Local Christian school still accepting applications

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

PUTNAMVILLE -- "The greatest legacy one can pass to one's children ... is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith." -- Rev. Billy Graham.

On this basis, two Putnam County residents have taken the lead in providing such a life for their children, and want to offer the same opportunity for children far and wide.

Travis and Pam Ivers and the Alpha and Omega Christian Academy (AOCA) has announced that the school, based at Putnamville Baptist Church, is still accepting applications for the 2015-16 school year.

And with tuition rates "lower than most daycare centers," attending has never been so affordable:

* One student -- $150 monthly

* Two students -- $260 monthly

* Three students -- $340 monthly

* Four students -- $400 monthly

According to the AOCA, the educational system "exists to assist parents in equipping their children, both academically and spiritually, for a life of integrity and Christian service." Echoing this value have been the Ivers, who played an integral role in the school's local establishment some 30 years ago.

History

Around 30 years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Ivers longed for a way to educate their children in ways that not only prepared them for successful careers, but also to reaffirm and solidify their Christian beliefs.

They found what they were looking for, and are now hoping to spread the same awareness to other parents in Putnam County area -- and beyond.

Beginning with their eldest daughter Rachel, the Ivers discovered an unnamed academy in the Coatesville area and enrolled. A few years later, the Ivers purchased the building and the property on which it sat, dubbing the school the Alpha & Omega Christian Academy.

After relocating the school to a site on U.S. 40, just east of Mt. Meridian, the pair converted the new office space to accommodate the growing number of students -- who numbered about 20 at the time. As more students enrolled, the Ivers relocated the school yet again to their basement, as well as the basements of friends and relatives.

The school offered instruction for grades Kindergarten through 12, following the "A Beka" curriculum, which was established by Pensacola Christian College in Pensacola, Fla. The program has since become recognized as one of the most challenging Christian programs of study in the country.

The Putnamville Baptist Church saw the merit and adopted the program while, shortly thereafter, allowing the academy to be based within its walls. There it has stood since the opening of the new church building in 2006.

Testimonials

Judith McGinnis, a former teacher at the academy, notified the Banner Graphic of the still-open enrollment, saying "the students who have attended and graduated from [AOCA] over the past 20 years are, in my opinion, what made this school a community interest."

"I had the privilege, and the fun, of teaching high school English and History at the AOCA for six years," McGinnis said. "Having been a full-time and substitute teacher in several public high schools, I was impressed by the dedication these AOCA students had for their class work while demonstrating originality, humor and respect toward their teachers and each other.

"Obviously, [AOCA] doesn't have a football team, but kids scrimmage at recess," McGinnis continued. "It doesn't have a drama class, but students write plays and enjoy performing. The academy does have fund raisers, graduations, a Parents' Night, chess matches, holiday open houses, a Senior Event and field trips."

Former students include Dr. Adam Amos, who will be joining Dr. Warren Macy's practice here in Greencastle, said "my Christian education has been invaluable in pursuing God's will for me in becoming a physician."

Elizabeth Brown, another former student, said "the curriculum helps to assist me to do my best."

How to enroll

If interested in enrolling at AOCA, or if you'd like to find out more about the program, please complete the following steps:

* Schedule an interview with the school administrator

* Take a tour of the school

* Read the student/parent handbook

* Schedule and complete placement testing

* Complete and sign the Student Application for Admission form and sign the Parental Agreement form

* Submit payment for the registration fee

For more information, visit aoacademy.com

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  • I am a little confused, the school has not been at the Putnamville Baptist Church for the past couple of years. The academy was relocated to the Cascade High school area on US 40 two years ago is it now returning to Putnamville and who is running it now.

    -- Posted by illudo illusi illusum ** on Thu, Aug 13, 2015, at 4:26 PM
  • Even more confused now, if you follow the web link, aoacademy.com it is and online school with this address: 804 N. 2nd Ave. E. Rock Rapids, IA. and says nothing about the Putnamville Baptist Church???

    -- Posted by illudo illusi illusum ** on Thu, Aug 13, 2015, at 4:51 PM
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