Tucked away in southwest Blue Springs, Plaza Heights Christian Academy has been quietly educating thousands of children from across the metro area for 25 years. What started in 1999 with 86 students attending preschool through 6th grade, has now grown into a thriving K-12 educational facility with an annual enrollment of 340 students.
Today, the PHCA Lions are ready to roar in celebration. Their theme for the next year is Rooted in Faith, Reaching for the Future: 25 Years of the Lions Legacy. "We want to raise awareness in the community about our school as an excellent and accessible option for a strong Bible-based Christian education," says Dr. Marc Snow, Head of School.
"This spiritual emphasis sets us apart from other educational options. We have been amazed and blessed by how many families have wanted, and continue to desire, to have their children grow up in this type of environment."
Dr. Snow, with 33 years of experience in education, also has a doctorate in Educational Leadership. His 30 years in the public school sector, including serving for six years as Superintendent of the Grain Valley School District, provide him with a deep understanding of the educational needs for children at all grade levels. "If there's something our students want to pursue in their education, we will find a way to get that for them," he added.
Thriving, through purpose
Though small, the school is dual-accredited, has a staff of fully certified teachers, and provides a complete education for grades K-12, in addition to a bustling preschool program. Through partnering with scholarship and fund-raising organizations, PHCA strives to keep private education accessible to as many families as possible.
Students also have opportunities to expand their education, thanks to cooperative arrangements Plaza has forged with other educational programs and institutions, such as the Missouri A+ Scholarship Program, the Fort Osage Career and Technology Center, and Summit Tech. They can take dual credit courses through a partnership with Evangel University.
Their state and Christian education accreditations ensure that a PHCA diploma carries the same value and weight as any Missouri educational institution. But always, at its core, secondary Principal Kristen Cooper emphasizes, "Our curriculum is infused with Biblical truth and helps students learn to pair their beliefs--rooted in scripture--with critical thinking. We take our Christian ministry and teaching very seriously. It's extremely important to us to live out Biblically-based values in all that we do, so students don't just hear it, but also see adults living it daily.”
25 Years of the Lion's Legacy
Plaza administrators explain that their 25th anniversary is a celebration of all of this. They are grateful to have served thousands of students and are looking forward to what the future holds. They truly believe being rooted in their faith and being committed to constantly improving, growing, and staying relevant to the needs of families is what has allowed PHCA to flourish.
Families and students reap the benefits of a school with a legacy of longevity that is building towards even greater things in the years to come. This legacy doesn't just include founders, teachers, and staff, but also church and community partners. Church partners pray for the students, staff, and families in our school and they provide support as volunteers, speakers for chapel, and assistance with many projects. Community partners - businesses and individuals - contribute their time and/or finances to help further the school’s work.
If you want to learn more and schedule a tour, or would like to become a community partner, call 816-228-0670, ext. 306, or visit www.plazaheightschristianacademy.org.