News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
Sisters Christian Academy may be small, but its quality is gaining a national reputation.
Sisters Christian Academy (SCA) is one of two Christian schools recently selected by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) as an exemplary model academy with an excellent academic program and affordable tuition.
SCA was one of more than 1,000 small Christian schools (under 200 enrollment) in the United States, evaluated by ACSI on the criteria of excellent and rigorous academic program; affordable tuition; and teachers as role models for students.
The recognition is appreciated by the school and its board of directors, but they weren't surprised by the assessment.
"In Sisters here, we have a little tiny gem of a school," said board chair Gary Wehrle. He said the ACSI selection "kind of highlights what parents inside the school already know."
The recognition comes at a time when SCA is trying to reach out into the Sisters community and tell their story.
"We're trying to make it so that everybody knows what we are," said head teacher/principal Barby Martin.
SCA offers a comprehensive preschool through eighth grade program, utilizing Core Knowledge Curriculum (endorsed by John Hopkins University) and the advanced Singapore Math Method.
SCA emphasizes small classes, staffed by licensed teachers, and offers a personalized college preparatory program. Teaching Christian values, the social development of each child, and significant parental involvement are top priorities.
"It's really apparent when you're in the school that it's a labor of love," said Wehrle.
Current enrollment stands at 50 students, with perhaps 10 more expected to enroll before school starts this fall.
"That's down a bit from last year, and I think that's just the economic situation in Central Oregon," Wehrle said.
Recognizing that some families are having a tough time making tuition, SCA has established a reduced tuition scale, ranging from $3,500 per year for the first student, $2,000 for the second, $1,000 for the third and more admitted free. They have also partnered with a regional foundation to access scholarships for students in need.
Sisters Christian Academy's program will be highlighted in a video ACSI is producing for teacher training in Christian schools throughout the world as an outstanding example of excellence in Christian education.
Select teachers will receive 26 hours of specialized training from ACSI, who will in turn train staff in their respective schools across the country and around the globe. For more information visit http://www.sisterschristianacademy.com.
Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.
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