Oak Harbor Christian School is keeping its doors open.

Last month, the school’s board of trustees told parents that declining enrollment would force the school to eliminate classes for students in second through eighth grade.

A push by a determined group of parents is keeping the school open for grades preschool through fifth grade.

North Whidbey Christian High School will absorb the middle school students who enroll. The high school is run by different leadership, but held in the same building.

“It is amazing,” said Laura James, a board of trustees member. “It’s because of the faith and the efforts of the parents. They know how important it is to keep this school open and running.”

Parents held fundraisers and encouraged families to enroll their children. They also set up a sponsorship program for churches to support children whose families can’t afford the $5,500 annual tuition.

“We are all working towards a common goal, and that is to provide a quality education to our children,” said Karey Smisek-Bachman, one of the parents who worked to keep the school open.

“As a parent, it’s a huge relief, knowing I will not have to put my kids into a new school. But enrollment and parent participation are essential to the continued success of the school.”

The school has served families in Oak Harbor for more than 75 years. The school is the largest Christian school in the city, at its height serving more than 200 students.

In recent years, enrollment dropped.

Last year, 70 students enrolled.

The school still isn’t at full strength, and parents and the board hope this extra year will give them time to develop a more sustainable, long-term strategy.

The board met with parents Monday to discuss plans, including more aggressive marketing, James said.

“We need to do a better job of putting the word out into the community,” she said.

The principal and two teachers lost their jobs last month. David Zylstra, a principal for 24 years at the school, won’t be coming back. But the board is hiring two teachers.

The school’s former principal attributed the drop in enrollment to a combination of factors, including a shift toward more Christian families choosing to homeschool their children and the economy.

Parents interested in enrolling their children can do so by appointment at 360-675-2831 or by emailing ohcs@oakharbor.net