Casas Christian School celebrated its 40th anniversary this year on its 40th day of school.
Students, staff and parents marked the school's 40th year in existence Oct. 6 - which also happened to be Casas' 40th day of school - with relay races, 1970s attire and party favors.
Firefighters from the Golder Ranch Fire District put out the candles on the school's eight-foot foam birthday cake.
Water from the fire hose drenched Casas Principal Eric Dowdle, who was wearing red polyester pants, a disco-ball-looking long-sleeve shirt and a brown wig to get in the 1970s mood.
Casas Christian School opened in 1970 at West Ina Road and North La Cholla Boulevard to educate preschool and kindergarten students.
Other grades were added over the years, and today about 325 students attend the K-8 school, where tuition starts at about $5,700 a year for students in grades K-5 and at about $6,300 for students enrolled in middle school, Dowdle said.
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The school moved to its current northwest-side location, at 10801 N. La Cholla Blvd., in 1998.
"It's a true community school," Dowdle said.
Traditional core courses, such as math, language arts, science and history, are offered along with Spanish, music, physical education, technology and other elective courses.
Casas' comprehensive curriculum and small class sizes are appealing to parents, Dowdle said.
A survey completed by parents last year indicated they find the school's nurturing environment and spiritual emphasis attractive.
The school also offers middle school sports, hot lunch and a speech and language program, Dowdle said.
Casas' students know exactly what's behind their school's success.
"This school has been in existence for so long because of the teachers themselves," sixth-grader Juliana Martinez said.
Added sixth-grader Matthew Petersavage: "The teachers are nice and 'funtastic.' I like the education they provide. It's challenging, but easy at the same time."
Fellow sixth-grader Max Bradley is also happy with his teachers.
"They know how to teach us, what to teach us and what level they should be teaching us," Max said.
Casas' staff members also have praise for their students.
"The students have a great work ethic. They are challenged a great deal. The are also happy," Dowdle said.
Contact reporter Andrea Rivera at arivera@azstarnet.com or 807-8430.
