Defiance Christian Academy opening in Defiance this year!
On Friday, June 19th, the families involved in Defiance’s new community Christian school gathered for a ‘Family Potluck at the Park.’ Defiance Christian Academy will begin their school year on August 19th and the eleven families; sending a current total of 28 students, gathered to meet. Involved in the event were school staff, the board, and the ‘founding families.’ It was a rich time of fellowship, food, and prayer as the families got to get acquainted with each other and share in the excitement of the new school. A meal was shared, some group photos were taken, laughter was heard, a kickball game was organized, and the evening ended with a time of prayer.
When asked how they were enjoying the picnic some parents had the following comments: “It’s been great getting to spend time with other DCA families. The kids are running around having a great time, and it’s been fun getting to know parents and students in a more relaxed setting. There’s a real sense of community here that feels very welcoming” said M. Hogan, parent. “I love getting to know the other families and seeing how much we have in common and the excitement we all have for this opportunity for our children,” noted B. Stoller, parent.
When asked about what they are looking forward to this year, here were some responses: “I am most excited to see DCA officially becoming a part of the greater Defiance community. Launching the school has been a labor of love for many and has rested in God’s sovereignty. To know my child will have an enriching education with a foundation on God in Defiance..there are no words!” said K. Hogan, a parent to an attending student. Another mom, M. Nielsen, said “I am looking forward to the opportunity for my kids to have other adults in their lives; whether its teachers or volunteers, to speak God’s truths to them, help them sort out a Christian worldview and encourage them in their growth as a Christian. I am also excited for them to make friends with other kids who are being raised in Christian households.” J. Hotmire, board president commented that he “is most looking forward to seeing children grow and learn in a Chirstian school and see discipleship happen as our great teachers get an opportunity to teach the next generation.”
Defiance Christian Academy will open this year as a K-6 school with plans to expand grade offerings in the near future. The school will be hosted at Defiance Christian Church, but its board is made up of Christians from varying Protestant Evangelical denominations. The school will use a classically influenced curriculum and will be mostly tech-free as the students will not be paired with a technology device. All subjects will be taught from a biblical worldview and the teacher-student ratios will be small compared to area schools. The principal on staff is a retired administrator from Ottoville Local School District.
The school has thus far been privately funded, but will apply for the state charter once the doors open. Ohio’s EdChoice Scholarship should make the school affordable for all interested in sending children to the school. With some recent donations and grants, Defiance Christian Academy is excited to also offer scholarships for people of differing income levels to welcome more students through its doors this year. The school is still accepting applications for student enrollment. For more information visit their website defiancechristianacademy.com or call (419) 770 – 4874.