As Bethel Christian Academy heads into the new year, it will be with a new administrator, Kelly Kilpatrick, and lowered fees.

“We are excited to report that we have lowered our tuition in order to meet the needs of a struggling economy,” said Kilpatrick. “Current enrollment costs are $150 for application and registration fees. Monthly tuition cost with facility fees included for a 10-month payment plan is only $280 with 10 percent discounts for additional siblings.”

Kilpatrick has a daughter in kindergarten and has volunteered at the school for two years. She stepped in as school administrator in the middle of last year, and was hired as the full-time administrator. She has a degree in accounting and as well as school administration credentials.

Bethel Christian academy’s mission is to provide a quality education in a Christian environment.  The academy offers small class sizes, hands on learning in subject areas including Bible, spelling, reading, vocabulary, math, english, sciences, social studies, history and cover electives such as art, music, Spanish, sign language, drama, life skills and others. The academy has a full-size gym, active library, computer lab, science lab and outside play areas.

Enrollment varies from year to year, ranging from 17 to 45. So far this year, enrollment is at 30.

“We know that our community is struggling financially, emotionally and physically in many households,” Kilpatrick said. “Bethel Christian Academy would not be opening if it were not for our community, open minds and opening hearts. Bethel Christian academy is changing to meet the challenges of a struggling economy and a struggling community.

Kilpatrick said the academy has certified teachers in all upper grades and offers tutoring both before and after school.

Emily Metcalf, a second- and third-grade teacher at Bethel Christian Academy said the academy is dedicated to the practice and dissemination of the truth as it is revealed in the Old And New testaments. “Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth and the life.’ We seek to train the upcoming generation of Christian students the importance and validity of truth, while seeking to instill in them the courage, passion and grace to live and defend the truth throughout their lifetime.”
BCA has had its times of struggles and trials, Kilpatrick said, but still forges ahead.

“We see ourselves standing in a long line of Christians who have come before us demonstrating the way we should prepare the coming generations to take their place in the world,” she said. “Our faculty and staff have a love for teaching, a commitment to the youth of this community and a desire to make a difference in the future.”

BCA begins its new school year on Aug. 20. For more information, send an email to bcaeaglescanton.org or call 648-4492.