Pella Christian Grade School Principal Accepts Role at Chicago Christian Schools

Ben Dirksen to leave Iowa school after 5 years to take on same position in Oak Lawn, Illinois

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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After serving as Principal at Pella Christian Grade School in Iowa for the past five years, Ben Dirksen has announced that he will be leaving at the end of the current school year to assume the same role at Chicago Christian School's Oak Lawn Campus.

Why it matters

Dirksen's departure represents a significant transition for Pella Christian Grade School, as he has played a key leadership role at the institution. The school now faces the challenge of finding a new principal to continue building on Dirksen's work and maintain educational continuity for students and families.

The details

In his farewell remarks, Dirksen expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work at Pella Christian and the support he received from the school community as he grew in his administrative role. Pella Christian Head of Schools Dan Zylstra praised Dirksen's impact and noted that the search for both an Early Education through Fourth Grade and a Fifth through Eighth Grade Principal is already underway.

  • Dirksen has served as Principal at Pella Christian Grade School for the past 5 years.
  • Dirksen will be leaving his position at the end of the current school year.
  • Dirksen will assume the Principal role at Chicago Christian School's Oak Lawn Campus starting next school year.

The players

Ben Dirksen

The outgoing Principal of Pella Christian Grade School, who is leaving to take on the same role at Chicago Christian School's Oak Lawn Campus.

Dan Zylstra

The Head of Schools at Pella Christian, who praised Dirksen's impact and noted that the search for new principals is underway.

Pella Christian Grade School

The Iowa-based school that Dirksen has served as Principal for the past 5 years.

Chicago Christian School

The school in Oak Lawn, Illinois where Dirksen will be taking on the Principal role starting next school year.

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What they’re saying

“I came in as a teacher, who was a brand new administrator, and I'm leaving maybe a little bit better than I was when I came, I know I'm a lot better than I was when I came. But you have stood beside me, you have supported me, you have been in my corner as I've learned and I've grown, and you allowed me to play a meaningful part in the lives of your children.”

— Ben Dirksen, Outgoing Principal (kniakrls.com)

“Ben has made a big impact in many aspects at Pella Christian and that he will be missed next school year.”

— Dan Zylstra, Head of Schools (kniakrls.com)

What’s next

The process to find new Early Education through Fourth Grade and Fifth through Eighth Grade Principals at Pella Christian Grade School is already underway.

The takeaway

Dirksen's departure represents a significant transition for Pella Christian Grade School, as he has played a key leadership role at the institution. The school now faces the challenge of finding new principals to continue building on Dirksen's work and maintain educational continuity for students and families.