Brice Christian Academy is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, marking three decades since Rev. Randy and Melanie Stearns and the people of Brice United Methodist Church founded the school. This fully licensed charter school currently serves just under 300 students in kindergarten through eighth grade.
“Brice Christian Academy’s mission is rigorous academics in an atmosphere of faith. We incorporate spiritual nurturing and faith-based values into everything we do including academics, and how we address behavior concerns,” said Principal Angela Cover.
BCA’s curriculum is guided by its school verse, II Timothy 3:16–17, emphasizing the importance of scripture in daily learning. Faculty members say the school’s environment encourages students to grow intellectually while deepening their faith. Brice Christian Academy also offers a range of extracurricular activities, including athletics, music, drama, clubs, and peer counseling.
Pastor Nick Shaw, who currently serves Brice UMC, also volunteers at the school. A former software developer/engineer and former missionary with Global Missions, he cannot speak highly enough of the students and staff at BCA.
“Brice Christian Academy is one of the best kept secrets of West Ohio. Most people have no clue that The United Methodist Church has this ministry. The UMC has been supporting the school for more than 30 years by sending clergy to this church and encouraging us to work alongside the school. Conference and district grants have also been a part of our success,” Shaw said.
Principal Cover attributes part of the success of BCA to its relationship with Brice UMC. “We are fortunate to partner with Brice United Methodist Church with numerous joint events. We developed the ‘Better Together’ program where a different grade level participates in the Sunday church services each month by performing musical selections, skits, and reading scriptures to support the church,” she said. “The students support various mission projects of the church, including donations to the food pantry and Operation Christmas Child.”
The principal said that church members also do their part by assisting students each week, judging science fairs, serving as middle school discipleship group leaders, and assisting with school events.
“God is so faithful,” said Pastor Shaw. “It is a joy to serve the church and to see what God is doing in the lives of these children.”