Mt. Zion Bible School seal Mt. Zion Bible SchoolAva, Missouri

About

Our story

A Christian Holiness school in the Ozark hills of southern Missouri, building for eternity since 1936.

Our Mission

Preparing students in heart and mind

To provide a quality primary and secondary education in a Christian environment from a Christian Holiness perspective — endeavoring to instill Godly principles and to build Christ-like character in all students, equipping them with Biblical truth to face an unbelieving world with conviction and courage.

What We Believe

Rooted in the Word of God

Mt. Zion Bible School stands on the historic Christian faith and the doctrine of Scriptural holiness. These are the truths we teach and live by.

Students listening as a teacher reads from the Bible
Scripture is at the center of the school day.

The Word of God

The Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is the infallible, inerrant Word of God and our supreme authority in all matters.

The Trinity

One God, eternally existing in three persons — God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Jesus Christ

The eternal Son of God, born of a virgin, fully divine and fully human; crucified, bodily risen, ascended, and coming again for His Church.

The Holy Spirit

Coequal with God, sent to convict the world of sin and to regenerate, indwell, guide, teach, and empower believers.

Salvation

Humanity, created in God’s image, fell into sin through Adam. Salvation comes through faith in Christ’s atoning sacrifice.

Entire Sanctification

A second work of divine grace, subsequent to regeneration, whereby the fully yielded heart is purified by faith and filled with the Holy Spirit.

Our History

Building for eternity, one generation at a time

“The sun never sets on the fruits of Mt. Zion Bible School.” — Bro. T. F. Evans, first president

1910

A beautiful 600-acre tract in the rolling hills of southern Missouri is donated to the Ozark Holiness Association to establish a training school for the promotion of holiness.

1914

The Ozark Holiness Academy is formed and the school begins. When they put the shovel in the ground for the three-story building, Bro. Evans recalled, the founders had a combined total of twelve dollars in cash.

1932

Under President O’Bryan, the school operates until the Great Depression forces it to close.

1936

The remaining acreage is deeded to T. F. Evans, who reopens it as Mt. Zion Bible School and serves as president. From “the hill,” many preachers and Christian workers have since been sent out to the far reaches of the harvest field. Early presidents included P. M. Cowen, Burl McClanahan, and Noel Scott.

1950s

Asked why she sent her children so far away to school, Helen Ross of West Virginia answered, “I’m building for eternity!” — and the school found its motto.

Today

Mt. Zion has operated continuously since 1936 as a Biblical, faith-based institution, still educating preschool through 12th grade in a Christian environment.

Come See Us

You’re always welcome here

Call the office to schedule a visit, or learn more about enrolling your child at Mt. Zion.

Admissions Call (417) 683‑4600
Office Hours
Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM