Abundant Life Christian School (ALCS) is a private Christian school located in Madison, Wisconsin, United States. It is one of the largest Evangelical private schools in the Madison area. ALCS was founded in 1978 by Lake City Church, formerly Madison Gospel Tabernacle, under the leadership of Pastor Warren Heckman. ALCS was established to be a community Christian school and welcomes families from a variety of churches.
ALCS is a K3–12 school which shares its campus with City Church, a union of Lake City Church and Mad City Church. While the two ministries are closely related, the students and staff represent over 50 churches, and many neighborhoods in Madison and its surrounding communities.
Abundant Life Christian School and High Point Christian School consolidated in 2011 to form Madison Christian Schools, a single school covering two campuses.
Accreditation ALCS maintains accreditation as a K4-12 school through the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
Accreditation History for Abundant Life Christian School includes:
Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) North Central Association Commission on Accreditation & School Improvement (NCACASI) Commission on International and Transregional Accreditation (CITA) International Christian Accrediting Association (ICAA)
ALCS was one of the first schools accredited by the ICAA under the leadership of former principal David Wagner.
History
2024 shooting
On December 16, 2024, a mass shooting occurred at the school. Three people — one teacher and two students, including the perpetrator — were killed in the attack. Six others were injured. The perpetrator, 15-year-old Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow, who attended the school, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene.
Athletics ALCS's athletic nickname is the Challengers, and they have been members of the Trailways Conference since its inception in 2001.
Athletic conference affiliation history
SWISS Conference (1990-1998) Trailways Conference (2001–present)
References
External links Abundant Life Christian School website Wisconsin State Journal, March 9, 2009