More than 20 Years
of Christian Education
For many years, Christian families in the communities and rural areas encompassing the northern portion of California’s Sacramento Valley saw the need for the establishment of a Christian school to serve families in the area. In the fall of 2000, three families banded together to form Providence Christian High School. At the same time, plans were being made through the efforts of several local churches to start a K-8 school. These plans became reality when Oak Tree Christian School began in 2001 with 11 students.
Oak Tree Christian School first held classes at Grace Reformed Church of Willows under the leadership of Principal Wade Elliott. Providence Christian held classes at Orland Evangelical Free Church, in a vacant house, and then at First Assembly of God in Orland. Three men, Mike Bryan, Russell Wiesner, and Mike Wyser, rotated as administrators. In the first quarter of 2004, the Boards of Oak Tree and Providence were consolidated, creating North Valley Christian Schools – a new, stronger, K-12 program under the combined leadership that had been instrumental in forming both OTCS and PCHS. Later that fall Oak Tree moved to a 19-acre property that God had graciously provided. A house, barn, and retail store were converted into classroom and support facilities for the school.
During the summer of 2005, Gordon Wiens joined NVCS as Superintendent. By then a modular classroom building was added, providing space for Providence High School’s move to the campus. By the spring of 2006, Oak Tree Principal Wade Elliott moved on to full-time management of Westhaven Assisted Living, but remained an active member of the Board.
In 2014, the NVCS Board of Directors approved a name change that would give the two schools’ elementary, junior high and high school programs a single name: Providence Christian School (PCS). In 2018, Jeff Tollison accepted the job as Head Of Schools when Superintendent, Gordon Wiens retired.
Currently, the students and staff of PCS represent more than a dozen churches in the area. PCS serves families residing in Orland, Willows, Corning, Chico, and the rural areas in between. The existence of Providence Christian School is a testimony to God’s gracious provision. He has used the prayer, effort, and sacrifice of many individuals to begin and support this strategically important ministry. We continue to thank Him for His goodness and seek Him for His guidance as we prepare students to think biblically, to live Christianly, and to excel for the glory of God.