Williamsburg Christian Academy -
Jeff Sullivan & Johnny Graham
“What do you want your thirty year old student to look like?” The compelling question gives cause to pause for consideration. Johnny Graham, head of school at Williamsburg Christian Academy, elaborates on having technical academic recall versus being able to balance a checkbook or prepare a basic meal. The concept reaches much deeper still, reflecting one’s character and common sense against simply achieving scholarly accolades. Graham insists that the school is undoubtedly an academic training facility, and directs attention to the WCA mission statement: providing college preparatory instruction, in a culture of grace, through personalized learning in academics, arts, and athletics while building relationships that inspire students to serve their community, and become Christ centered leaders. The clarity of their mission carries over into the supporting facets of each department. Jeff Sullivan, the school’s media and marketing administrator, pointed out the accountability and emotional stability that is instilled along the way being evident in the student body. Along with the parents, and support of the staff, these “7 Pillars” are appropriately named for creating a successful framework to adhere to:
- Christ centered
- Stewardship
- Communication
- Awareness
- Inquiry lead innovation
- Respect
- Wellness
Johnny explains how “the school’s value proposition is to simply offer an education system based on values.” The trajectory of their curriculum, while being reviewed by the International Baccalaureate Organization, is geared toward life preparation and self management as well as academics. “Cal Berkley now offers a fully accredited class in adulting. What parent wouldn’t want that for their child?!” Johnny explains. Graham goes on to explain “There needs to be an emphasis placed on attention to detail and having a sense of urgency. Giving students credit for hands-on classes including: dinner table etiquette, conflict resolution, financial literacy and credit, basic automotive, and appropriate email composition is a practical way of shaping those thirty year old citizens who will be leading families of their own and shaping tomorrow’s workforce. We even offer a five part series on contingency plans.”
Graham further illustrates how the idea is to move away from a trend of over-coddling, which then leads to a more numb student, by the time they move to their jobs or higher education. Bringing attention to global literacy emphasizes collaboration awareness, through familiarizing students with worldwide video conferencing. Part of the academic projection is to offer skills based preparation for jobs that are not even in the marketplace yet.
The culture of the school is changing with the times to address relevant hurdles students overcome in their present reality as well. One of the ways socio economic biases are being defeated is through adjusting the uniform policy, to close the gap on perceptions of household income. Personal cell phones are checked in at the start of each school day, and checked out at the end of the day, to limit media pollution and enhance student focus during class hours. The faculty endeavor to offer the best possible learning environment coupled with spiritual preparation and biblical application. Williamsburg Christian Academy works along with parents to develop a concrete spiritual compass while providing a sound academic foundation.
