Kingdom Connection Academy Opens in Van Wert Using Church-Partner Model

Trinity Friends Church, in partnership with the Ohio Christian Education Network (OCEN) and the Center for Christian Virtue (CCV), has opened Kingdom Connection Academy (KCA) in Van Wert. The school, located at 605 N. Franklin Street, serves students from kindergarten through sixth grade and marks the third institution to adopt the CCV and OCEN school-in-a-church model. This approach leverages local churches to expand access to Christian education.

The school-in-a-church model is designed to offer a unique educational environment, combining faith-based instruction with community support. KCA is led by Head of Schools Dennis Shaffer, who emphasizes the importance of small class sizes, individualized attention, and a family-like atmosphere. The school aims to provide a holistic education that nurtures the physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual development of its students, with a focus on Jesus at the center of learning.

OCEN’s mission is to make high-quality Christian education accessible to all Ohio students. This is achieved through strategic partnerships with local churches and financial support from the EdChoice Voucher Program and the Scholarship Granting Organization tax credit. These resources enable the organization to reach students who might otherwise lack access to such educational opportunities.

The partnership between Trinity Friends Church and OCEN reflects a broader commitment to Christian education and community engagement. Churches interested in starting their own Christian schools can contact OCEN Assistant Director David Arrell for more information. This initiative underscores the role of local congregations in supporting educational initiatives that align with their values and mission.

The school-in-a-church model highlights the Quakers’ historical emphasis on community and service. While the Quakers themselves are not directly involved in this particular initiative, the model aligns with their longstanding commitment to education and social welfare. The Quakers have historically supported educational institutions as a means of fostering moral and spiritual growth, a principle that resonates with the goals of KCA.

This new school represents a step forward in expanding access to Christian education, particularly in rural areas. The model’s success may inspire further collaboration between churches and educational organizations, reinforcing the Quakers’ legacy of partnership and public witness. The Quakers’ commitment to justice and care for the vulnerable finds a parallel in the efforts to provide equitable educational opportunities for all students.

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