality to local ministries, charities, and businesses through the Clay Center for Christian Leadership, offering them space and resources for retreats and events.
"We'll feed them lunch and get them out of their usual environment," Johnson says. "It's just one of the ways we try to be a blessing to the community."
Beyond academics and service, SCS prides itself on fostering a culture of encouragement and support that students and their families can rely on during the highs and lows of life.
"I remember my first year here, during the talent show, a kid forgot the words to his song," Johnson recalls. "Instead of letting him struggle alone, his friends and the audience started singing with him. It was a moment of pure kindness—our kids could not have been more encouraging."
SCS teaches students to interact lovingly with everyone, including those from different backgrounds. A truly non-denominational space with students from nearly 90 churches, the school exposes students to a melting pot of diverse ideologies and experiences.
"We want kids to explore their faith," Johnson says. "This is a place where people can be known and loved."
The annual high school retreat also fosters unity, with the entire high school, its teachers, and several parents going away for three days.
"It's a highlight for many of our students—a time of bonding, reflection, and faith-building," says Johnson.
From its humble beginnings in a borrowed church space to its expansive campus on the Lake, there is no question SCS has evolved, but the growth was intentional and always benefitted the students. The classes remain small, with only an average of 14 kids in each classroom. Schools with similar teacher-student ratios struggle to provide supplemental programming, but SCS sets itself apart with a vast catalog of extracurriculars. Each campus offers sports, clubs, volunteer opportunities, and internships to support students' growth. The balance is unique and one they're proud of.
Johnson is thankful the community recognizes their efforts, notably students' families, who entrust their children to the school's teachers, coaches, and mentors.
"We recognize that it's the family who trains these children in the way they should go," he says. "We're here to help, advise, and provide expertise, but ultimately, we want to engage families and give them the resources they need to raise strong, faith-filled leaders."
At SCS, it's about collaboration, as children rely on their family, community, teachers, and spiritual guides working together for their best interests. Johnson says it in many ways, but the message is clear.
We can either equip children to influence the world or allow the world to influence them. Southwest Christian School wants to give young minds and hearts every opportunity to climb higher—not just in their careers but in their purpose and calling.