Our pilot Founder school is Harbor Christian Academy in the Denver Harbor and Fifth Ward Communities of Houston. Watch this five-minute video to meet the leadership and hear the vision of Harbor Christian Academy. They are remodeling the education facility of Faith Memorial Baptist Church and opening to grades K-2 in the fall of 2018.

We are working closely with the founding Head of School, Roosevelt Wilson, Ed. D.

We corresponded recently over email:

1. What is your story of being called to serve at Harbor Christian Academy?

18 months ago, Harbor Christian’s board member, Jon Weichbrodt, and I met and connected over faith and our mutual passion for education. We then all heard Russ Gregg speak when he came to Houston a couple of months later, and Jon and fellow board member Beverly Smith shared their vision for Harbor Christian Academy. The Lord began to open my heart to consider taking a similar step of faith to that which Russ Gregg took. When Jon first asked if I might consider being the founding Head of School, I didn’t think it was possible at that time. But today, Octavia and I can’t imagine a better use of our lives than to aim to launch a God-centered school for our soon-to-be neighbors.

2. Tell us about your career and family.

I was a classroom teacher for a number of years. For the past five years, I served as a principal with Spring Independent School District. Before becoming a K-12 educator, I spent 23-years in the Marine Corps, serving in many capacities, including Drill Instructor, Instructor at Drill Instructor School, and Administrator at the Staff Noncommissioned Officer Academy in Okinawa, Japan. As for family, my best friend in life is my wife Octavia, who will be a teacher at Harbor Christian Academy. We have four grown children, and no grandchildren yet.

3. Why do you believe the residents of Fifth Ward deserve access to a Christian school like Harbor Christian Academy?

Whether families are from the inner city or from the suburbs, they should all have access to a great God-centered education. We exist by God’s grace to make a remarkable God-centered education accessible and affordable to families of two of the most historically underserved communities in Houston.

4. Why does Harbor Christian Academy exist?

5. How will Harbor Christian Academy be different from public schools?6. How will parents be involved at Harbor Christian Academy?7. How will Harbor Christian Academy start and grow?

Lord willing, we will launch this coming fall with grades K, 1, and 2, and then add a grade each year. Lord willing, in ten years we expect to see our first graduating seniors, as our plan is to be a K-12 school.

Learn more about the leadership and vision of Harbor Christian Academy here.