By ALLISON ARMSTRONG - Special to The Star
Date: 10/12/99 22:15

Esther Rios' class looks much like any other kindergarten class.

It is lined with books. Colorful pictures decorate the walls. Desks are filled with bright-eyed children.

But a closer look reveals Bible verses, Christian textbooks and hands that pray before eating a snack.

Welcome to Muncie Christian School, where, for more than 42 years, students in kindergarten through 12th grade have learned Christian principles and Bible verses along with reading and math.

This year, students are learning these things in a new building. Or, rather, an old building that is new to them.

"We heard about (Kansas City, Kan. School) District 500's plan to sell the school buildings they no longer used, and we wondered if any of them would be right for us," said Rex Vincent, school administrator. "I drove around and looked at the buildings and found this one. It really is a nice fit for us."

Muncie Christian School paid $25,000 for two buildings that formerly comprised Vance Elementary School, near 67th Street and Leavenworth Road.

Playground space is abundant, and wildlife sightings are not uncommon.

"We simply love it here," said Rios, who has taught kindergarten at Muncie for 18 years. "The kids are so excited to have this country setting."

The elementary grades are housed in the smaller building. Upper grades are in the larger building, which offers large classrooms with windows -- something the students did not have in their previous building. There's also a gymnasium and stage area.

Muncie Christian uses a curriculum provided by Pensacola Christian College in Pensacola, Fla.

"What this program does is make Christian values and lessons a part of all classes," Vincent said. "Students don't just learn about the Bible in Bible class, they learn about it all day long in a variety of situations."

Kathryn Webb, a teacher at Muncie Christian for eight years, said the curriculum suits her.

"I can come here to teach and share my faith along with the subject matter," she said. "It really helps me in bonding with the students, too. I would say one of the best features of our school is that because we are so small, we care for each student and know them well."

While the school is small by public school standards, enrollment has risen steadily in recent years to 190 students.

"We now have a waiting list," said Peggy Church, school secretary, who has been associated with the school for more than 30 years. "I think our enrollment shows there is a great need for this school in the community. We are just like a family."

Vincent, a former public school teacher, said the school strives for a healthy and wholesome environment without creating too many rules.

"We have more to say to the students than just enforcing a strict dress code," he said. "We have our rules for conduct and dress, but we really want to work in partnership with the parents.

"And the students must take it upon themselves to act on what they learn. One example of this is that the older students plan their own weekly chapel service. We think it makes it more meaningful -- and they think it is fun."

Many students at Muncie Christian participate in various extracurricular activities, including volleyball, soccer, basketball, track and golf. The students seem particularly pleased with the new "new" Muncie Christian School, Vincent said.

"At our former location, the gym ceiling was in disrepair," he said. "Although they never complained, I knew it embarrassed the students when the other schools came in to play ball. When they saw the new gym, it was a real boost. They are really proud now when other schools come in."