Kingdom Christian Academy is ready for change.
The non-profit school that catered to K-8 students prior to 2013 began to add a high school grade level each year. The 2015-16 school year marks the commencement of the junior grade level at KCA. Prior to 2013 parents and students expressed interest in continuing a Christian education with the school following the students' eighth grade year. KCA made it happen.
"We're trying to change the culture so students don't have to leave," Administrator Paula Eichman said. "For the parents who want an option other than public school this is a good place for them. If parents want their kids to remain in a Christian environment then we're all for it."
Tuition for the school has increased to help maintain some of the costs incurred by adding additional grade levels, but will mainly cover other operational costs, Eichman said. Students with needs-based financial assistance pay $2,350 for tuition, but the annual tuition for students who don't qualify is $3,700. Between 12 and 17 percent of the school's funds are a result of student fundraising.
"We don't charge the full amount of what it costs to educate a student," Eichman said.
The current school was once a boarding school with residential space for students in the building's South Wing, but to make space prior to adding high school classes the rooms were renovated to create additional classrooms.
KCA has a total of eight high school students, which includes one part-time sophomore who is home-schooled, but takes additional courses at the school, Eichman said.
"It's an investment parents made with their kids and the high school students are getting through their classes like in a tutor-type situation," she added. "Their school day ends a little earlier to promote our sports and assist students who have jobs."
In addition to the new high school students, the school hired a new staff member to cover upper-level coursework to ease the stretch off of the middle school teachers who had taken on additional responsibilities, Eichman said.
Now the board of education is making other plans to build a new school. Board members met with associates from Renner Howell Architects out of Columbia and began working on preliminary drawings for the new building.
KCA is doing what it can to encourage student attendance to the high school including additional options in school uniforms and working to develop a volleyball and basketball program to add onto the school's cross-country and track programs, according to the school's website.
"It's really exciting to see this level of education here at KCA," Eichman said. "It's cool to see these kids grow, mature and work in their academics. Anytime there is a need they're there. They do that because they want to serve the school."