A Burden Shared by the Community

In many ways, the story of Upward Christian Academy is the story of the broader Cumberland Valley community. For many years, perhaps 10 to 20 years or more, the idea of a Christian school in this area had been discussed in various churches and communities. This was not a burden carried by just one family or one church, but a shared conviction felt across the region. Looking back, it is clear that God had been preparing the ground through the prayers, conversations, and hopes of many people.

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The Beginning

That long-standing burden began to take concrete shape during the Christmas season of 2022. During the week between Christmas and New Year's, Jim Kreider, Aaron Peachey, and Roger Diller found themselves in a series of conversations about the possibility of starting a school. Those discussions culminated in a meaningful conversation on New Year's Eve of 2022. By the end of that evening, there was a strong shared sense that this was something that needed to be pursued. Early in 2023, Justin Brubaker joined the effort, and the four men held their first official planning meeting in April 2023.

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Building the Vision

At the first planning meeting, the group began working through the practical steps required to start a school. They also started discussing possible names, locations, and the overall vision for the school. The vision was simple: to partner with parents to help launch young people into God's kingdom and prepare them to serve Christ wherever He leads, whether in missions, the trades, professional work, or faithful service in their churches and communities.

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God Provides the Connections

One of the most important early blessings was a connection with Reach Christian School in Myerstown, Pennsylvania. Reach generously shared handbooks, policies, and practical guidance. When members of the group traveled to Myerstown, they expected to hear that starting a school would take several years. Instead, they were told, "You just need to go do it." That meeting became a major turning point. During the summer of 2023, Erik Lehman joined the group, bringing much-needed educational experience and later serving as part-time administrator. Joshua Martin also joined the group during this season. By early 2024, Marlin Gayman had joined the effort, while Elijah Yoder and Barry Martin agreed to serve as pastoral advisors. Looking back, it is hard not to see God's hand in bringing together exactly the right people at exactly the right time.

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Confirming the Mission

In October 2023, informational meetings were held at three local churches. The strong turnout confirmed that interest in a school like this was greater than the group had expected. By late 2023, it was clear that what had begun as an idea was becoming a reality.

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From Vision to Reality

In January 2024, an agreement was finalized with Mount Rock & the school held its first open house. Throughout the spring and summer, volunteers prepared the facility, teachers were hired, and the many details required to open a school were put into place. God continued to provide in remarkable ways. The school's 501(c)(3) approval came through in spring 2024 after concerns about IRS delays. Fundraising goals were met, churches and individuals gave generously, and EITC scholarship funds were available in the school's first year. Time and again, God provided exactly what was needed right on time.

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Opening Day

On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, Upward Christian Academy officially opened its doors. Fifty-three students arrived that first morning.

For the board, it was a surreal and deeply moving moment. After nearly two years of prayer, planning, and watching God provide step by step, students, families, teachers, and board members gathered on the front steps of Mount Rock for a group photo. Then the students headed to their classrooms, and the first school day began. What had once been a burden quietly carried in the hearts of many people for years had become a reality.

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A Story of God's Faithfulness

Now, having completed its second full year, Upward Christian Academy stands as a testimony to God's faithfulness. Many people prayed for this school for years, perhaps decades. When the time was right, God brought together the right people, opened the right doors, and provided the resources needed to make the vision a reality. In many ways, the board, staff, patrons, & students simply had the privilege of stepping into a work that God had already prepared. Upward Christian Academy is, above all else, a God story. To Him alone be the glory.