In its third year of educating youth, Llano Christian Academy still growing

DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE EDITOR

LLANO — As the Llano Christian Academy gets ready to welcome back students Sept. 3, the non-denominational private school also is preparing to open its second campus.

“We’re very excited to have the student growth we’ve experienced,” headmaster Alice Smith said. “This is our third year, and we’ve enjoyed tremendous support from the community and our families.”

The school opened three years ago in a portion of First Baptist Church, 904 Berry St., but will start this year by adding a second campus at Pittsburg Avenue Baptist Church, 709 Pittsburg Ave.

The new location will hold two classes for secondary students. The academy offers educational opportunities for children from 2½ years old through ninth grade this year. Smith said the school has been adding grades as the students advance.

When the academy opened its doors three years ago, 43 students helped kick off the new school. Last year, the number jumped to 72, and, this year, the school will welcome 88 children.

“God is truly growing us,” Smith said.

The idea for the academy started when residents Brett and Shandon Whitson began exploring the concept of establishing a private, Christian school in Llano. Soon, the idea grew into a rock-solid project as Smith joined as headmaster.

Smith has a background of 30 years in public education including several as the superintendent at Flatonia Independent School District. Though she spent her career in public education, Smith always has wanted to be part of a Christian school. Looking back at her career, Smith draws on the strengths and weaknesses of public education to help create a foundation for the private school.

“We’re not better, and we’re not worse than public schools; we’re simply different,” Smith said. “I always say we teach the heart, body and soul of a child.”

The academy maintains a 10-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. Smith said the small class size allows a lot more personal instruction between student and teacher. In fact, it’s almost as if each student has one-on-one instruction because the teacher can often give his or her direct attention to an individual child once other youth are on task.

The private setting also allows a great deal of flexibility for students who might be working a level ahead in a particular subject or might be struggling. Smith pointed out if a fourth-grader is reading at a fifth-grade level, then the teacher can move the student to the fifth-grade class for reading.

“We are a school without walls,” Smith said. “We have the freedom of movement within our academic programs to place children where they need to be for a particular subject.”

The low student-to-teacher ratio also allows educators to help youth who are struggling with other issues such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or self-esteem problems.

All academy teachers are certified. Most are retired teachers who still have a passion for education and children.

A board consisting of president Lonny Reed, vice president Brett Whitson, secretary Joanie Castleman and members Jim Rose and Michael Boatright provide additional leadership.

Along with academics (which is geared toward preparing all students for college or post-secondary education), the academy offers regular chapel services and some extracurricular activities, including a robotics club. Smith said the students enjoy all the same features youth at public schools enjoy with the exception of team sports.

“We just don’t have the numbers yet for team sports,” she said. “But our students are active in the area youth leagues.”

She’s also looking for a martial arts instructor to offers lessons to students.

The school receives no state or federal funding. Tuition and fundraisers cover its budget.

“The tuition only covers about half the cost it takes to educate a child, so we depend on community support and fundraising for the rest,” Smith said. “And the community has really taken us in and helped us.”

The academy welcomes new students through an application process. Smith said students can enroll and will be placed if there is room. If a class is already at the 10-student limit, the applicant will be placed on a waiting list.

But the waiting for the 2013-2014 school year is almost over for academy staff and students. And Smith smiled at the thought of the kids returning Sept. 3.

“I can’t wait to welcome them all back and greet the new students,” she said. “And they can’t wait either, and that’s what’s so exciting.”

Go to www.llanochristianacademy.org or call (325) 247-4942 for more information.

daniel@thepicayune.com