Bible a key part of school

By DIANE GASPER-O'BRIEN

Hays Daily News

Their daily routine is similar to that of students in larger schools, with a little extra.

Students at High Plains Christian School in Hays read and write and do math problems. They play hard at recess and take lots of field trips.

And, they study the Bible.

That's one of the main reasons, Ben Lowery says, that parents send their children to the small private school in northeast Hays that is celebrating its 27th anniversary this year.

The school averages about 35 students a year, and that suits Lowery just fine.

“We don't really try for big numbers,” said Lowery, in his fifth year as pastor at the High Plains Baptist Church, whose services are held at the same location as the school.

“It's predominantly a ministry, and that's why we exist.

“Our emphasis is on the fact that we believe the spiritual aspect is part of education,” he said. “And we can add the spirit end with academics.”

Lowery came to Hays 25 years ago when he was transferred here from the Skaggs drug store chain in Springfield, Mo. He got involved with the church and school and eventually became its associate pastor.

Now, he is pastor of the church and principal of the school, where he also serves as one of two part-time teachers. There also are three full-time teachers.

The consolidation of classes differs each year, depending on enrollment, except for preschool and kindergarten, which have their own separate classes because preschool is in the morning and kindergarten in the afternoon.

“We can teach the Bible and emphasize principles,” he said of the school, which is funded by tuition and church support, as well as a few private donations.

“There are no sports and no band,” he added, “but we are able to teach the Bible every morning and teach them not to just know the Bible, but to live it.”

Those students also learn academics as well.

A member of the American Association of Christian Schools, High Plains Christian has had one of its students be named valedictorian at Hays High School, another student who was admitted to the U.S. Air Force Academy and several others students have made the honor roll at Hays High School.

And within the near future, Lowery said High Plains Christian could have its own high school honor roll.

“Within the next five years,” he said, “I hope to have a high school here.”

Reporter Diane Gasper-O'Brien can be reached at (785) 628-1081, ext. 126, or by e-mail at

dobrien@dailynews.net.