Meet Our Principal

Dr. Dawn Kirven

Dr. Kirven

The mission of Maranatha Christian School is to provide quality education in a Christ-centered environment in order to reach students for Christ and EQUIP them to SERVE God and IMPACT the world through Biblical thought and action.

Dr. Kirven received a bachelor’s degree in music education in 1995 from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a full scholarship as a North Carolina Teaching Fellow. She also received a master’s degree in education from Southern Wesleyan University in 2007. After completing her internship at Maranatha Christian School and John W. Moore Intermediate School, she received her Principal license from Capella University in 2019 and a PhD in Educational Leadership and Administration from Capella University in 2021.

“I am so excited as we have begun a new year at Maranatha Christian School, and there are so many exciting new things! Our renovations have finished in our pre-school building and cafeteria. We have 35 new students this year and we have a waiting list for our elementary classes. During our orientation, I shared important information on updated changes to our school. I am most

“I am so excited as we have begun a new year at Maranatha Christian School, and there are so many exciting new things! Our renovations have finished in our pre-school building and cafeteria. We have 35 new students this year and we have a waiting list for our elementary classes. During our orientation, I shared important information on updated changes to our school. I am most curriculum and how it will help our teachers differentiate, incorporate technology, incorporate a Biblical worldview, provide our students with academics that are recognized as accredited. Updated changes to our school safety plan as well as updates to our parent/student handbook and dress code have changed for the better. We have added more electives and a wrestling team to our sports program. We strive for excellence, and we are blessed to have an abundance in every program this year, hat will help us EQUIP. SERVE. and IMPACT the next

generation for our Lord Jesus Christ.” Our theme this year is to “Reignite” and to get on fire for God like never before. We are staying strong to support our Mission Statement to provide quality education in a Christ-centered environment in order to reach students Christ and equip them to serve God and impact the world through Biblical thought and action. The three words: EQUIP, SERVE, and IMPACT will guide us as we strive for spiritual and academic excellence. We remain strong with an amazing team for the 2023-2024 school year.

Did you know? Maranatha Christian School serves 278 students in grades preK-12th and is a member of the American Association of Christian Schools (AACS) and the State or regional independent school association.

Did you know? MCS has equipped, served, and impacted generations of young people with excellent Christ-centered education for more than 50 years! Because of this, many of our alumni have enrolled their children and grandchildren at MCS.

Did you know? MCS takes the safety of our students and faculty extremely serious. We practice basic school drills and conduct detailed lock down drills with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office. We have an EMT on campus and our staff are CPR & First Aid trained. Our facility is watched by over 100 cameras in and out of the building and is locked 24/7 which makes entry only accessible for those who obtain a key fob.

Did you know? MCS not only has an excellent Christ-centered educational program, but we also have a great community. MCS has many school wide events that bring students, teachers, and parents together. Educational theme days, programs, field trips, Spirit Day are just a few class favorites. K3-12th grade students are involved with programs, contest, a homecoming parade, and many other events including weekly chapel services. Our students also give back to our community throughout the year.

Did you know? MCS has a great athletic program and offers sport opportunities for grades 1st-12th. Our Performing Arts program competes against other Christian Schools in the southeast region at the SACS competition every March. Our electives are unique as we offer culinary arts, TechOlogy, STEM, performing/visual arts, Aviation, Yearbook, Weightlifting, and Life Skills.

Did you know? We changed our curriculum, and it is phenomenal! The Bob Jones Press is not just scripture based—it is also academically sound. Our materials use hands-on-learning, creative problem solving, and other research-proven instructional strategies to motivate students to take an active role in learning and to master age-appropriate material. Our textbooks direct students to think for themselves. They are encouraged to use discernment and to consider their worldview in everyday situations. Our textbooks help students to develop skills in critical thinking with inductive teaching, hands-on-learning, and probing questions. Teachers use innovative ways to engage students in learning and technology enhancements are used daily in their classrooms and on the go.

Did you know? Teachers for Tomorrow (dural credit through Bob Jones University), Dave Ramsey, and other beneficial programs are offered for our senior class to set them in the right direction.