SCS delays high school launch to 2027 after Sinlaku

Saipan Community School has postponed the launch of its planned high school program by one year, moving the opening from Fall 2026 to Fall 2027 as the school continues recovering from Super Typhoon Sinlaku and works to rebuild its facilities, enrollment base, staffing, and finances.

In written responses provided by SCS principal Amanda Dunn to Marianas Press, the school said the decision followed a reassessment of priorities in the aftermath of the storm.

"However, the significant impact of Super Typhoon Sinlaku required us to reassess our timeline and priorities," Dunn said. "As we work through campus recovery, enrollment projections, and long-term planning, it became clear that postponing the launch would allow us to focus on rebuilding well and ensuring a strong foundation for future growth."

The school had originally planned to launch its high school program in Fall 2026, providing families with an option to continue their children's Christian education beyond eighth grade. However, officials said the typhoon forced SCS to take a closer look at the requirements needed to successfully open and sustain a high school program.

According to Dunn, the school evaluated its facilities, staffing needs, enrollment projections, and available resources while also undergoing the American Christian Schools-Western Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation process.

"Following the significant impact of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, SCS took a careful look at the facilities, staffing, enrollment, and resources needed to successfully launch a high school program," Dunn said.

She said the accreditation review reinforced the importance of having sufficient instructional space, committed student enrollment, appropriate staffing levels, and the resources necessary to support a high-quality educational experience.

"The storm's impact on our facilities and enrollment momentum ultimately led us to postpone the planned Fall 2026 program opening until Fall 2027," Dunn said.

The additional year will allow SCS to continue repairing and restoring its campus, strengthen enrollment, and stabilize its budget before expanding into high school education.

Despite the delay, Dunn emphasized that the school remains committed to the project.

"We remain fully committed to establishing a high school program at Saipan Community School," she said. "Our current goal is to continue planning toward a Fall 2027 launch, provided that facility restoration, enrollment growth, staffing, and financial readiness align with that timeline."

Dunn said the school's objective is to create a program that is both academically strong and sustainable for the long term.

"Our goal is not simply to open a high school, but to build a program that reflects the quality, academic excellence, and Christian mission that families have come to expect from SCS," she said.

Dunn also thanked families who have expressed interest in enrolling their children in the future high school program.

"We are grateful for the many families who have expressed interest in continuing their educational journey with SCS beyond the eighth grade," she said.

While acknowledging the disappointment some families may feel, Dunn stressed that the school's long-term vision remains unchanged.

"While the timeline has changed, the vision has not," she said. "We remain committed to creating a high school program that prepares students academically, spiritually, and personally for success in college, careers, and service to others."

SCS said it will continue exploring partnerships and opportunities that best serve students and families while preparing for the planned Fall 2027 launch.