Joshua Christian Academy (JCA) was started 10 years ago because a group of God-fearing people saw a need for a better way to educate and show God’s love to the urban children in Des Moines. We wanted to provide a faith-based education that was affordable for all children in the Des Moines Metro. Seeing the current statistics for these children from the Des Moines Public School District:
- Only 51.6% of African American 4th graders tested competent in math
- Only 50.5% of Latino 4th graders tested competent in reading
- Only 52% of African Americans who were served by the Des Moines school district as 9th graders four years earlier graduated in 2007.
- “70% of black children are raised in a single parent family.” (State of Black Iowa Report)
We wanted and knew we could help these children do better.
Our Solution: JCA is founded on the premise that a traditional rigorous curriculum is effective and can be taught to any student. We believe that while self-esteem, individual rights, and freedom of speech are important, they should not overshadow personal responsibility, respect, character, and hard work. JCA will not only expect students to learn, but they will also expect good conduct – thus creating an atmosphere conducive to learning. JCA places as much emphasis on behavior as learning. Students should be given every opportunity to achieve skills that are necessary for life, should their decision be to go into the military, workforce, or attend college. A key to learning those skills is good study habits. JCA is committed to working alongside parents to help them encourage their children’s study habits at home.
In the last 10 years, we’ve gone from offering Kindergarten through 3rd Grade to now offering a complete Christian education through graduation. How have we done it? Through generous support, amazing volunteers, a dedicated staff, and, of course, God’s grace. We are proud to be doing God’s work right here in the Des Moines Metro and look forward to what the future holds.
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not harm you, to give you a hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11
Come see for yourself; we’d love to provide you with a tour of our school. If interested, please call Sheryl at 515-321-2403 or Chris at 515-210-3229.
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: We invite you to follow our news, events and the power of God in our lives on our Facebook page here.
TESTIMONIALS: Read more about the JCA experience from some of our families here.