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CSI schools often begin with groups of godly people praying over the needs of their communities. Through fervent prayer and seeking God’s guidance, these individuals then sense God calling them to start a Christian school to help bring about renewal and restoration in their communities as a whole.
As a CSI Accreditation Regional Coordinator, I have the privilege of reading countless school documents—board policies, handbooks, financial records, and many more. Yet, the documents I most enjoy reading are the narratives of a school’s history and founding—the stories of the schools’ origins. These stories often begin with a small group of parents praying fervently about the prospect of a Christian school, envisioning a school that will reinforce the biblical truths and values their children are taught at home and in church. At the heart of these beginning school ventures is always a deep love for God’s children and a steadfast devotion to God’s Word.
While still grounded from that same place of love and steadfast devotion, the stories of the establishment of some Christian schools have also emerged from another context. These stories often begin with groups of godly people praying over the needs of their communities. Through fervent prayer and seeking God’s guidance, these individuals then sense God calling them to start a Christian school to help bring about renewal and restoration in their communities as a whole. Though the starting points may differ, the motivation is the same: a love for children, a love for God, and a desire to see his truth shape the world.
Across North America, we see God’s people responding to this call in remarkable ways. Faith Academy (Iowa City, IA) is one such story. When believers working with youth recognized the need to engage children and families earlier, Parkview Church responded by launching a Christian school in Iowa City. Now serving 130 K–8 students, Faith Academy has become a vibrant expression of the local church in action with support from several area churches. Faith is a diverse community with over fourteen countries represented. Leaders reflect, “Our results will be dependent on the Spirit of God and the church continuing to respond to our community’s needs.” The school is currently preparing for its CSI accreditation renewal in the spring of 2026.
Kenosha Christian Academy (KCA) in Kenosha, Wisconsin, also began in response to a pressing need in the community. Emerging from a church’s after-school tutoring program, leaders started asking bold, kingdom-minded questions: What if inner-city families could experience the transformative power of the gospel daily through education? Could a Christian school serve as a vehicle for addressing generational poverty through evangelism and discipleship? This vision led to the founding of KCA, which recently received CSI approval for its first accreditation. The CSI Accreditation Site Visit Team commended the school for its mission to deliver classical Christian education in underserved neighborhoods—teaching children about God through the truth, goodness, and beauty of history, science, English, and math. Principal Megan Heinrich beautifully captured the spirit of KCA when she said, “One of the sweetest things has been to watch our kids enter into God’s Story.” After hearing a story from Genesis for the first time, a student exclaimed, “This is the best story I’ve ever heard!”
In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, LOGAN Hope School grew out of a ministry serving local Cambodian refugee populations. As the ministry team witnessed the ongoing challenges of neighborhood crime and poverty, they realized education was a key avenue for change. The ministry team recognized a need for affordable housing, after school tutoring, and eventually a rigorous, holistic education for under-resourced students and families. Equipping students for academic success through Christ-centered education, character, and leadership development is a key component of helping families that struggle daily with the effects of poverty and a means to transform the community. LHS was also approved this year for its first accreditation with CSI.
In Kansas City, Missouri, a group of believers grieved over the lack of access to high-quality, affordable Christian education in the urban core. Their prayers birthed Providence School of Arts (PSA), which now integrates rigorous academics with Christian values and the performing arts. The school aims to help students overcome adversity, discover their God-given purpose, and become agents of renewal in their communities. Founder and executive director Marcus Oatis shares his vision: that PSA “will be known for its ability to equip all children with the skills and knowledge needed to be successful contributors to society and to live their lives for the glory of God.” PSA received its first CSI accreditation in 2023.
Sophia Academy (Philadelphia, PA) offers another powerful example of mission-driven innovation. Founded to serve students who were “falling through the cracks” in traditional high school settings, Sophia Academy is deeply committed to students who learn differently. With a mission to liberate minds and inspire wisdom, the school celebrates each student as a unique image-bearer of God. Founder and Head of School Priscilla Strapp explains, “We serve as the hands and feet of Jesus in a broken world. … He loves broken people and desires their healing.” CSI recently accredited Sophia Academy, affirming its nurturing culture of grace, truth, and love.
South City Community School (SCCS) in St. Louis, Missouri, began when a group of families sensed God calling them to build an accessible Christian school that would be an inclusive blessing to the mixed income under-resourced urban community around them. Rooted in prayer and its mission, SCCS has grown into a thriving educational community that serves over 230 students in grades PreK3–8th while seeking to reflect the diversity of its city. As a “school in the city and for the city,” SCCS continues to have a long-term impact for generations to come. SCCS in grades K-8 has been accredited by CSI since 2018.
One thread unites all these unique stories of CSI schools: God calling his people to love and serve children through Christ-centered education. Fueled by prayer and mission, CSI’s member and accredited schools reflect the many ways in which God’s Spirit is moving today. May we remain attentive to his voice, reflect his heart, and faithfully follow his guidance as we nurture and teach his children—transforming the world for his glory.
