Crestmont Christian Preparatory School:
Small school. Big mission. Godly impact.
BY INEZ KIRCHNER
B E A CON W R I T E R
When you pair world-class academics
with a higher calling, the results are
not only students prepared for college
and a career, but students who’ve
become servant leaders for Christ.
Crestmont Christian Preparatory
School is creating academic discipleship.
Its values are as invested in
education as they are in cultivating
real-life learning outside the classroom
and a heart for Jesus.
Formerly Summit Christian
Academy, the school was established in
2008 and served elementary and middle
school students. Ryan Leininger, a
founding parent and current Crestmont
board member president, noticed his
kids were worn out and stressed with
the fast-paced nature of the public
school model. "We were frazzled, too,"
says Ryan. "Only during Christmas
break did we find our now-rested kids
were back to their old selves and that
peace and calm had returned to our
home." The Leiningers, along with
other families, were searching for an
alternative — one that offered more
control over the learning pace without
sacrificing educational excellence.
Crestmont's university model offers
a high-quality curriculum for a successful
academic career, all while integrating
Christian truths and disciplines.
Families value the flexible schedule
which is like that of home schooling,
along with the structure, accountability
and social community found at a
private school. "I found I could be the
primary influence in the growth and
development of my children while being
led and supported by a professional
teaching staff in a school environment,"
says Ryan. "It kept the quality high but
slowed the pace, so we could truly guide
our children as they grew."
The school’s recent revisioning led
to renaming it — and opening its doors
to high school students. "Our goal is to
have students for their entire academic
career," says Beth Miller, Administrator
and Principal. Its spirit and purpose
remained the same: to create a college
preparatory program that raises
students and families to be disciples of
Jesus. "It's amazing to see students who
firmly know who they are in Christ,"
says Beth.
Crestmont is a Certified University
Model® School, holds an AdvancED
accreditation and provides dual college
credit. (AdvancED is a nonprofit accreditation
agency providing on-site
reviews.) Upon graduation, students
can receive their high school diploma
and associate's degree at the same time.
Serving less than 100 students,
Crestmont intentionally keeps a low
teacher-to-student ratio. "Our teachers
truly get to know the students and
their families," says Beth. "This close
relationship helps our teachers to
enhance their students' strengths and
speak into their weaknesses." In
addition to high-quality academics,
sports, and electives, Crestmont
students attend chapel, student-led
worship and formal Bible classes.
Learning is divided between classroom
and home days. The schedule
gives parents an active role in their
child's training, education and fellowship.
"The collaboration between our
teachers and our parents is such a key
“ At Covenant, we are all about great families. Our
children are students at Crestmont. We love that
Crestmont offers a high-level education and aligns
with our beliefs that the foundation for success lies in
the importance of faith and of Christ.
Crestmont is truly about faith, family,
and a great education. We support
their efforts wholeheartedly!” Chris and Lezley Webb, Owners, Covenant Pest Control
July 2019 www.saBeacon.com 13
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