In today's economy, both private and public schools are being forced to cut budgets, cut programming, and even close doors. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, two schools combined to create an unusual solution: two schools under one roof. This is not so strange in the public school sector, as consolidation happens all too frequently as districts downsize and combine schools for greater fiscal efficiency. Is it really the worst of times, or is it the best of times?

What makes this story unique is that these two schools are completely different. One is a public school, the under-enrolled Southeast Academic Center, and the other is a Christian school called Living Stones Academy. Renting space from the Grand Rapids Public School system, Living Stones is a start-up Christian school for grades K-5. Each school has designated classrooms but shares common areas like a cafeteria, gym, computer lab, library, and playground. However, by staggering school start times, students never share common areas at the same time.

Living Stones Academy's goal, according to a Grand Rapids Press article, was to "...make a faith based education affordable even to families of modest means." The article states that the Grand Rapids Public School entered into the partnership after declining enrollments dropped around 15%. Both schools consulted legal advice before entering the partnership, and it was decided no religious symbols would be placed in shared areas. Living Stones' rent helps offset Grand Rapids Public Schools' cost, and helps keep both schools open for the community.

The schools share similar school uniforms, and Living Stones integrates a Christian worldview into curriculum with daily devotions and Bible stories. In addition, Grand Rapids teachers help teach Living Stones' students in several courses, as they also do with some other private schools. Living Stones also participates in Grand Rapids' hot lunch program.

In a world of opposites, this story seems to hold true the adage of meeting in the middle. At a time where creative solutions make the difference between offering a faith-based education or not, these two schools get an A+ for coming together despite differences. If it can work for these two schools, could it work for others? It's definitely a unique idea to consider.

What do you think? Would you consider using a public school facility for a Christian school? Why or why not?