New Christian school to open in Lincoln

A new Christian school in Benton County is set to open its doors to students in August.

The motto of the school is “where each one can reach one.”

According to Administrator Pamela Keller, the school will be called Evangel Christian Academy. She chose the name because two of her children attend Evangel Christian University in Springfield.

Keller, who has 21 years of experience in education, decided to open the school after homeschooling four Warsaw students in a building in Lincoln. Keller said she soon realized the building, which is located at 19336 Zion Road in Lincoln, could house many more students.

Keller said the location is ideal because Lincoln is located near several small towns.

“God made a way,” Keller said.

The new school features a 900 square-foot learning center, where students in grades first through 12th will receive instruction. Kindergartners will be taught in an adjacent room.

Kitchen, lunch area and restroom facilities also are inside the building. Physical education activities will be held in the on-site weight room or outside on the two and a half acres that surround the building.

Keller also plans to schedule horticulture lessons on the grounds.

Besides Keller, the school will employ a kindergarten teacher and a learning center supervisor, who will oversee first- through 12th-grade students. Parents and family members will serve as volunteer monitors in the classroom. Keller said each student will have two flags on their desk. A raised Christian flag indicates the student needs academic assistance.

A raised American flag means anything other than schoolwork help including sharpening their pencil, taking a restroom break or just needing to talk. “Our volunteers will be trained,” Keller said.

The school will use the Accelerated Christian Education curriculum. According to www.aceministries.com, the program’s philosophy is built on basic principles of the word of God and students are taught to see life from God’s point of view, to take responsibility for their own learning and to walk in Godly wisdom and character.

The Bible-based program focuses on character development, scripture, academic excellence and multimedia and computer technology.

“This is individualized learning,” Keller said. “The curriculum teaches the students, we are there to tutor.”

The students will take a few core classes on computers in the media center and they will be expected to set both short- and long-term goals.

The students also will attend weekly chapel sessions where they will hear talks by area Christian leaders and business people and enjoy music.

“Christian leaders will speak on how the students have a right to be a Christian,” Keller said.

Bible verse memory also will be required of each enrolled student. And as the school grows, Keller plans to add more music and sports programs.

Keller described the atmosphere of the non-denominational private school as upbeat and positive.

“A student who excels can graduate early,” she said, “and there will be one-on-one learning time with every student.”

Keller and her staff also will offer assistance to homeschool parents including record keeping, tutoring and testing.

“We are here to help any parent,” she said.

Eleven students have enrolled in the school and Keller is hoping to fill the learning center with 50 or more students by August. An open house will be held from noon to 8 p.m.

Saturday at 19336 Zion Road in Lincoln. Staff members will be on hand at the event.

For tuition or additional information call 553-7191.