COLUMBIA RIVER CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

HISTORICAL SYNOPSIS

CRCA is a K-12 Christian school that has been involved in educating young people in Stevens County for over 30 years. The 2002-2003 school year marked its 30^th year. The Academy provides a distinctively Christian education alternative presenting a full range of academics from a Christian, Biblical perspective. Located two miles west of Kettle Falls off Highway 395N, CRCA is a ministry of Columbia River Bible Church.

HISTORY: In 1973 several Stevens County parents with a strong desire for their children to be taught from a Christian perspective, came together to research the possibility of starting a Christian school. The result was that in the fall of 1973 "Calvary Christian Academy" (the name was later changed to Columbia River Christian Academy) began with about 30 students, grades 1-12. The first year the school met in one of the buildings adjacent to the Kettle Falls Youth Ranch (now, "My Parent’s Estate" Bed & Breakfast) between Kettle Falls and Colville. For the next 3 years the growing school met at the old Marcus school facility where dedicated parents and staff met each Saturday to cut wood to fuel the school’s old boiler to provide heat. In 1976 the present facility was built by committed school families--totally by donated labor and materials costing only $35,000. In 1985 construction began on the full-sized gymnasium. Again all the labor was volunteer and materials were purchased with the donations of folks who believed in the school’s mission and wanted a sports program for their kids.

GRADUATES: CRCA has graduated 130+ students since 1973. These students have matriculated at many different colleges and universities as well as vocational (and other) types of training institutions. CRCA graduates have become:

SCHOOL BOARD: The CRCA School Board consists of members of several churches.. They meet on the 2^nd Monday of each month.