Sunday feature: Wellington Christian Academy begins a new era
By Tracy McCue, Sumner Newscow — On Jan. 13, Bill Meridith, the founder of the Wellington Christian Academy at 205 N. Hoover Road, delivered some very bad news. The Christian school would close at the end of the Spring term 2023.
Then something remarkable happened. The Wellington community responded, “No, it isn’t.”
WCA officials, teachers, and students are forging ahead and plan on re-opening the doors this fall. The Christian school has been a part of Wellington’s landscape since the fall of 2023. Now it is beginning anew, this time as a 501c3 non-profit entity.
WCA’s long-term success will be quite the undertaking.
Meridith founded this school in 2003, fostering Christian values and principles while offering an exceptional learning atmosphere provided by talented and caring teachers and staff.
But after 20 years of putting countless blood, sweat, and resources into a school this spring, it was time to retire from the rigors of running one of the state’s most unique and successful schools.
In May, Bill and his wife, Judy, said goodbye – at least as the primary caretakers – with a ceremony during the annual school spring program.
The Spring program at WCA. (Click to enlarge)
It was quite the event for those in attendance. Students sang songs; the band played; there was a slideshow, and former and current teachers, staff, and students told the Meridiths how much the school means to them and thanked them for all they have done. The Meridiths received a standing ovation (see story here).
It was the end of an era. Now comes a new one – hopefully, one that can last as long or maybe longer.
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John Showman
John Showman is the principal of the WCA. You may have remembered him as the Superintendent at South Haven Schools in the 2000s and 2010s.
The WCA has always attracted state-certified administrators and teachers. People who know education – having served in the public sector for numerous years.
Showman, who has worked his share of budgets, knows the task in front of him.
“We need a renewable funding source to be successful,” Showman said.
Since the school closing announcement, there have been plenty of fundraisers. A GoFundMe-type fundraiser was set up soon after. A GiveSendGo page was set up for the Wellington Christian Academy and has so far raised $14,879 of the stated goal of $600,000.
Showman said the key to sustainability is to expand the WCA footprint, bringing in more students while seeking other renewable funding options.
He said WCA is focusing on the south Wichita, Hayville market.
“We feel there is a market for people living in an urban setting who would drive a short distance so their children could attend a Christian school in a rural setting,” Showman said.
In 2022-23 WCA had 69 students. The goal is to expand that to 80 to 90 students. Showman said that would mean larger class sizes and a higher student-to-teacher ratio. Yet, it is still lower than those figures in public schools. That is not to mention the preschool program that includes 34 students.
“Wellington has always supported the school,” Showman said. “But we feel there are a lot of other people out there within driving distance who may not have heard what we have to offer.”
WCA is unique in that most Christian schools its size are usually situated in the metro area. Very few full state-accredited Christian schools are in rural settings such as Wellington.
WCA has been Kansas state accredited. As a result, it has always scored high in the state assessment scores. In 2023-24, however, WCA will be switching to the Association of Christian Schools International accreditation program and will be taking the Iowa Test of Basic Skills for its assessment testing.
The key to these changes, Showman said, is to continue doing what WCA does best – preparing students with the best education while providing them a solid foundation of Christian faith.
WCA has had tremendous tenure with its teaching staff of certified professionals. Kindergarten teacher Trisha Skupa has been at WCA for 20 years – almost as long as the school has been in existence. Cindy Johnston has been there 18 years. There is tremendous stability among the teaching staff.
In these times of teaching turnover, that is a tremendous feat.
All told, WCA has 17 employees and is two short of being fully staffed for the fall semester.
After several years of absence, WCA is also re-introducing seventh and eighth grades to the school system.
Seventh and eighth graders will have the full spectrum of activities that middle-school-aged children should expect. WCA has formed a cooperative agreement with South Haven schools for sports. WCA also plans on sporting a cross-country team again this year.
WCA continues to open each day with a prayer. There is art, music, middle school band, physical education, chapel and Bible readings on Friday. Students wear uniforms.
If you are interested in more information or enrolling, please call the school at 620-326-5596, or email through the school website at www.wcacademy.com.
