Thirty years after the founding of Sonshine Christian Academy, the oldest urban African American Christian School in Central Ohio, “A Ray of Hope” still shines, The original vision for a school that would prepare students academically as well as minister to their spiritual needs was birthed in the heart and soul of Mrs. Deborah A. Jackson, founder and first principal of the school. With an intense commitment to Christian education, she established SCA that it might become a “Ray of Hope for our Children.” Today the legacy of Sonshine remains steadfast with Mrs. Sandra K. Jackson, the current principal in her fourth year of service, as she continues to bring the school to new levels of excellence. Though she is not related to the founder, Mrs. Sandra K. Jackson feels a strong connection with the school when she states, “I fell in love with the mission, and I was attracted to the vision when I first heard it.”
Sonshine Christian Academy Mission Statement:
To glorify God by providing a Christ-centered education opportunity to children in the Columbus, Ohio area, leading to a growing relationship to God through Jesus Christ, a knowledge of the Bible as the only divinely inspired Word of God, academic excellence, an atmosphere of Christian love and caring, development of Christian character, and service and leadership in church and community.
SCA Fund Kick-off
As part of the 30th Anniversary celebration, a number of events are being scheduled, including a benefit concert, book fair, basketball tournament, art auction and fashion show, along with other special projects. Beginning this Fall, Sonshine will launch its SCA Fund kick-off , seeking families, alumni, partners, donors, and other individuals who desire to support Christian education by financially contributing to this invaluable community resource.
As a private, non-profit school, serving grades Pre-K through 8, SCA receives no financial support from federal, local governments or church funds. The sole sources of income are tuition, voluntary gifts, and income earned from special activities. In order to balance the priority of reasonable tuition with exceptional educational programs, it is necessary for Sonshine Christian Academy to seek funding above tuition to provide assistance programs and other necessary items that make the Christian school unique.
The current principal at SCA recognizes the need for mutual support from local churches in carrying out the Church’s mission by preparing “an army of Kingdom-minded citizens.” She believes that Christian education provides a holistic approach to transforming our communities. Over the past 30 years, hundreds of young men and women have graduated from SCA and gone on to excel in a wide range of professions, including lawyers, ministers, teachers, nurses, accountants, professional artists, architects, criminologists, managers and other areas. Many of the alumni have gone on to receive their Doctorate degrees and are productive citizens throughout the country. Such notable achievements demonstrate that SCA has not only made a difference but hasbeen the difference in many of our communities. In the midst of the dark and challenging times in which we live, after 30 years, Sonshine Christian Academy continues to shine brighter than ever as a “Ray of Hope for our Children.”
“For more information about how to glorify God and partner with families in educating and inspiring their children to impact the world for Jesus Christ,” contact Sonshine Christian Academy at www.Sonshinechristianacademy.org.or
Sonshine Christian Academy
1965 Gladstone Avenue
Columbus, OH 43211
614/291-6840
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