​Dr. Jack Hyles was pastoring the Miller Road Baptist Church in Garland, Texas. He often traveled and preached with Dr. John R. Rice in Sword of the Lord Conferences. One of Brother Hyles’ preaching engagements brought him to the Chicagoland region for a round robin preaching conference, a conference that the speakers would preach in a different church each night. Brother Hyles, staying in a hotel on Halsted Street on the north side of Chicago, was scheduled to preach in a church on Halsted Street in Harvey. Not knowing that Halsted extends hundreds of blocks, he drove the entire distance to Harvey, observing hundreds of apartments and thousands of lost people without hope. 

Pastor Hyles, broken-hearted for the people of Chicago, began praying for someone to build a strong church in Chicago. The burden in his heart for the people of Chicago became God’s will for his life. Through much prayer and contemplation, Dr. Jack Hyles became the answer to his own prayer for the city of Chicago. 

One year after becoming the pastor of First Baptist Church, he had to make a choice between the rich church members and the “bus kids.” After agonizing one night, he made the famous declaration: “I’ll take the bus kids!” God blessed the Bus Ministry of First Baptist Church in amazing ways in the years to follow. 

The Sunday Afternoon Program began in 1976 as an extended time of spiritual learning and growing for the bus-riding teenagers of the youth ministry. Many teenagers attended all day on Sunday and really wanted to be taught and trained in a Christian school. Living in Chicago, these teenagers were not able to attend Hammond Baptist Schools, so in 1977 many of the teens in the Afternoon Program asked Bro. Hyles if a school for bus kids could be started. After many prayer meetings were held during the Afternoon Program, God used Bro. Hyles to open the doors of City Baptist School in July of 1978. The dream had become a reality: City Baptist became a city of refuge.

City Baptist School is a private Christian school specifically designed for inner-city children, in the greater Chicagoland area, reached through the ministries of the First Baptist Church of Hammond. Our focus is to exalt Jesus Christ and provide a safe, spiritual, drug-free environment and a high-quality education. At City Baptist School, students engage with the Bible every day, fostering a deep spiritual foundation. Weekly chapel services reinforce Christian values and character, nurturing a strong moral compass. Our highly trained educators inspire and support students, guiding them to thrive both academically and in their personal growth.

City Baptist School offers a vibrant academic program from Kindergarten through 12th grade, with a strong emphasis on college preparation. With over 40 years of providing exceptional Christian education, the school provides a well-rounded experience for students. In addition to academics, City Baptist offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including men’s soccer, men’s basketball, and ladies’ volleyball, along with a spirit squad for ladies. The school also boasts an engaging music program, where students can participate in CD recordings and concerts throughout the school year. Tuition is affordable, and flexible monthly payment options are available. Discounts are offered for families with multiple children enrolled. Additionally, the school offers fine arts programs to further enrich students’ education.