SOUTH ABINGTON TWP. — When Abington Christian Academy (ACA) students return to school Wednesday, Aug. 31, it will be to all-new classrooms in a new location.
The pre-kindergarten through 12th grade school, previously housed in the Clarks Green Assembly of God building, recently moved to the Chinchilla United Methodist Church property on Layton Road.
According to Jan Wells, school administrator, the main reason for the change of scenery is space. With recent growth, both of the church and the school, the two institutions were getting too large to continue being housed together.
“I think we’re thrilled with it,” Wells said of the new location. “It’s such a positive move for us.”
The school first opened under the name “Scranton Area Christian Academy” in 1989 and was located at the old Peckville Assembly of God church building in Peckville. Then about 15 years ago, it moved to Clarks Green and began operating as Abington Christian Academy. It currently has an enrollment of about 40, although Wells said she expects that number will rise before the school year begins.
Part of ACA’s recent growth can be attributed to last year’s addition of high school classes, which Wells said are taught by adjunct faculty, who are qualified in their individual subjects of expertise.
At least three new teachers are joining the faculty this year: Jill May, first and second grades; Kelsey Bingaman, fifth and sixth grades, and Matt Benjamin, seventh and eighth grades.
May, who was employed there in the past and most recently served as a substitute teacher, said one aspect that sets ACA apart from other schools is its small classroom size and the individual attention afforded to each student.
“They (the students) are not just a number and they won’t fall through the cracks,” she said.
Wells said another of the school’s unique attributes is its classically-influenced methods of education, in which there is a threefold focus on knowledge, understanding and wisdom.
She added the high school is good at not only preparing the students for their college majors – or careers, should they choose not to attend college – but in helping them decide what those will be.
High school juniors and seniors can participate in dual enrollment programs through area colleges and universities. And for those interested in learning about business, they are given entrepreneurship opportunities to do so first hand. Last year, one student ran her own art school and another made and sold hot lunches, with some help from family members who have experience in the food service industry.
ACA has a rolling enrollment process throughout the year. Applications and information about tuition are available online at abingtonacademy.com. The school office can be reached by phone at 570-586-5270 or email at abingtonchristianacademy@gmail.com.
