About

Our School

About Us

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Souls Harbor Christian Academy was founded in 1979 as a ministry of Souls Harbor First Pentecostal Church under the vision and leadership of Bishop James E. Varnum and his wife, Naomi Varnum. From its inception, the academy was established with a strong commitment to providing students with a quality Christian education in an environment that supported the Apostolic Pentecostal values and principles being taught in their homes. The founding of SHCA required tremendous sacrifice from the congregation, who faithfully invested their time, finances, and resources to build and equip the school during its formative years. Their dedication laid the foundation for a ministry that continues to impact generations of students and families throughout Marion County and beyond.

In 1987, SHCA moved into a newly constructed educational facility that allowed the academy to significantly expand its curriculum and programs. The campus included a gymnasium, football and softball fields, and a full cafeteria, providing students with enhanced educational and extracurricular opportunities. During this transition, SHCA also moved from a self-paced learning center model to a traditional classroom setting, further strengthening its academic structure and student support systems.

In 2005, SHCA transitioned into another educational facility on the same church property to accommodate the continued growth of the children’s and youth ministries of Souls Harbor First Pentecostal Church. This move also marked a renewed focus on partnering closely with parents in the educational process. SHCA reorganized its methods and practices to better meet the evolving needs of students and families throughout Marion County while continuing its commitment to academic excellence and Christian character development.

In the spring of 2020, SHCA successfully navigated the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic by implementing effective distance learning strategies while maintaining strong personal connections with students and families. Through innovation, adaptability, and dedication, the academy continued to provide a consistent and effective educational experience during an unprecedented season.

Following the pandemic, SHCA began exploring opportunities to expand its reach and better serve the growing needs of families in the community. With the increased accessibility of school choice programs in the state of Florida, the academy recognized the need for additional educational space and resources. In 2023, SHCA purchased an adjacent nursing college facility, allowing the academy to establish separate elementary and secondary campuses to better serve its expanding student body and enhance the overall educational environment.

Today, SHCA is accredited through the International Association of Apostolic Educators (IAAE), the Division of Education of the United Pentecostal Church International, and is currently a candidate for accreditation through the National Association of Private Schools. These achievements reflect the academy’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, organizational growth, and continuous improvement.

The future of Souls Harbor Christian Academy is bright, built upon a legacy of faith, sacrifice, and vision. SHCA remains deeply grateful for the countless individuals whom God has used to help fulfill the mission of providing Christ-centered education to students throughout the region. As the academy continues to grow, its mission remains steadfast: to foster a love for learning, inspire intellectual curiosity, and equip students to pursue academic, spiritual, and personal growth while preparing them to become future leaders in their communities, churches, and careers.