History of San Jacinto Christian Academy
San Jacinto Christian Academy began as a ministry of San Jacinto Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor David Walker. Let by the vision of Pastor Walker and a group of parents, San Jacinto Christian Academy opened its doors in August 1982 on a small scale.
Originally, the school was a ministry of San Jacinto Baptist Church governed by a separate self-perpetuating Board of Trustees. As the church and school both grew, new leadership came to both organizations. During these periods of growth, the church and school competed for facility space. The church eventually built a new location in a different part of the city. Over a period of time, the school Board of Trustees decided it was in the best interest of the school to become independent of the sponsoring church. Since that time, the church and school have maintained a good relationship.
San Jacinto Christian Academy’s philosophies of education, doctrinal statements, and mission statements have remained constant since the 1997. The school identified and developed ten core values that complement our mission statement. These core values are publicized and promoted throughout our school family.
During the school’s history, God has been gracious to provide great administrators called to complete a specific task. These administrators include…
Dr. Sarah Archer (1982-1987) - Built a foundation of excellence
Mr. Carl Swindell (1987-1992) - Led the effort to earn the ACSI Accreditation
Mr. Pete Hubbart (1992-1993) - Helped acquire the Sixth Street campus
Mr. Michael Pinkston (1993-2004) - Strengthened spiritual focus, facilitated a merger with another Christian school, improved academics, and began facility improvements
Mr. Bill Rehrer (2004-2005) - Continued work on ASP and led the effort to define a five-year strategic plan
Mr. Mark McKnight (2006-2015) - Finalized ASP, implemented strategic plan including an expansion to the school campus and merger with another local school, led REACH accreditation self-study for renewal of accreditation
Mr. Randy Down (2015-2017) - Completed his second year at SJCA after more than 30 years in Christian School education
Mr. Ed Thomas (2017- 2022)-Brought the Academy back to its foundational roots with a strong emphasis on a Biblical Worldview. Led SJCA through the 2020 CoVid crisis with a steady hand of leadership. Mr. Thomas retired in the spring of 2022
Mrs. Roxanne Cheek (2022-current)-Mrs. Cheek joins the Patriot family with a renewed energy and vision for San Jacinto Christian Academy