Western Mennonite School equips students for a life of faith and learning by providing an educational experience highlighted by five key distinctions: Christ-centered, academic excellence, nurturing community, peace and service, and enrichment opportunities.

Built on the vision of its founders, Western reflects the strength and commitment of the many volunteers from the Northwest United States and Western Canada who have committed time, talents, and resources throughout the school’s history.

Founded in 1945 by the Pacific Coast (now named Pacific Northwest) Conference of the Mennonite Church, Western is fully accredited and meets the academic requirements of the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools (U.S.), the Oregon Department of Education criteria of private schools, and the Mennonite Education Agency. Western holds membership in the following organizations: Mennonite Schools Council, Oregon Federation of Independent Schools (OFIS), National Honor Society (NHS), and the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA).

For more background information, click here.

Historical Milestones:

1945 » Western Mennonite High School opens in the Sheridan area in a one room rented schoolhouse.
1946 » Western moves to the current campus following the generous donation of 40 acres of land by Fred and Katie Gingerich.
1948 » Construction begins on the gymnasium.
1952 » Construction begins on what has become the girls’ dormitory.
1955 – 1961 » The addition of the administration building creates the center of education and administration.
1991 » The opening of the chapel building realizes a dream for a dedicated space to express the spiritual heart of the school, a place where the entire student body and staff can meet and worship together. This building also provides space for the performing arts, additional classrooms, a music room, and the guidance counselor’s office. In a unique school-church partnership, this building is also home of Western Mennonite Church as well as the Historical Society of the Pacific Coast (now Pacific Northwest) Conference of the Mennonite Church.
1992 » Responding to requests and vision for a middle school, Western Mennonite High School becomes Western Mennonite School with the addition of seventh and eighth grades.
2000 » Western expands its middle school to include sixth grade in order to match the current format of local schools. The expansion includes the addition of a new building with two classrooms, paving at the main entrance, parking area, enhancements to the administration building, and an expansion of the kitchen.
2000 – 2008 » Vision for Excellence Campaign (To see how the VFE campaign upgraded and improved Western’s campus, click here.)