Rich Soil for a Thriving Community
How We Got Here
St. Stephen’s Academy began in 1999 with 8 students meeting in a garage and has grown steadily over the past 25 years to over 300 students in PreK-12. The continued growth and stability of the school is a testament to God’s generous provision and protection. Significant milestones include the purchase of our Lower School buildings in 2012; moving our Upper School to a new facility that has potential for expansion; graduating our 100th student in 2024; establishing the school as a statewide competitive presence in choir, art, mock trial, robotics, cross country, and track; starting a hybrid, collaborative model program (Covenant Classical Academy) that expands access to classical Christian education in our community; securing accreditation through the Society for Classical Learning (SCL) and Middle States Association (MSA); and being selected as one of eight SCL Thriving School Partner schools from across the nation.
Accreditations
St. Stephen’s has been accredited through the following organizations and currently maintains accreditation with the Association of Classical Christian Schools, the Society for Classical Learning, and Middle States Association.
- Christian Schools International
- Northwest Accreditation Commission
- National Council for Private School Accreditation
- Associate of Classical Christian Schools
- Society for Classical Learning
What Comes Next |
Strategic Priorities for Advancing the Mission
Having built a solid foundation of excellence throughout the school, St. Stephen’s Academy is focused on broadening our reach, strengthening our culture, expanding and diversifying our academic and co-curricular offerings, and building our capacity for future growth and improvement. The Board has identified the following strategic priorities for the next 3-5 years.
Broaden reach/impact without compromising the identity of the school
St. Stephen’s Academy increasingly serves as a model and resource for other classical Christian schools across the country, hosting conferences and inviting school leaders and teachers to observe our classrooms and interview our board, administration, and faculty. In order to maximize our reach without compromising the culture of the school, the board approved the establishment of a collaborative school program, Covenant Classical Academy, with a planned addition of one grade per year through 8th grade. The board has set the enrollment target for St. Stephen’s at 500 students, which would allow for two sections of 20 students in every grade. To serve these additional students, we will need to increase our physical capacity beyond our current facility limits.
Strengthen community and culture
In order to build a strong community and resilient culture, the board desires to see the entire school back together on one campus where we can invest in school-wide programs and events that foster thick relationships within the SSA community.
Expand co-curricular offerings
Our athletic programs offer students an environment in which they can develop godly character and build deep friendships. Additionally, athletic events build a strong school culture by providing faculty and families a space to support our students together. To support a growing student body, the board supports the expansion of our co-curricular programs, including additional athletic offerings that enhance the curricular and cultural goals of the school as it grows.
Diversify academic offerings
To support a growing student body, the board wishes to establish additional opportunities for students to engage with a variety of fine arts, including instrumental and performing arts (theater). Further, the board desires that the school integrate common arts instruction, such as carpentry and architecture, into the existing curriculum, giving students opportunities to engage with concrete realities and develop interests and skills that support a well-balanced life.
Build capacity through key faculty and leadership investments and strategic partnerships
An excellent faculty is the heart of the school—Christian men and women who love students, love learning, and are passionate about maintaining a school culture characterized by high standards and high grace. The board recognizes the need for sufficient funding to recruit, train, inspire, and retain excellent teachers who share our vision for raising up a new generation of discerning Christian adults who will lead in their homes, churches, vocations, and communities. The board also recognizes the need for increased administrative capacity as the school grows from 300 to 500 students in the coming years. Building and maintaining a thriving classical Christian school will also require investment in strategic relationships with individuals and organizations that share our vision and support our work.