Harvest Christian Academy

We have two children at HCA since 2008. They are elementary and junior high age now. A day doesn't go by that we thank the Lord for this school, for it's teachers,staff and administration. We wouldn't be in a place if our kids weren't genuinely loved by their teachers and staff. When teachers are allowed to pray with your child, what an impact that has on them! The quality of education is exceptional, challenging them, preparing them for high school and college. The classrooms and Barton reading program has been a constant place of encouragement. The growth in the Athletics program has been phenomenal, competing in new conferences this year. Our kids are getting a first rate education and competitive athletic exposure. When you add in the component that our kids are learning about how the Lord would have them live, being discipled by their teachers and the pastors at the church, our hearts are extremely grateful to be at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have three children in the school and have been here since the beginning in 2004. We wouldn't stay if we didn't believe that the teachers and curriculum were not preparing our children to be all that the Lord has planned for them. We are thankful for the teachers who teach, love and disciple our children. We are thankful for the administrative leaders who take to heart their calling to lead and grow this school. Athletics is growing strong and quickly and under a leader who is passionate about using sports to make courageous, disciplined young leaders of Jesus Christ. Academics are rigorous and college preparatory. Arts program is growing too. LS added a strings program this year. Theater Department will be putting on a large scale production of Willy Wonka in the Worship Center.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a former student and I had a terrible experience. If your parents aren't involved in the church, you get treated as less. Everything revolves around politics - the theater, the extra-cirricular classes, etc. I went to Harvest to get away from bullying, but it happened here, too. I know that there's no perfect school, but they set up the appearance of being "christian" when there was so much closed-minded bigotry in the school. I couldn't speak my mind.

Three of my children attend Harvest however I would like to address the Upper School. After moving around the country and experiencing several of the best private and public educational environments, I am thrilled that my children have the privilege of attending this school. There are not enough hours in the day for my child to take ALL the classes she would like to take. My other child cannot wait to being Junior High (who can say that?) I love the individual attention students receive and the intentionality to see each student reach their full potential. I love the college prep experience that is offered here! I also appreciate the push to work out problems that kids have with each other. Although it may be difficult and uncomfortable, it is a life skill that will benefit them as adults. HCA is not for everyone but if you are looking for an evangelical college prep experience for your family, this may be it.
—Submitted by a parent

HCA is a fantastic school. I have 3 kids, one in lower school, one in middle school and one in HS. They all love it! This is their 2nd year here - they were previously in the public school system. I can honestly say there is no other school that I know of that the student/teacher relationship is more caring. The teachers do all they can to see success both academically and socially in their students. Mary Martin, the Upper School Principal, is top-notch. Nothing but deepest respect for her. She loves the kids and is their biggest cheerleader. They just hired a full time Athletic Director who is going to continue to grow their sports program. They certainly have the facility to make that happen. Spiritual mentorship in the kids is incredible
—Submitted by a parent

I actually agree with both good and bad comments posted here. I have 2 kids in HCA lower school, and I'm extremely happy with it. I'm a bit disappointed in the lack of some academic programs originally contemplated during preconstruction planning of the school. I'm also a little disappointed with jumps in tuition. However, I'm very pleased with the school's academics. Much, much more importantly though, the teachers and administration LOVE the Lord! Our priority as Christian parents are foremost to make sure our kids learn from a firm Bible based worldview, and also that they are protected from dangerous and even anti-God worldviews put forth in most public schools. HCA isn't a perfect school - I do have doubts about their upper school, which appears way too laid back. I would be happier if the kids in HS wore uniforms and were in an environment that seemed more serious about school - maybe they are, but I don't see it from my perspective. Ultimately I want them to be most serious about the Gospel anyway, but I thnk that happens best in a more serious atmosphere. However, HCA is a good Gospel centered school, whose teachers and administrators truly are sold out to Christ.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had all of our children attend Harvest since it opened. We have loved the Christ centered atmosphere created at Harvest. The academic program is less than I would have expected for an "academy", but the Christian atmosphere is far more important. We have experienced some wonderful teachers and administrators who genuinely care and pray for the children at the school. The academic program is on par or slightly above local public schools. Having said that. We have noticed unsettling changes in the school over the last two years. There is a large increase of familial relations working at the school. I know at least 31% of the staff members have a spouse, father, mother, daughter, or son working at either the church or in the school.In addition, the tuition has continued to climb, but classes for the lower school have been cut or reduced and the electives for the high school are limited. Harvest is a good school, but like anything else on this earth, it is not perfect. I would recommend that anyone wanting to enroll to prayerfully consider if this is the right place for your kids or does God have another plan for their education.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had a similar experience as one of the reviews below. I do have a student in the grade school, but have removed my child from the Junior High. My daughter was being bothered by other girls and I was asked by the administration to talk to her about her sensitivity level. My son will remain at Harvest until 6 th grade. My experience tells me, depending on who you are regulates how your child is treated at the Junior high level
—Submitted by a parent

