VIDEO: WHO WE ARE
HISTORY
In 1982, a small group of parents, led by Pastor Carroll Brentlinger of the North Rome Wesleyan Church and Pastor Larry Burke of the Herrickville Wesleyan Church, gathered together with the shared conviction that God wanted to raise up a school where children and young people would be educated in “the fear of the Lord.” Throughout the year, these visionary pastors and parents gathered weekly to pray for God’s direction and seek His provision in making Christ-centered education a possibility in the North Rome area. Many late nights were spent at the home of Dr. Donn and Tina Laudermilch, along with hours around the parsonage table at the Burke’s residence. Decisions from the school’s statement of faith, curriculum, tuition and salary, schedules, dress code, school name and location, etc., were decided at this level.
When the North Rome Wesleyan Church completed a new sanctuary and gymnasium, it became the vision of Pastor Brentlinger and Pastor Burke to see a Christian School in these facilities. However, their vision was not shared by some of the parishioners, many of whom were concerned about the financial cost of a school, since the church had just acquired a hefty mortgage on the new building. Meetings were held, and eventually, it came time for the church membership to vote on whether or not they would begin a Christian school. That first night in early June of 1983, a NO vote was given and it looked as if there would not be a school that year. Yet, the group continued to pray and look for God’s direction and will for the school.
God was working in the heart of one of the church members who had voted NO. The Wesleyan Discipline allowed for a member who had voted NO to bring the item up for the membership to vote again. At the request of church member, Shirley Rockwell, a second meeting was held. Through much prayer, the school committee presented to the membership a proposal that would allow the school to operate in the building on a cost-sharing basis. North Rome Christian School would be a separate organization, establish its own board, take responsibility for its own finances, and be a separate ministry from the church. The only stipulation at that time was that all school board members must be from a Wesleyan church. The vote was YES!
The summer of 1983 became a whirlwind of decisions and activities. Finally, a board was chosen, Miss Lori Blue (now Mrs. Brelsford) was the first teacher hired, and a school was born. Miss Blue bravely took on the responsibility of teaching 14 students in grades K – 4 in one room and each board member committed to absorb $1,000 of debt should the school close in the red. Parents took on the role of classroom aides, tutoring, lunch and recess monitors, and all electives; art, music, gym, and chapel. The value of parent involvement was instrumental from the beginning of the school’s history and continues to this day.
The school grew in the ensuing years. Teachers were added, grades were expanded, and for many years NRCS operated as a K–8 school. After praying and many more meetings, ninth grade was added on in 1995, with an additional grade added the following year. NRCS graduated its first group of seniors in 1999 and was officially a K–12 educational institution. Over the years many changes occurred and the school board positions were opened up to non-Wesleyan members as well.
Around 2017 an opportunity to purchase the old Ulster Elementary school building presented itself and after much research and budgeting, the idea was set aside due to several factors. Funding as well as the magnitude of work needed were some of the contributing factors in this decision. In 2021 discussions about possible new locations for NRCS had begun again due to increasing enrollments and outgrowing the needs of the rented space. One of the school board members felt a nudge from God, that even though the Ulster building was occupied, the time would come when that opportunity would come again for NRCS to purchase that property. Within weeks it was announced that Beacon Light was selling the Ulster property and NRCS would have its chance to put in an offer! This was a confirmation of the nudge the board member felt about the Ulster property.
The building had been updated by the sellers and was in good enough shape that the construction and repairs would be more reasonable for the school to take on this time around. The board agreed that to accomplish this, NRCS would need God’s blessing and the help of the community. The school would have to raise the entire amount of the purchase price plus some extra to do repairs in order to be able to afford the cost, as operating costs for out little private non-profit school would not be feasible with an added mortgage. God absolutely took our breath away by his provision through all the caring supporters! NRCS raised all $740,000 in 3 months and was able to place an offer on the building! After some back and forth it was accepted and the NRCS school family had a whirlwind 6 weeks to do the repairs needed and get the classrooms ready to start school!
The 2021-2022 School year was the first year for NRCS at the new location. The teachers and small school’s BIG heart came with us, but with the new location came a new name! Grace Christian Academy was chosen as the new name to represent this school.
God’s blessing and the strong parental structure has been the foundation for the school’s success. Since its beginning in 1983, North Rome Christian School (Now called Grace Christian Academy) has been committed to providing students with quality education from a Christian perspective and our prayer is that the school will continue to grow and impact young people for Christ.
ORGANIZATION
The North Rome Christian School inc. DBA Grace Christian Academy is owned and operated by the North Rome Christian School Association, a non-profit organization made up of the parents of NRCS / GCA students.
The duties of the corporation are to elect members to the Board of Directors and approve the annual budget. All other authority is given to the Board of Directors.
The board is selected from among qualified members of the Association (NRCS parents).
The duties of the board include setting policies and programs of the Association in accordance with the Corporation’s Constitution, appointing and contracting for administrative and teaching personnel, and hiring personnel.
The ultimate authority for governing and operating the school is the Board of Directors.
Board of Directors
Lisa Ammerman- President
Josh Burns – Vice President
Kimarie Gorsline – Secretary
Stacey Nybeck – Treasurer
Jason Glowski
Rich Rose
Amy Soper
Jason Walters
Mike Wilson
ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP
Parents who have children enrolled at Grace Christain Academy shall, by virtue thereof, be members of the association.
Members are encouraged to pray for the school, assist in maintenance and improvement projects, as they are able, and share in promoting the aims and objectives of the school.
Members are expected to attend and participate in the annual association meeting and any other association meeting duly announced.
Members shall have voting rights in electing the Board of Directors and on any issue brought to the association for action.
Members are asked to renew membership every year by signing a membership pledge form.
AFFILIATION
NRCS is a member of Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).