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Souls Harbor Christian Academy (SHCA) is a Christian school in Belleview, FL, providing Kindergarten through high school education in an environment rooted in Apostolic Pentecostal values.
Founded in 1979 as a ministry of Souls Harbor First Pentecostal Church, SHCA was established to give children access to a sound education in an environment that supported the Christian principles being taught in their homes.
Today, SHCA continues that mission by combining academic education with Christian character development. The academy serves families in Belleview, Marion County, and surrounding communities through a K-12 educational program designed to prepare students academically, personally, and spiritually.

Christian education at SHCA is not limited to adding Bible instruction to a traditional academic program.
The academy was founded on the belief that children benefit from an educational environment consistent with the Apostolic Pentecostal lifestyle and Christian values taught within their families.
SHCA’s purpose is to provide a godly environment where students can receive an education while developing Christian character.
The school’s educational approach is both academically and ministry minded, with attention given to the natural and spiritual development of students.
The goal is to help students grow in knowledge while also developing the character and values that will influence their future decisions.
Souls Harbor Christian Academy provides Christian education from Kindergarten through high school.
This allows students to continue their education within a school community that maintains a consistent Christian mission throughout their academic journey.
Young students begin their educational journey in a structured Christian learning environment.
Elementary students develop foundational academic skills while learning in an environment that supports Christian character and personal growth.
Middle school students continue their academic development while receiving guidance during an important stage of personal and spiritual growth.
High school students receive academic preparation for college, vocational education, ministry, and the workforce while continuing to develop the knowledge and character needed for life after graduation.
SHCA believes students should be equipped for their future academically while also being challenged to develop strong character.
The academy works to help students:
SHCA’s staff strives to instruct, challenge, and lead students as they develop academically and personally.
This approach reflects the academy’s belief that education should prepare students for more than graduation. Students should leave school equipped to pursue their future goals while carrying the values and character developed during their educational journey.
A Christian education should also provide students with the academic preparation needed for life after high school.
SHCA works to equip students for multiple future pathways, including:
The academy recognizes that students have different goals and callings. Its educational purpose is to provide a strong academic and personal foundation that helps students pursue those opportunities.
Souls Harbor Christian Academy was founded in 1979 by Souls Harbor First Pentecostal Church under the vision and leadership of Bishop James E. Varnum and his wife, Naomi Varnum.
The congregation made significant sacrifices to finance, build, and equip the school because they believed their children deserved access to education in an environment supportive of the Apostolic Pentecostal principles being taught at home.
More than four decades later, that original mission continues.
SHCA remains connected to its Christian and ministry foundation while serving generations of students and families in Belleview and Marion County.
SHCA recognizes parents as an essential part of a child’s education and development.
The academy intentionally works to build a partnership between parents and the school.
Parent involvement is part of the SHCA educational culture because the school believes students benefit when families and educators work toward shared academic, personal, and spiritual goals.
This partnership extends beyond the classroom.
SHCA hosts two Family Enrichment Nights each year to strengthen relationships between the school and its families.
These events include:
The goal is to strengthen the relationship between home and school while providing practical support for families.
SHCA has served Belleview-area families continuously since 1979.
Over the years, the academy has become a multigenerational school community.
Some families have three or more children enrolled at SHCA, while grandchildren of former graduates are now attending the academy.
This long-term family connection reflects the relationships built through decades of Christian education.
For many families, SHCA represents more than a temporary educational option. It is a school community that has remained part of their family’s story across multiple generations.
Souls Harbor Christian Academy has fulfilled the requirements of accreditation through the International Association of Apostolic Educators.
SHCA is also a current candidate for accreditation through the National Association of Private Schools.
The academy is registered and compliant with the Florida Department of Education.
SHCA’s Christian education affiliations include:
These affiliations reflect SHCA’s connection to Apostolic Christian education, Pentecostal ministry, and Christian educational resources.
Learn More About Accreditation and Affiliations
Families looking for a Christian school in Belleview may want an educational environment where faith, academics, family involvement, and personal development are connected.
An Established Christian Foundation
Founded in 1979 as a ministry of Souls Harbor First Pentecostal Church.
Apostolic Pentecostal Values
An educational environment designed to support the Christian values and lifestyle taught within the home.
Christian K-12 Education
Educational continuity from Kindergarten through high school.
Academic and Spiritual Development
An approach that supports both intellectual growth and Christian character.
Preparation for the Future
Academic preparation for college, vocational school, careers, ministry, and the workforce.
Parent-School Partnership
Families are actively involved in the educational experience.
A Multigenerational Community
Grandchildren of SHCA graduates and families with multiple children continue to be part of the school community.
Accreditation and Accountability
Accreditation through the International Association of Apostolic Educators and compliance with the Florida Department of Education.

Souls Harbor Christian Academy provides Christian K-12 education for families seeking an academic environment grounded in faith and Christian character.
Since 1979, SHCA has served students and families through an educational approach that is both academically focused and ministry minded.
The academy continues to partner with parents to help students develop intellectually, personally, and spiritually while preparing for college, vocational education, careers, ministry, and life beyond graduation.
Discover whether Souls Harbor Christian Academy is the right Christian educational environment for your family.