I have had 3 children in this school, from Kindergarten thru 8th grade. It has been an amazing experience. I love having teachers and administration partnering with me to teach my children Christian Values. It is academically challenging in a very healthy and safe environment. I dont know what that other parent is talking about with bullying not being taken seriously, I have seen the very opposite, with the immediate removal of students for that very thing. Middle school offers Girls Volleyball, Girls and Boys Basketball, and Soccer. There is also a Drama club, and Journalism club. Teachers work with my child after class and at lunch & I'm not charged extra. The price is right in line with other private schools, you cant put a price on what they gain by being a part of the Harvest family & quality education.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had our child at Harvest for 3 years. The grade school is wonderful. However, the upper school is not equiped to provide growth anywhere. Bullying is not taken seriously, at 6th grade level the children are told to work it out themselves. There are no electives offered. No athletics other than basketball. The tuition is around $7000.00 a year, and yet if a child needs a resource period, or any extra help from a teacher, there is a fee. Havest is a fantastic enviroment for "the model student". Mrs. Mary Martin, the middle school principal, by her own words, does not have the time or the experience, to deal behavior or academic challenges.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been blessed to be able to send our 2 children to this school. Our daughter has been here from the opening(it's her 7th yr) and absolutely loves it here. Our son started here in their pre-k program and is very happy here(his 5th yr). It has been a pleasure to see how the school continuely works to approve all areas of the academic, atheletic, and social enviroment here. We would strongly recommend this school to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

Our school is incredibly inviting, challenging and warm. In ways I cannot possibly describe. Students are truly, truly loved. I honestly had no idea what I was in for when entering this school. The other students are amazing. They are kind and loving and untradeable friends. These teachers are like none you've ever met. They show how much they care for and love each and every student. It's hard to believe unless you've felt it, up close and personal.
—Submitted by a student

I have three children at HCA. Try to find another school in America where the high school kids actually want to hang out with their teachers to shoot hoops, grab a latte, or textmsg on the weekends! I've personally seen how involved the teachers are and how much they love and nurture the students. Half the high school staff even came to my daughter's birthday party, including the school principal! My first grader cried all summer when she heard her kindergarten teacher was moving (at HCA the teachers transition with the kids between K and 1st grade to keep continuity) only to realize her new teacher is just a great! She just started 1st grade and reads REAL books - I'm amazed! Our 3yr old just started Pre-school and absolutely loves learning - Thanks to HCA!!
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter has been at HCA for 4 years that it's been open. It started great and has only gotten better. The staff love these kids and the education is phenomenal.
—Submitted by a parent

We have a preschooler and first grader enrolled at HCA. We have been very pleased with the academic rigor, biblical instruction, teacher quality and parental involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

I LOVE HCA! I think HCA is one of the best school in the country. My daughter has been in the school for over 3 years and she has truly develop into a beautiful flower inside and out. I'm positve that was due to HCA. The biblical -based education is outstanding! The teachers dedication and love for the students is demostrated every day. I wish public school brought God into their daily activiites and just maybe the chaos I see and hear would be greatly reduced.
—Submitted by a parent

We love HCA. We have 5 daughters, 4th grade, 3rd grade, kindergarten, and pre-school aged. This is a biblically-based education where the teachers not only serve up excellence in education, but are godly role models, too. Watching your child's teachers lead worship at chapel will bring tears to your eyes. The administration is caring and very visibly involved. If you want a real Christian education, not just in name, but in practice, you'll love HCA.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with this reviews. HCA is of excellence and you can see God not only in the school but in the teachers as well. My children just started this year and they feel the love and presence of the Lord...thank you HCA for your committment to our children and for such high quality you put into the everything. Learning is fun at Harvest and very Christ-centered.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellence prevails at HCA in academics, music, art, and service to others. Teachers are sincere and dedicated to kids growth and are nuturing. Principal is awesome. Facility is a 'must see to believe'. Faith in learning is real here so if you are seeking a Christ-centered school, look no further.
—Submitted by a parent

I can't thank HCA enough for the Christ centered environment my son is being educated in. His teacher not only teaches him academics, but teaches him to love the Lord and relate to his peers in a way that honors God. My son started kindergarten unable to read or write, 5 months later he can read easy readers and write a readable paragraph. He loves school, loves to go to chapel, loves his teacher and classmates. I couldn't ask for a more positive first year.
—Submitted by Carolyn Thiessen, a parent