The vision for a Christian school in Giles County originated from Pastor Shahn Wilburn in 1993. RBC had developed strong youth programs, Children’s Church, AWANA and Sunday School Ministries at this time. He wanted our children to see and hear about God in all aspects of education. Organizational meetings helped to discern a commitment toward Christian education.
After much thought and prayer, Pastor Wilburn and Riverview Baptist Church decided to begin Jefferson Christian Academy in the fall of 1994. JCA opened its doors in August of 1994 with 24 students from kindergarten through fourth grade and three teachers. Today, we have 80+ students enrolled from kindergarten through 12 grade and 10 full-time teachers for the 2018-19 school year. Proverbs 22:6 states that we are to “train up a child in the way he should go.”
The prevailing humanistic philosophy in society and government school was identified as an obstacle to acquiring an adequate, balanced education. Through definite steps of faith, the goal of educating children in a Christian environment soon became a reality. From this beginning, and by the grace of God, Jefferson Christian Academy was formed in January 1994 as a ministry of RBC. Our goal at JCA is two-fold. One is being able to offer a quality education, and two is to honor God in all we do.
JCA, a private, multi-denominational school in Ripplemead that attracts students from across the two Virginias. Students come from as far as thirty-seven miles away to take advantage of our nurturing, supportive environment. The challenging curriculum has produced some entire grades in the ninetieth percentile on the national standardized tests.
The school is affiliated with the Old Dominion Association of Christian Schools (ODACS) headquarters in Richmond, Virginia. The association offers regional academic and sports competitions from which JCA has taken home many top honors. We have been blessed to have some students compete at the national level and come home with honors.
JCA offers a challenging curriculum, safe environment, dedicated teachers, parental involvement, high behavioral and academic standards, and above all a love for the Lord Jesus Christ. We firmly believe our school motto, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth forever." Psalm 111:10.