About Us

The History of Tuscaloosa Christian School

Cottondale Baptist Church became involved in Christian education in September 1969 with the first five-year-old kindergarten class consisting of 10 pupils. In September 1974, first through third grades began under the name of Cottondale Christian Academy with 15 students. In September 1975, fourth through eighth grades were added. All of these classes met at Cottondale Baptist Church. On March 22, 1976, the name of the school was changed from Cottondale Christian Academy to Tuscaloosa Christian School. In September 1976, the school moved into the present building on Prudes Mill Road. The ninth and tenth grades were added at this time. In September 1977, eleventh and twelfth grades were added, and in May 1978, TCS graduated its first senior class consisting of five students. The enrollment has steadily grown and maintained itself over the years and is presently in excess of 300 students. An 18,000 square foot building completed in 1976 houses grades one through twelve. This includes a library, computer lab, and science lab. The school gymnasium was completed in 1988. It houses the basketball/volleyball court, lunchroom, locker rooms, offices, choir room, and art room. Our newest building houses our K-4 and K-5 classes as well as an activity room which is used for chapel and banquets. The school complex is contained within a beautiful 15-acre campus which also has a football field, baseball field, and softball field. Tuscaloosa Christian School is incorporated with the sole owner being Cottondale Baptist Church. The school accepts students without regard to denominational preference.

Our Belief

With academic excellence as our goal, our students are challenged to compete on state and national levels with other Christian schools in academic testing, spelling bees, as well as fine arts. We occasionally bring in special educators to teach classes, speak to the student body, or lead in educational tours. Tuscaloosa Christian School is an integral part of the Cottondale Baptist Church of Cottondale, Alabama. We are governed by a school board which also serves as the church board of deacons. Christian training in the school is from a biblical approach, and Christ-like principles are clearly taught. No applicant shall be denied admission on the basis of race, color, or national origin.

Mission Statement

Tuscaloosa Christian School exists to challenge young people to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, to live according to biblical principles, and to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to serve others.

TCS has a strong academic program resulting in high achievement test scores annually, enabling our graduates to have successful college experiences. Our program consists of controlled, orderly, Christian environment using challenging, Christian curriculum. Bob Jones University Press and ABeka are the main curriculum sources. Our Kindergarten program, with its phonics-based reading program, provides a strong foundation for academic success. Our K-5 students test out in the top five percent nationally every year. TCS uses the Alabama Course of Study as a guide for course offerings, with the exception of Bible classes which all students take every year. The high school course of study is college preparatory, with advanced and general diplomas available.